Episode 2 - Slippery Business: The History of Oil
Oil is the lifeblood of the car, but how often do we actually think about it?
In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped - The Podcast, Vicky and Ben look into the story of engine oil - from animal fats and whale oil, to 20W-50 on the garage shelf, and now to the specialist fluids powering EVs.
At the British Motor Show, Fuzz Townshend from CarSOS shares why fixing cars has become so much more complicated, how oil specs have multiplied, and what it’s really like behind the scenes of the long-running TV show.
Then, at Motul HQ in Bath, Andy Wait explains why oil has always been about innovation. From pioneering multigrades to developing cutting-edge EV fluids, Motul has been pushing boundaries since 1853. We talk motorsport, manufacturer approvals, and why the oil garages choose can make or break their reputation.
It’s a slippery business - but without it, none of us would be going anywhere.
Here’s a summary of the podcast.
Intro
Vicky: Hello, welcome to Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast with me, Vicky.
Ben: And me, Ben. Today, we're talking about something every driver depends on but rarely thinks about—engine oils. We’ll run a quick history from early lubricants and kerosene to modern engine oils and the fluids powering electric vehicles. Plus, we hear from Fuzz at the British Motor Show and Andy from Motul.
Oil History
Vicky: People lubricated things long before engines, Ben. Animal fats and whale oil were early solutions. But the big jump came in the 19th century when crude oil was refined into kerosene—the start of the modern oil industry. Early motor oils were simple mineral blends, but over the 20th century, chemistry, engine design, and additives created the multigrade, highly specified oils we use today.
Ben: Which is exactly what Fuzz is talking about. Simple in the past, complicated choices now. Here’s Fuzz on how that’s changed life in a garage.
Fuzz townshend at the british motor show
Fuzz: I know how to fix some cars some of the time. There’s not a single person I know who can fix all cars all the time. It depends what you’re used to working on. Some people will be quicker on some cars than me; some others won’t. I can fix a bus magnificently, let me tell you.
Ben: But you don’t need to know everything—just be good at what you do know.
Fuzz: Well, give it a try anyway. Slightly better than average, and then you get away with it.
Ben: Now, EVs are coming in a lot more, but let’s look back. Things are changing in internal combustion vehicles too, right?
Fuzz: Yes, oil used to be simple. You could just grab a bottle of 20W50 from the shop. Now it’s more sophisticated. Engine engineering is more refined, materials are different, and manufacturers specify exact oils. Deviate, and things could go horribly wrong.
Ben: Has it made life easier for you as a mechanic?
Fuzz: No. In the 1980s, choice was simple—mostly 20W50 or 10W40. Now you need to know the correct specification for every engine. The good news is that most oil suppliers can guide you.
cars and oil aren’t one size fits all
Vicky: So fixing cars might be more complex, but the right oil makes maintenance more effective?
Ben: Exactly. Better oils help parts run better, so maintenance is easier.
Vicky: Makes sense. Cars and oil aren’t one size fits all anymore.
Ben: And this proves the need for mechanics with a wide skill set—dealership knowledge helps. In the past, it was mostly about the brand, not the spec. Now the car tells you what oil to use.
Vicky: And it has to be right—otherwise things go wrong as Fuzz said. Speaking of oils, do you know what 20W50 means?
Ben: I think you’ve got the research for this.
Vicky: Yes! Viscosity labels like 20W50 tell you how oil behaves at cold and hot temperatures. The W is for cold temperatures, the 50 is for hot. Older engines were built for thicker oils, which is why Fuzz likes 20W50.
Andy Wait at Motul
Ben: Andy Waite from Motul explains why oil choice matters for longevity and reliability.
Andy Waite: Motul started in 1853. We began with electric vehicles, then combustion engines, and now EVs again. Engines have evolved from leaded fuel to multi-grade oils, with better filtration and dispersal. Every step taught us lessons we still use today.
Ben: How has the car park aging affected this?
Andy Waite: People are holding onto cars longer. Using the right oils and additives preserves them. Motorsport testing teaches us a lot—the oils that survive extreme racing conditions protect your daily drive too.
Ben: So prevention is better than cure.
Andy Waite: Absolutely. We’ve also innovated in sustainable oils and battery cooling fluids for EVs without compromising performance.
Ben: For garage owners, how do you ensure customers get the right oil?
Andy Waite: First, choose the correct grade and technology. Then check for manufacturer approval. Motul has an online checker, plus technical support, to help garages select the right oils.
Ben: Oil is also a great add-on sale.
Andy Waite: Correct. Garages protect their reputation by using quality oils. Customers notice clean, high-quality environments, and using approved oils supports that perception.
Final thoughts
Vicky: Sustainability without compromise - that’s powerful.
Ben: And EVs still need specialist fluids for gearboxes and batteries. Right oil and filtration help cars last longer.
Vicky: And even if you can see other parts of your car, oil protects what you can’t see.
Ben: Better oils, filtration, and maintenance help cars last longer - crucial in today’s cost-of-living climate.
Vicky: Next episode, we chat all things tyres with Sophie Lyden, The Tyre Lady.