Workshop shelves still reach for thick 20W-50 in summer — and many modern bakkie manuals now insist on a mid-SAPS synthetic like 5W-40 ACEA C3. Both are Caltex Havoline. They solve different problems. Choosing by habit instead of the handbook is how warranties get awkward and DPFs get expensive.
Quick comparison
| Havoline Formula SAE 20W-50 | Havoline Ultra S SAE 5W-40 | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Conventional multigrade PCMO | Full synthetic, mid-SAPS |
| Typical use | Older petrol engines where OEM allows 20W-50 | Modern petrol and light-duty diesel needing ACEA C3 / API SN-class synthetics |
| Cold start | Thicker on a Highveld winter morning | Better cold flow (5W) |
| Aftertreatment | Not aimed at DPF / latest low-SAPS petrol tech | Formulated for emissions systems (TWC / DPF where C3 applies) |
| Not for | Engines that require ILSAC/ACEA modern specs, many turbos, diesels, CNG/LPG (per PDS) | Engines that explicitly forbid C3 or require a different viscosity/approval |
When Havoline Formula 20W-50 still makes sense
- Older naturally aspirated petrol cars and light commercials whose handbook lists SAE 20W-50.
- High-mileage petrol engines that consume oil on thinner grades and the OEM still permits 20W-50.
- Hot ambient / high-load petrol use where the manufacturer’s viscosity chart points to 20W-50.
It is a proven metallo-organic anti-wear conventional oil for the applications Caltex lists — not a universal “bakkie diesel” fill. Do not pour it into a common-rail bakkie that asks for 5W-30/5W-40 C3 just because “thicker is safer.”
When Havoline Ultra S 5W-40 is the better bakkie / workshop pick
- Handbook specifies ACEA C3, API SN (or related), or OEM approvals in the Ultra S family (e.g. MB 229.51, VW 502 00 / 505 01, BMW Longlife-04 where still applicable, dexos2™ where licensed — check the current PDS for your batch).
- Turbo petrol or light diesel with a particulate filter / tight emissions kit.
- You want one synthetic that covers many late-model light vehicles on the same rack without fighting the DPF.
- Cold starts, short trips and Highveld winters where a 5W grade protects faster on start-up.
Bakkie decision tree
- Open the OEM manual viscosity and approval page.
- If it says 5W-40 C3 (or matching OEM approval) → Ultra S 5W-40.
- If it explicitly allows 20W-50 conventional petrol oil → Formula 20W-50 can be the economical petrol pick.
- If it is a heavy diesel bakkie on CI-4/CK-4 15W-40, that is a Delo conversation — not Havoline PCMO.
- Never mix “race thick oil” folklore with warranty engines. Street legality and OEM limits still apply; see Diesel Lab for workshop practice only.
Stock from AVDMM
Browse Havoline wholesale or ask the Benoni counter to match grade to registration/VIN notes.
Also see: Diesel Lab — conversion charts & diesel tips. Related: What is ISOSYN Technology? · Delo Gold CI-4 vs Delo 400 SLK CK-4 · Condition Monitoring Ladder · CEF Diesel Wholesale Prices
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