In this episode of Garage Talk Unwrapped – The Podcast, Vicky and Ben dive into the history and future of oil - the lifeblood of every car. From animal fats and whale oil to 20W-50 on the garage shelf, right through to today’s highly specified lubricants and EV fluids, we explore how oil has shaped motoring.

Guests and highlights:

• Fuzz Townshend (CarSOS), recorded at the British Motor Show, on why fixing cars has become more complex, how oil specs changed over time, and what really happens behind the scenes of the long-running TV show.
• Andy Wait (Motul), recorded at Motul HQ in Bath, on Motul’s 172-year history of innovation, the role of motorsport in developing modern lubricants, and the specialist fluids now being designed for EVs.

What you’ll learn:

• Why oil went from simple mineral blends to complex, car-specific formulations.
• How multigrades, additives and synthetic oils transformed performance and longevity.
• Why the oil garages choose matters for reliability, reputation and even warranties.
• How motorsport innovation filters down into everyday road oils.
• What’s next for lubricants: sustainable products, additives and EV battery cooling fluids.

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If you’re a garage owner, technician, parts supplier or just curious about the slippery business of oil, this episode is packed with insight into motoring’s most overlooked essential.