As usual, newbie questions from me, figured you could educate me. Apologies in advance for idiocy

Im finally getting a chance to give the vectra a service (1.9 CDTi 120 2007) with the aid of the keys to the old man's work (you lucky people with your drives!). First service i've done on any car (usually palm it off on someone in exchange for beer tokens) so i'm just after a bit of advice really.

First of all, i've heard the oil filter housings can be a pain in the rear to get off sometimes. Due to time constraints i was thinking of investing in a filter wrench/tool just in case its required. Looked on halfords to see whats available as ive only ever heard of chains that crush the filter...

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_255216

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_255216

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/s...egoryId_255216

Wondering whether the first one fits the filter housing for my car as i cant find any dimensions. Or do i get the strap or claw which i can adjust?


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Next is the oil. Looked through my books but i cant find a definitive answer on the oil i need. Looked online and the general consensus is its either 0W40 or 5W30... Which one is recommended and should it be semi or fully synth?


Also just to confirm, looking in my book i need 4.3 litres of oil (5ltr bottle) ???


Also a really silly question maybe, but i'm probably gonna have to put the car on stands to get underneath to the filter. Should the car be put level to drain fully, or can it be left with the front end in the air whilst its draining ?


Finally (think this is the end of it), should i run that Wynnes engine flush through before changing the oil. I've been told i should be doing this, but others have said it can loosen deposits and cause more harm than good.



On a side note, i was gonna get my old man's 10W/40 oil for his citroen whilst i got my trade club discounts to exploit. I'm guessing there's no issue with using VX oil somewhere else? (heard it was just re-branded castrol or magnatec anyway??)