I think they use Helix 3, 5 because we lack options..or I have not yet seen something different.

on the same note, I got hold of a service manual for a second hand car from UK, the service is done once a year..what am I missing here?

@Mlefu...yeah my manual says service after 10K Kms not the usual 5K done in Kenya.But the road conditions are very very different I guess.I have seen an advert in today's DN Pg.5 of a 5W-40 oil.
@theking...thanks for your observations.We share & learn.

Full Synthetic from Total can do 12000 but the container reads 9000.

@Bird-man,
30W (SAE 30) oils are meant for cold climates and thus your manual might be right but just.Mechanics or experts will advise you upgrade your oil to 40W since we are in the tropics.The 40W is also recommended for drivers who are more often on the highway and have "bigger and faster machines".If you have a 1300cc town runner,30W still serves good enough.

Synthetic versus conventional motor oil?.Any person who tells you that synthetic is not for cars with 150K Km requires a kimanyoko.Synthetics have superior qualities and thus can last you upto 3 times conventional oil,their only con being the price depending

agreed!!!