Filling with counterfeit Shell Helix oil is extremely dangerous for a car engine. Fake does not provide lubricating properties and does not provide anti-corrosion protection. At the same time, it quickly oxidizes and loses its functions. As a result, this leads to accelerated wear of rubbing surfaces, reduces heat dissipation and does not allow the creation of a normal protective oil film. Therefore, it is extremely important to know how to distinguish counterfeit Shell Helix oil.
Shell Helix engine oil
Protective sticker
There is a single or double sticker on the cover of the branded Shell Helix. The lowest-grade fakes do not have it. Therefore, if there is no sticker on the cover, then it is better to avoid such lubricant.
Even the presence of a label does not guarantee the authenticity of the oil. To check the brand sticker, the brand used special protection. Therefore, you must follow the instructions below.
- Look at the large numbers on the sticker. They must duplicate the last characters of the barcode. The numbers on the branded sticker are white. White numbers
- Wet your finger with water. Wetting the finger
- Moisten the white numbers. They will change color to red. If this does not happen, then the oil is fake.
Shell Helix products are as well protected as branded lubricants from Motul, Mobile, Toyota, Elf, Zeke and Idemitsu brands. This confirms the presence of another protection. It is implemented using the image of a drop.
In the original, the image of a drop changes its color depending on the angle. A green tint is required. The fake is not able to change color. Some counterfeit products vary in color from dark red to brown.
Another check will require an ultraviolet lamp. Under its light, part of the label changes color.
Original Shell Helix oil has a double sticker or label with writing on both sides. There is a unique individual serial number. You can check it using the brand's official website. If you do not want to enter 16 digits, you can use the specified QR code as your smartphone.
If the unique code has been checked multiple times, information about this will be displayed. In this case, the chance that the oil being tested is a fake is 99%. Fraudsters often print the same branded serial number.
Label
Among the entire range of the brand, the most common counterfeit oil is Shell Helix Ultra. The reason for this is its high price and demand in the market. Therefore, you must be very vigilant when purchasing Ultra.
The label of the entire Shell Helix range is glued perfectly evenly. Distortions, air bubbles and other defects are unacceptable. The print quality is always high. The presence of spelling errors in the original is unacceptable.
Original label
Bent label on fake
Unevenly applied label
After examining the front side, it is recommended to look at the back. The sticker contains text in several languages. It is important to check that the description is correct and that there are no spelling errors. Incorrectly written letters can give away a fake.
Letters from the original
Two different “f”s for a counterfeit
If possible, you should check the font used. All languages need attention. For example, the fake in question has a difference in the letters “f” in Kazakh. On a fake, the symbol is crossed out with a line.
Crossed out "f" on a fake
Letter "f" of corporate label
It is convenient to evaluate the quality of printing by the image of the piston. On fakes it doesn't shine enough. The branded label never has a pronounced graininess.
Piston
Sanctions from the manufacturer
To fight back against unscrupulous manufacturers, the Shell brand has taken a number of significant measures to combat counterfeit products. Sanctions will help improve not only the financial situation, but also the prestige of the company.
Since 2016, the brand decided to apply special holograms containing QR codes. This makes it possible to check engine oil by code using a mobile application. The hologram provides multi-layer protection.
The sticker on the lid of the package has a hologram that changes color with movement or when water hits the surface. Below is a barcode and a four-digit number.
This makes it possible to check the authenticity of production using the barcode. Having separated the top ball of the sticker, a person sees in front of him a QR code for mobile applications and an identification number. The last 4 digits of the number must match the code on the top of the sticker.
Below the inscription on the label is the address of the official website, which is able to distinguish the original product from a counterfeit liquid.
The verification number used in the latest product lines confirms the originality of Shell oil. Code forgery is practically impossible and unprofitable for unscrupulous manufacturers.
If there is a mismatch or a reused code is entered, you will see a message.
In other cases, the authenticity of motor oil can only be verified with the help of a professional specialist or laboratory testing.
Shell Oil Specific Codes
Since counterfeit goods harm the company’s economy and also affect its prestige, another development has appeared that allows you to verify the authenticity of the product.
Scientists from the Shell company have proposed a special system associated with applying special hologram signs - QR codes - to the label. And since the spring of 2016, this unique system has been tested and approved by the company’s management.
Today it has been introduced into production and allows, using a mobile application that can be simply downloaded to any smartphone, to check the naturalness and authenticity of Shell oil.
The system has several levels of protection, which is almost impossible to hack or tamper with. It is extremely unprofitable for dishonest manufacturers to now compete with Shell, since identifying a new development costs a lot of money.
How it works? There is a sticker with a hologram on the lid of the canister; it can change its color if the container is tilted or liquid gets on the label. There is also a four-digit number and an encrypted code. Access to the code is located under the top layer of the sticker, removing which gives you the ability to retrieve the code and scan it.
The trick is that the identification code includes 16 digits, the last of which must match the indicators on the top layer of the sticker. The address of the site is also indicated here - an assistant who can give recommendations and teach how not to fall into the trap of scammers and be guaranteed to choose original Shell oil.
Such reliable code protection is extremely effective, as it does not allow dishonest sellers to sell “lefty” goods, of course, if the buyer himself is not interested in this.
Characteristics
Shell Helix engine oil, regardless of type, has the following characteristics:
Shell helix ultra 5w40 specification
- prevents clogging of the power unit,
- carries out instant uniform distribution of the protective film over structural elements during engine startup,
- prevents premature wear of parts,
- prolongs the life of the motor,
- reduces fuel consumption,
- increases the interval between technical inspections of the “iron friend”,
- relevant for power units of any type.
Let's look at the main technical properties of both Shell lines.
Name | Viscosity at 40 degrees Celsius, mm2/s | Viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius, mm2/s | Boiling point, degrees Celsius | Pour point, degrees Celsius |
Fully synthetic oils | ||||
Helix Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W30 | 58,70 | 11,90 | 226 | -51 |
Helix Ultra ECT C3 5W30 | 69,02 | 12,11 | 238 | -45 |
Helix Ultra 0W40 | 75,47 | 13,55 | 232 | -48 |
Helix Ultra 5W40 | 79,10 | 13,10 | 242 | -45 |
Helix Ultra Diesel 5W40 | 79,10 | 13,10 | 242 | -45 |
Helix Ultra Racing 10-60 | 151,00 | 22,8 | 215 | -39 |
Helix Ultra l 5W40 | 79,10 | 12,90 | 242 | -39 |
Helix Diesel Ultra l 5W40 | 79,46 | 13,80 | 228 | -48 |
Helix HX8 Synthetic 5W30 | 71,69 | 11,93 | 244 | -48 |
Helix HX8 Synthetic 5W40 | 87,42 | 14,45 | 242 | -45 |
Oil based on synthetic technology | ||||
Helix HX7 5W30 | 71,69 | 11,93 | 244 | -48 |
Helix HX7 5W40 | 87,42 | 14,45 | 242 | -45 |
Helix HX7 10W40 | 96,31 | 14,37 | 246 | -45 |
Helix HX7 Diesel 10W40 | 92,10 | 14,40 | 220 | -39 |
If stored properly, engine oil will have an average shelf life of five years. But in order for Shell Helix semi-synthetics to retain its basic properties, the room where it is stored must be maintained at room temperature and an average level of humidity. Otherwise the oil will become unusable.
What is fake car oil made of?
Fake auto oil is generally a mixture of industrial lubricant with cheaper lubricant of poor quality for trucks. With all this, the viscosity index of the oil is only approximately adjusted to the characteristics of the original product. Shell Helix Ultra is most often counterfeited, since this oil is famous for its popularity and quality among consumers. In addition, on the market you can come across used oil, which is simply reconstituted and presented as standard. Such a lubricant either does not contain the necessary additives at all, or additives are present, but in very low concentrations. And yet, additives take up approximately 10% of the total quantity, but at the same time make up more of the cost. In this regard, it is not surprising that by making counterfeits, fraudsters seek to save money, in particular on additives.
Reasons for the emergence of counterfeit products
It is always necessary to check the originality of the oils used. Motor oils are a persistent dispute among a certain category of residents of the country; high-quality liquid lubricants are quite expensive and this leads to the temptation to produce counterfeit products. We can safely say that most buyers, without knowing it, purchase counterfeit lubricants, thereby causing irreparable damage to the car.
about how to distinguish counterfeit motor oil in this material.
Rules for replacing fuel and lubricants
Changing the engine oil
When changing Shell oil, you should adhere to the following rules:
- Before filling in a purchased lubricant that differs from the previous one in technical characteristics and manufacturer, it is necessary to flush the engine.
- Each replacement of engine lubrication must be accompanied by replacement of the oil filter.
- When filling the oil, it is necessary to control its level inside the engine with an oil dipstick - the liquid level should be halfway between the min and max marks.
- If the liquid stains the valve cover or other automotive parts, it is necessary to clean the surface from contamination. Otherwise, while the engine is running, the oil will begin to evaporate and smoke.
In order to prolong the operation of the engine, do not forget to regularly check the oil level. If the amount of working fluid is small, a protective film will not form on all components, resulting in severe wear of the mechanisms.
The main differences between fake oil and the original one
Crude fakes can be identified by the canister, stopper and labels:
On the left is a counterfeit. On the right is the original.
- The label on the original in the marked areas (in the top photo) has a reflective surface. Look at these areas from different angles, with or without light. There is no reflective effect on the fake. You can partially see your reflection on the original canister.
- The fake is revealed by the large gap between the lid and the tear-off ring. There is almost no gap on the original canister. On the left is a fake (large gap). On the right is the original.
- Batch code is applied on the back of the canister, at the bottom of the label. No code - 100% fake. On the original canister, the code is written in dotted font and cannot be erased. The code contains the code of the plant where the oil was bottled: R037 - Russia (Torzhok), D133 - Europe, U002 - America.
- A clearly visible oval runs along the entire perimeter of the bottom of the canister. In the original it is clear all around. In fakes it is either absent or in some places almost invisible. The icon highlighted with a red circle is present only on canisters produced in Russia. Above is the original. Below is a fake (the outline of the frame disappears).
- Under the original cover there is a protective seal, white. In fakes it is made of foil.
On the left is the original canister. On the right is a fake. Video on how to identify fake shell oil from a canister:
What you need to pay attention to
In order to distinguish an original from a fake, you should pay attention to the following external signs:
- marking;
- cover color and configuration;
- fixing ring;
- protective film;
- label printing;
- canister casting.
Verifying the authenticity of Shell oil begins with inspection of the container and product labeling. Every car owner is interested in how to spot a fake. After all, damage from poor-quality lubrication leads to malfunctions of the power unit, and sometimes can completely damage it. Old-style Shell Helix canisters can be found in retail chains and at service stations. A mandatory condition for labeling is the date of release of the product. New design canisters appeared on the market 2 years ago. The shelf life of the brand's motor fluid is 5 years. Therefore, on the packaging of the familiar old version, the date of manufacture cannot be recent. Such a lubricant was produced no later than 2 years ago. If you find oil from a recent production date in an old package, rest assured: this is a fake Shell.
Next, you should pay attention to the lid of the canister. The original Shell Helix product uses high quality plastic for packaging
The color of the lid should not differ even by a slight shade from the main color of the canister material.
Upon inspection, the retaining ring looks like a continuation of the lid; when opened, it is easily separated and has no defects.
As for the protective film, there is no need to worry if you do not find it when opening the canister. It may be missing, and this is not a sign of a counterfeit Shell Helix product. The presence or absence of film depends on the lot number of the product and the country in which the product was produced.
If there is a film, then it should be perfectly smooth, not wrinkled, white, and dense. Motor oil manufactured in the Russian Federation in Torzhok until 2012 was produced without a protective membrane.
Next, we study the printing of the label. The PurePlus Technology logo on a well-printed, high-quality label is made using mirror coating. If there is no mirror effect, such a product casts doubt on the authenticity of the product. All inscriptions must be clear and easy to read.
The label on the back of the canister of the original product is two-layered, with the top layer easily peeling off without leaving any adhesive marks.
Pay attention to how the canister is molded. The plastic must be smooth, without sagging, chips or sharp corners
In a word, the molding of the container must be done with high quality, the seams must be welded flawlessly. The Shell line of motor oils is available in canisters of three colors: blue, light gray, grey. The plastic is relatively soft and pliable when pressed. The structure of the material has metallic inclusions. The canister is not transparent when viewed through light; it is not possible to see the liquid level. Counterfeit canisters can sometimes differ in size: their base is slightly wider than the original container.
The bottom of the original container is distinguished by the presence of transverse flattened ovals. The fakes have a smooth bottom with a seam in the middle. Products produced in Russia are additionally marked “not for food”. European products do not have it.
We looked at how to distinguish a fake from real branded Shell oil by visual inspection. The authenticity of the composition can only be determined in special laboratories.
Lid
Inspection of the cover must begin with inspection of the appearance. The original must not have:
- cracks;
- traces of an autopsy;
- divorces;
- air bubbles;
- influx;
- casting defects;
- inclusions.
Interspersed
The fixing ring of the branded Shell Helix has a small gap relative to the canister. In fakes, it either fits too tightly or dangles loosely. There are counterfeits even with a couple of security seals.
Original fixing ring
Security seal on a fake
The scammer cover may come off along with the retaining ring. With genuine Shell Helix, the protective seal always breaks completely.
Comparison of removed covers
Range and properties
The manufacturer Shell produces three main lines of motor oils: fully synthetic, semi-synthetic and high-tech synthetic fluids.
PurePlus Technology
The last group of oils is used only at professional car service stations, so we will not dwell on it. Let's talk about the first two lines.
Shell Helix Ultra fully synthetic oils differ from classic synthetics in that they contain detergent additives made from high-quality raw materials. Active Cleansing is the name of the technology of active detergents. Additives allow you to clean the engine system from carbon deposits, dirt and unprocessed residues of the previous lubricant.
Another feature of the Ultra series is the reduced content of phosphorus, sulfur and sulfate ash. The synthetic base is obtained from processed natural gas. Thus, during engine operation, fewer harmful substances are released into the atmosphere in comparison with conventional classics. You can recognize “environmentally friendly” Shell oil by a special mirror sticker on the label with the PurePlus Technology logo.
The synthetics of the line allow you to “rejuvenate” the engine and protect it from temperature changes. The oil of this series can be used in aggressive driving, which involves quick starts and sharp braking.
PurePlus + Active Cleansing
The second main series of Shell oils is semi-synthetic. Oils based on synthetic technology, as the manufacturer calls them, consist of mineral and synthetic bases. Mixing them produces a motor fluid with unique properties that perfectly lubricates all working surfaces of the engine. The company's patented technology for producing synthetics from natural gas allows for maximum cleanliness in the working space of the power unit and prevents the formation of soot at elevated temperatures.
Shell oil copes well with operational and climatic overloads, carefully protecting the very “heart” of the machine.
The varieties and unique properties of Shell motor oil once attracted Formula 1 specialists. After lengthy tests and experiments, its representatives allowed the use of Helix in racing cars.
Reviews
Sergey, Audi A6
I think not all motor oils attract the attention of racing professionals. I periodically read about their new products and developments; in many components they are ahead of the rest. This approach is trustworthy.
Anton, Subaru Outback V
I see no point in saving on things like motor oil, especially if the new car is expensive. For me, Shell Helix has no competition. Yes, I'll pay more than I would have paid for its equivalents, but it's definitely worth it.
Konstantin, Mazda 6
I live in the Urals, before switching to Shell oil I had problems starting the engine in winter. Now this has become much easier. I also noticed that the car started moving smoother. Overall satisfied with the product
The process of checking oil authenticity
One of the most famous and, therefore, often counterfeited products is Shell. Let's take a closer look at the ways to distinguish real lubricants from fake ones, which we listed above:
- Canister shape. Modern Shell lubricant cans are equipped with 2 handles, one of them is located on the side base, the other is on top. A similar structure makes it much easier to transport the canister and pour lubricant into the engine.
- The neck of the canister. Compared to previous packaging modifications, the latest version has a narrower and shorter neckline. Its size reaches 43 millimeters. The tank lid also became smaller in diameter, losing a special valve. Apart from what is indicated, there are no gaps between the cover and the retaining ring.
- Painting the canister. The company's original products are manufactured in containers of 4 basic colors: blue, yellowish, grayish and reddish.
- Coding on the back of the tank. To apply the coding, a fairly conventional technique is used, because of this, it is easy to accidentally smear it during packaging of the product. Once the paint dries, the code cannot be erased. It provides information about the date and time of packaging, and indicates the number and batch of the product lot. The shelf life limit for Shell lubricants is 5 years.
- The front of the canister. A genuine Shell lubricant canister is made of black plastic, the oil level is not visible through it.
- Printed label on the back of the canister. The letter designations of different languages of the instructions in the original are in the middle, but on the fake canister they are shifted to the right side almost flush with the text.
- Bottom of the tank. The dimensions of the counterfeit product are almost always larger than the volume of the original product; on its bottom there is no mark “not used for food products,” and the line of the form into which the plastic packaging material was poured is also visible.
- Measuring scale. On the branded packaging, the measuring scale is straight, it follows the entire length of the tank, the measuring marks are quite distinct, and there are no visible seams on them. Measuring scale
- Canister lid. The genuine Shell canister lid has a smooth surface. The protective strip under the cap does not break off when the bottle is opened. The fake Shell oil has a safety foil under the cap with the EU designation, while the original does not contain similar foil: it is located only on genuine containers produced in the Russian Federation.
- Product lot number. Batch number, also known as the product batch number. Genuine products released at the end of 2014 are marked with the engine oil filling time and do not rub off even with strong pressure.
Online services for selecting car oils
To select Shell oil by car brand, you can use specialized online services:
- Shell website service. For the convenience of car enthusiasts, the company has created a special catalog with a filter. Using it, you can instantly obtain a list of motor oils recommended for filling into a car with the appropriate parameters:
- car category (truck, passenger car, moped);
- automaker;
- model;
- type of motor.
2. Starlube. First you need to select a car class. After this, you need to indicate the make, model and type of the machine. Then you need to select the type of motor installed in the vehicle.
3. Autoklad. The user selects the vehicle category, its make, model, modification. Then he determines for which machine unit it is necessary to find lubricant. Using the right selected motor oil from Shell will allow you to increase the efficiency of your engine. You can save fuel during long trips. If a suitable lubricant is poured into the engine, ride comfort increases, since the level of vibration is reduced, and the power unit operates almost silently. You can select oil for your vehicle through one of the above online services.
Video: How to distinguish original Shell products from counterfeit ones by looking at the canister - a tedious but detailed video of a seller in a car store
Advantages and disadvantages
Benefits of Shell Motor Oil
Shell oil has the following benefits:
- Active Cleansing technology, which allows you to completely clean the power unit from dirt and carbon deposits.
- Maintaining the protective film at optimal thickness under conditions of sudden braking and starting.
- Reducing fuel consumption and, as a result, saving money.
- Easy cold starting of the engine. Harsh winter conditions are not scary if there is Shell under the hood.
- Increasing the period between filter and oil changes.
- Minimum content of harmful substances in exhaust gases.
- Increasing engine life.
The disadvantages of Shell oil are presented below:
- The high popularity of Shell oil has caused an increase in counterfeit products in the fuel and lubricants market. Competitors, trying to lure customers to their side, have learned to craft the packaging of a global brand quite skillfully. However, they were not able to achieve the required quality level. As a result, a low-quality fake poured into the engine can simply damage the entire power unit. Firstly, a counterfeit film that does not meet the required astringent and high-temperature properties will not provide the required level of protection. If the base is too astringent, the operation of the mechanisms may stop. Too liquid a lubricant will drain, increasing the friction force of the structural elements. Secondly, low quality fuel and lubricant will clog the working surface with carbon deposits and soot.
- The high price of Shell products can hit the pocketbooks of thrifty drivers. The average cost of a 4-liter container in car dealerships is 2-4 thousand rubles.
SAE classification
The classification of Shell Helix oils involves the use of the generally accepted viscosity system SAE J300. It is used by all manufacturers of fuels and lubricants. Let us decipher, for example, the designation “5W40”.
The letter “W” means that the lubricant can be used in low temperature conditions. The number “5” indicates that it can be used at temperatures not lower than -30 degrees (35 is subtracted from 5). The last figure characterizes the maximum viscosity at the operating temperature of the engine. The higher this number, the more viscous the lubricant is.
What are the dangers of using non-original Shell oil?
Few car owners think about the quality and authenticity of the transmission materials they purchase, based on the belief that even fake oil will lubricate the rubbing components to the required extent. However, such statements are not only erroneous, but also extremely risky for the functional areas of vehicles. At the initial stage, motor oil performed one task - reducing friction between engine components. Over time, the scope of his “responsibilities” expanded and currently includes:
- reduced friction between components;
- prevention of rust formation;
- reduction of component wear;
- cooling of functional units;
- cleaning the coating from carbon deposits.
Manufacturers add various additives to good lubricants to meet today's needs. Such a mixture can maintain the functionality of vehicles. Compared to original products, counterfeits are produced using low-tech methods. Most often, industrial oil is used to create a fake, and sometimes oil for rural equipment is much worse in quality, despite even very inexpensive additive materials. As a result, fake oil can cause irreparable damage to the engine.
You can identify a counterfeit product by the signs accompanying the operation of the power unit:
- increased noise from the operation of the engine, bad oil loses its density during use and stops lubricating the components to the required extent;
- difficult engine starting in winter;
- rapid wear of parts, formation of soot and carbon deposits on components due to the absence of anti-corrosion additives in counterfeit products.
If you do not take any action first and do not replace the fake lubricant with a genuine one, the engine will become unusable after 20 - 30 thousand kilometers. However, there is absolutely no guarantee that its major restoration will not be needed.
SHELL synthetic oils
SHELL Helix Ultra PurePlus
They are manufactured using the company’s own technology - PurePlus, which consists of synthesizing oils from natural gas, resulting in a clean base that keeps the insides of the engine as clean as after it came off the assembly line. The oils of the line can be used in engines of cars and light-duty trucks of the latest generations. The line includes 11 oils:
Ultra 5W-40 SN Plus A3/B4. Oil with high detergent properties and long aging period. Has approval from a number of automakers, including Ferrari. Can be used in gasoline, diesel, gas, biodiesel, or mixtures of gasoline and ethanol engines. Used in direct injection and turbocharged systems due to its high protection against pre-ignition at low speeds.
Ultra ECT C2/C3 0W-30/ECT C3 5W-30. Economical oil that reduces fuel consumption and can be used with exhaust cleaning systems, including particulate filters. High cleaning and protective functions. The oil has approvals from the world's leading automakers.
Ultra 0W-40, 5W-40 API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4. Oil for high-performance engines using gasoline, diesel, gas, biodiesel and a mixture of gasoline and ethanol as fuel. Provides sludge protection and fuel economy. Another viscosity, 5W-30, has a difference in API tolerances - SL/CF.
Ultra Diesel 5W-40, ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4. Can be used in the latest generation engines using all types of diesel fuel, with turbines, intercooling and direct injection.
Ultra Racing 10w-60, API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4. Modern oil for sports cars and racing cars. High level of protection against bearing wear under very high loads. The oil was developed jointly with Ferrari and is used in racing cars of this brand.
Ultra SN 0W-20, ACEA A1/B1. Energy-saving oil for modern engines.
Ultra 0W-30, API SL/CF, ACEA A3/B3 A3/B4. Energy-saving oil, saves up to 2.2% fuel due to low viscosity.
Ultra A5/B5 0W-30, API SL. Provides up to 3% fuel economy, increased anti-corrosion and anti-wear properties.
Shell Helix HX8
The line is represented by oils with high cleaning properties. They are reinforced with their own additive package, due to which they are designed and can be used in difficult operating conditions.
HX8 5W-40 SN Plus A3/B4. Applicable in gasoline, diesel, biodiesel and gasoline-ethanol mixture engines with direct cylinder injection systems and turbines.
HX8 0W-30, API SL, ACEA A3/B4. Oil with high detergent and dispersant properties, can be used for long drain intervals.
HX8 A5B5 5W-30. Economical oil with high cleaning properties.
HX8 ECT 5W-30, API SN, ACEA C3. Oil with Flexi Molecule technology - flexible molecules, increases engine and turbine wear protection up to 40%, deposit protection up to 58%, corrosion protection up to 78%, compared to API SN requirements.
HX8 Synthetic 5W-30 API SL, 5W-40 API SN/CF, both oils have ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 approval. The oil is applicable in diesel, gasoline, gas, biodiesel and those running on a mixture of gasoline and ethanol. Low evaporation consumption, extended replacement intervals.
Shell Helix High Mileage
There is only one oil in this line: SAE 5W-40, API SN, ACEA A3/B4. Specially designed for cars with mileage over 100,000 km. Provides high wear protection, clean parts, good fluidity at low temperatures. Can be used with different types of fuel: diesel, gasoline, gas, alcohol-containing.
Differences between different types
The following features of different types of Shell Helix oils are highlighted:
- "Ultra". Contains an additive package that protects the motor from sludge. Motor oil increases engine power, reduces operating noise and vibration, and protects the internal combustion engine from oxidation products.
- HX8 Fluid lubricant, low viscosity. The lubricating film is resistant to oxidizing products. The lubricant instantly creates a film during a cold start of the engine and protects it under increased loads.
- HX7 can only be used in gasoline engines. Includes many paraffin and sulfur elements, which significantly increases engine performance. Resistant to oxidation products, protects the engine under high loads.
- HX6 Makes the engine operate silently, prevents deposits from forming and protects against oxidative products. Lubrication reduces fuel consumption.
- HX50 Reduces fuel costs, cleans the engine, and is consumed slowly. The lubricant is resistant to oxidative processes.
- HX3 The best option for cars with high mileage. It cleans the engine well of old oil and prolongs the life of the car. Can be used in any season.
Video: Shell motor oil, how to choose?
Important features of the original
You should carefully examine the packaging lid. The original Shell product regulates the use of high-quality plastic for the manufacture of the canister. The color of the lid must completely match the main color of the packaging, without deviating from the standard even by one shade.
You can check the authenticity by inspecting the retaining ring. It should be a continuation of the lid, have no defects with kinks and be easily separated during opening.
How to make sure that the oil is original - detailed video
The protective film is not available on all genuine Shell products. Availability depends on the batch number and series, so do not despair after discovering that an item is missing.
If the film is present, it should be of high quality and smooth. Regardless of the quality of transportation, the item must not be damaged. The film density of the original product is at a high level.
You should pay attention to the printing of the label. The recognition logo “PurePlus Technology” is made on a high-quality label, after which you can see the mirror coating
If no effect is detected, the product can be considered non-original. The inscriptions must be easy to read and not smudged.
The label on the back of the original product packaging is double-layered. The top ball peels off easily without leaving any sticky elements.
What is special about Shell oil?
The Shell product line is not only excellent quality, but also a very affordable price
It is very important to know the differences between the original and the fake, since the well-being of the car, and therefore the safety of the person behind the wheel, depends on this.
It must be said that manufacturers do not stand still, technologies are improving, and the appearance of packaging is changing. Designers make sure that their products are pleasant to buy, but the reason for the improvements is also to prevent “left-wing dealers” from making counterfeits.
It is worth remembering the Shell Helix motor oil canister, which has changed significantly
New developments urge consumers to be vigilant and pay attention to the features of the container and some special signs that confirm the authenticity of the oil
The market is filled not only with the latest designs, but also with previous versions, so you should carefully study the product, make sure that it is original, and only then give money for it.
Visual inspection
The first thing you need to do - and train yourself to do constantly - is to carefully study the label and the canister itself right in the car shop.
Manufacturers of counterfeit products do not always pay due attention to the packaging of their product: the plastic may be of poor quality, grainy, loose, with sagging and uneven seams, and the sticker itself may be dull, pixelated or blurry, often with spelling errors, and sometimes without indicating important information at all .
Some manufacturers of original motor oils apply holograms and special codes to each unit of their products, which can be entered on the official website or called to the hotline operator to verify its authenticity.
If everything is in order with the appearance of the canister, the check can be continued only after opening the canister.