SHELL HELIX ULTRA ECT C3 5W30 motor oil: synthetic

Author: Victor

Every modern car needs a lubricant that has the necessary qualities to ensure optimal operation of the power unit. But not all liquids sold today cope with such responsibilities. The information below will allow you to learn about the characteristics of Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 oil, what products are included in the line and their disadvantages.

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1.Which oil is right for me?

Shell Helix HR8 engine oil, description, technical features and variety.

Let's start with the fact that Shell Helix HR8 automobile oils exist in two modifications: 5W-40 and 5W-30. The difference between these two types is small and you will understand it when we decipher the abbreviations at the end of this article.

As for applicability, Shell Helix HR8 motor oils are an excellent product for perfectionist motorists. After all, it is this oil that can keep a new car’s engine in perfect condition. And yes, Shell Helix HR8 oils are best poured into new cars, since Shell synthetic motor oils have quite powerful cleaning abilities and can simply harm an engine with serious mileage.

In previous articles, we have already told you about the types of motor oils, such as synthetic, semi-synthetic and mineral oils. Let us remind you that for older cars it is best to use mineral oils; semi-synthetics are considered a universal oil and will suit almost any car, and as for fully synthetic oils, such as Shell Helix HR8, these oils are worthy of the most expensive engines, it is not for nothing that the Shell concern is friends with such auto giants like Ferrari and Mercedes Benz almost from the day they were founded.

Signs of low-quality (fake) oil during operation (after the first filling):

• Difficulty starting the engine at low ambient temperatures. This is due to the high degree of change in the consistency of the oil, which quickly thickens and acquires a jelly-like state. Eventually, it freezes completely and is no longer able to lubricate the parts. As a result, interacting components experience dry friction, overheat and wear out quickly.
• Excessive oil consumption and the need for regular topping up are not normal for poor-quality lubrication, especially if this problem has not been observed before. Fake oil is not only consumed quickly, but is also prone to the formation of soot, dirt deposits and other wear products that clog oil channels. As a result, the dirt becomes more and more until the engine fails.

What is good or bad about the famous Shell Helix?

Pros:

— The first and most important advantage of Shell Helix HR8 oils is stability and easy engine starting in almost any weather conditions. Thanks to the special properties, Shell Helix HR8 oils do not thicken at low temperatures down to -35 and do not lose their density at temperatures up to +40.

— the second important advantage of Shell Helix HR8 oils is their impeccable engine protection from soot and corrosion. They say that pouring Shell Helix HR8 oil into a low-mileage used car that has not previously used Shell oil, the results exceed all expectations and are simply stunning. The engine valves actually become cleaner, and the engine runs noticeably quieter.

— an important positive point can also be considered that Shell Helix HR8 oils are suitable for engines developed using the latest technologies.

— the use of Shell Helix HR8 motor oils can significantly reduce fuel consumption by reducing friction of engine parts, which is achieved due to the high lubricating characteristics of Shell Helix HR8 oils.

Minuses:

The main disadvantage of Shell Helix HR8 oils is the high price. Many people think that the prices are not justified, but after studying many sources, we came to the conclusion that the game is worth the candle and you should not skimp on a worthy product, because it will repay you in full and save your fuel costs, as well as save time on starting the engine in the cold.

Shell Helix HR8 is absolutely contraindicated for cars with high mileage over 150,000 km, due to its aggressive cleaning properties. If other less powerful oils were previously poured into the car, there is a possibility that carbon deposits, rust, and so on have formed inside the engine. Shell Helix HR8 can have a detrimental effect in this case, since the oil begins to remove contaminants from the engine in large volumes and there is a danger that a valve may simply become clogged, which will lead to unpleasant consequences.

Advantages and disadvantages of Helix Hx8 5w40

When choosing Shell Helix Hx8 or Ultra, many car owners prefer the first option, although the second is considered the best of the entire line of lubricants from this manufacturer.

Shell Hx8 oil has many positive qualities:

• high degree of protection against wear of parts;
• a significant increase in the service life of the car engine and improvement of its performance due to excellent cleaning properties;
• preventing new dirt deposits on engine parts;
• rare topping up between complete oil changes, which is facilitated by low volatility;
• reduction in fuel consumption;
• maintaining the viscosity standard at the proper level, despite the service life and the amount of dissolved foreign particles when cleaning the engine;
• high efficiency regardless of weather conditions;
• reduction of noise and vibration due to normalization of friction;
• versatility (relevant for any car engines, both new generation and old brands);
• exceeding existing standards and requirements for motor oils;
• certification by many independent laboratories.

The disadvantages include the narrow scope of application of the oil - only for engines with an injection system . Also, according to consumer reviews, the manufacturer has overestimated the frost resistance threshold: in reality, the limit for maintaining the properties of the lubricant is 5 degrees higher. The negative aspects include the high cost of the product, which is explained by its excellent qualities, which became possible thanks to high processing technologies. Sometimes negative reviews about the properties of oil appear due to a large number of counterfeits, which are provoked by high demand for the product.

Types of Shell Helix oils

To begin with, it should be noted that the Helix line from SHELL was developed specifically for passenger cars , and over time it changed from simple mineral oils to modern synthetic oils, including those used in sports cars. Next, it makes sense to take a closer look at each type produced. This line includes the following brands of oils:

• HX3. It is mineral and is packaged in a red canister.
• HX5. It is also mineral, but it is believed that it is more suitable for diesel engines.
• HX6. It is semi-synthetic and comes in a yellow canister.

However, the listed oils are currently considered obsolete and are becoming less and less common on sale. Instead, the market is filled with the more advanced HX7, HX8 and ULTRA. It is about them that will be discussed further. Let's start in order.

Motor oil markings

Detailed explanation of all markings on a canister of motor oil. Find out what the API, SAE, ACEA, ILSAC and GOST motor oil markings mean to choose the required oil for your car engine.

Shell Helix HX7

Sold in a dark blue canister. It is a semi-synthetic oil. Can be used for both gasoline and diesel engines. Has the following classifications : API SN/CF, ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4, ASO SG+. At the same time, it has the following official approvals from automakers : MB 229.3, VW 502 00/505 00, Renault RN0700, RN0710, Fiat 955535-G2.

You can buy SHELL Helix HX7 oil with a viscosity of 10w 40 in a 4-liter canister using the following article number - 550040315. The price of such a canister as of summer 2020 is about 1,100 rubles.

Shell Helix HX8

Packaged in light gray canisters. It is a fully synthetic oil. Also suitable for both diesel and petrol engines. Has the following specifications : API SL/CF (meets the requirements of API SN bench tests), ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4. The oil also has official approvals from the following car manufacturers: MB 229.3, VW 502.00/505.00, Renault RN0700, RN0710.

You can buy SHELL Helix HX8 motor oil in a 4-liter canister with a viscosity of 5w-30 using the article number - 550040542. The price for this volume is 1,500 rubles.

Note! In 2020, Shell begins production of new HX8 oil with new approvals:

• SHELL Helix HX8 A5/B5 5W-30 for Ford, Volvo, Mazda cars;
• SHELL Helix HX8 ECT 5W-30 with low ash package (ideal for diesel engines with and without particulate filters) with European ACEA C3 approval and VW 504.00 vehicle manufacturer approval and MB 229.31 approval.

This means that if previously oils with a low-ash package (ECT) were only found in Ultra-type oils, then from now on a similar composition will appear in the HX8 line. Moreover, it will cost less than the designated Ultra.

Shell Helix Ultra

Sold in dark gray canisters. It is also a fully synthetic oil. Can be used for gasoline and diesel engines. This oil is produced using PurePlus technology , according to which oils are produced from natural gas, and not from oil, as other manufacturers do. This oil has low ash content and waste, which is especially good for diesel engines with a particulate filter .

Shell Helix Ultra ECT 5w30 oil has the following classifications : API SN/CF (and even exceeds SN by 60%), ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4. Approvals : BMW LL-01, MB-Approval 229.5, 226.5; VW 502.00/505.00; Porsche A40; RN0700, RN0710; PSA B71 2296; Ferrari; FIAT 9.55535-Z2; Chrysler MS-10725, MS-12991.

Shell Helix oil comparison

How do Shell Helix oils differ from each other and what are the similarities, and for which engines does it make sense to use each of them? As for Shell Helix HX7 oil, it is the simplest and most affordable of the three. The composition is intended for use in almost any engines of modern passenger cars. Accordingly, if the car owner is satisfied with the price of the product, then the oil is an excellent solution for any modern car (except, perhaps, special sports cars, for which premium oils are used).

Next we will compare the two remaining oils in the description - HX8 and ULTRA. As stated above, they are both synthetic. The Shell Ultra composition is officially considered premium. HX8 oil is currently available in two viscosity types - 5W-30 and 5W-40. They are produced using the traditional technology used for the production of synthetic oils called deep hydrocracking technology, which is the most common. Its main advantage is that production costs are low, which means the final price of Shell oil will be relatively low. Moreover, the SHELL company has its own patented hydrocracking technology, which is called by the English abbreviation XHVI, which translated into Russian means ultra-high viscosity index.

A distinctive feature of SHELL Helix Ultra oil, as mentioned above, is that the base oil used as its basis is made using the unique PurePlus technology, which is patented by SHELL. That is, from natural gas, and not from oil and its components. The base oil obtained using this technology is absolutely transparent, since it contains no foreign impurities. The fluidity of this base oil is very high. This makes it possible to obtain oils of various viscosities. Benefits of Helix Ultra oils:

• Very low waste consumption. That is, you need to top up very rarely, which means the consumption will be minimal.
• Good low temperature properties. In particular, with such oil with a viscosity of 5W-40, you can start a serviceable engine at a temperature of minus 40 degrees Celsius, which is superior to other similar formulations.
• Exceptional resistance to aging (oxidation). That is, their performance properties are equally good throughout their entire service life. This makes it possible to extend the oil change interval.
• They perfectly withstand all unfavorable operating conditions of the car, for example, refueling with low-quality fuel, when driving on dusty roads, extreme driving, poor technical maintenance, and so on.

However, it is fair to say that such oil is quite expensive, and it does not make much sense to use it in a middle-class car, unless the car is new and the car owner wants to keep the engine in good condition for as long as possible. Well, for owners of premium cars or sports cars, Shell Helix is ​​just the thing.

Reviews

• Georgy, Penza. I bought the car in maintained condition, so I immediately asked what was previously poured into the Opel Omega engine. It turned out that the foreign car was filled with Russian Lukoil, so the first thing I did was a complete engine flush, after which I filled it with pure synthetic Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40. In general, I am a small specialist and do not understand the technical intricacies of lubricants, so I will be extremely brief. After filling, 12 thousand km passed, after such regulations the oil was thick and not very dirty. In general, this is a good condition of the lubricant, but it had to be topped up. And with a mileage of 8 thousand km, there is no need to top up. For example, I take a 5-liter package so that I have some left over for topping up, since I keep the interval of 12 thousand. I liked the oil, it has good detergent additives that make the engine clean and without soot.
• Igor, Sakhalin region. This lubricant lasts a long time. I will note its excellent lubricating properties and viscosity characteristics, which are preserved even in such a cold climate as on Sakhalin. I was brought here for work - they periodically send me on business trips, but I never leave my car for a moment - I can even transport it by plane. This lubricant behaves ideally in injection engines. An active complex of detergent additives protects engine parts from wear and prolongs engine service life. I change Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 every 8-9 thousand km. The Skoda Octavia A5 with this oil drives briskly, smoothly and almost silently (within normal limits, no extraneous sounds from the engine are observed). The only negative is that the brand is twisted, which is why there is a high probability of fakes. Therefore, before flying to Sakhalin, I fill the tank full, and the 7,000 km regulation is enough for me for the entire period of the business trip.
• Yana, Bryansk region. I have a Ford Fiesta with a 1.4-liter engine, for which Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 oil is very suitable. At the same time, I am not a fan of large and extreme loads, maximum speeds and aggressive driving. I maintain a calm rhythm of driving both in the city and on highways. Perhaps this is why I change the oil every 10 thousand km. Although I have a faster friend who is forced to comply with the 7 thousand km limit. In my case, the engine is clean after 10 thousand, so there is no point in shortening the replacement period. The lubricating properties of the oil pleased me. In addition, there is no need to add lubricant. And fuel consumption has also decreased slightly (compared to the previous G-Energy oil).
• Victor, Krasnoyarsk region. I buy Shell oil because I own a foreign car, not a domestic car. I need reliable protection to avoid unpredictable repairs. After all, parts for Volkswagen Passat and other similar cars are very expensive. I was recommended to use synthetic - thanks to it, you can be sure of efficient engine starting even at minus 30 degrees. I have encountered such temperatures many times. You don’t even need to warm up the engine, although it is advisable. I drive with Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 oil for 7-8 thousand km. At this mileage, the liquid is light and transparent. It begins to darken at the 9-10th thousand, which is a good indicator in terms of the margin of useful properties. Therefore, you can maintain a longer interval, but I still prefer 7-8 thousand. Even in severe frost, the oil does not crystallize or freeze, but is in a liquid state. I was also pleased with the convenient canister with an oil level scale.

How to spot a fake

New SHELL Helix canisters 2020

Due to the popularity of the Shell Helix brand and its constant distribution on the market, a huge amount of counterfeit products are currently being sold on store shelves. Both buyers and manufacturers of original oil suffer from this. However, the company is constantly improving the degree of protection of its products, inventing and implementing various tricks on canisters that can easily distinguish counterfeit packaging from the original one. But recently Shell completely changed the design of its oil cans. Therefore, at first they are unlikely to be counterfeited, but the old canisters will remain on the shelves for some time. So we will further discuss the features of protection against counterfeiting and authentication of Shell Helix motor oils, since both versions of canisters have the main protection - a label on the lid, with a verification code, a QR code and a specific hologram.