Oil "ZIK 5w40" (synthetic): reviews, characteristics, how to distinguish a fake

Today there is a very large number of different oils on the market, produced by a fairly large number of manufacturers. Consumers sometimes have difficulty choosing the right product.

Car enthusiasts who want to reliably protect their engine can pay attention to ZIC X9 5W40 oil. It belongs to fully synthetic premium fluids, which are produced using the most modern technologies.

What are the dangers of using counterfeit motor oil?

To understand this issue, you need to understand the technological process for producing the liquid. At enterprises of large brands, various additives are added to initially high-quality motor oil to improve its original characteristics. Of course, they increase the cost of the process, because of this, really good oil will not be cheap.

In the case of fake oil, the situation is the opposite. The cheapest base is taken as a basis, mixed with industrial and sent to cans. The production cost is several times lower, and the selling price is only 10–15 percent lower.

The specialist says:

If the price of motor oil is much lower than the market price, then this is a reason to think about it. The fact is that only large retail outlets can afford to purchase goods at a discount. For example, a 2% discount may be provided when purchasing 3 tons of oil per month or more. Small shops cannot afford this. Therefore, if in a small stall the cost of motor oil is significantly lower than the market average, then it is not worth making a purchase.

Thus, the use of “dangerous” motor oil can lead to the following consequences:

• Pressure drop in the oil system. Because of this, engine parts receive less fluid than they need;
• Corrosion of engine parts due to low-quality components and the use of an industrial base not intended for car engines;
• The temperature range of operation decreases - in the cold season the car may simply not start.

Synthetics and semi-synthetics are often counterfeited, since “mineral water” is not highly valued in terms of cost.

Authenticity check: how to distinguish a fake from an original

Any fake can be distinguished by the following features:

• Packaging and label. Handicraft manufacturers use cheap glue and do not spend money on decent printing - the label on their products quickly peels off and does not look very presentable. Also, on the original oil, the sticker cannot be placed crookedly. Pay attention to the lid and shape of the canister;
• The appearance and smell of the liquid. Before adding oil to the engine, inspect it carefully. In fake oil, you can find sediment, traces of separation, and its color can differ dramatically from transparent amber. If the oil is pitch black, it is fake;
• Special symbols. Many manufacturers add watermarks, holograms, and engravings to their products. Examine the canister for anything similar;
• Unique codes. If a canister on the shelf has a code, look at the products next to it. If the code on all adjacent packages is the same, these are counterfeit products.

These were the general signs. Individual manufacturers may have their own.

Symptoms of Fake Shell (with video)

Signs of fake Shell oil:

• Package. The manufacturer changes the label design quite often, so if the old version has a recent production date, it is most likely a fake. Check the current label version on the Internet;
• Lid. Should be made of good plastic, not different in color from the canister;
• High quality printing. If the label or canister shows letters, numbers or low-quality designs, it is most likely a fake;
• Canister. Must be made of the same quality plastic as the lid. Should not have defects or casting flaws;
• Shell cans only come in four colors: yellow, blue, gray and red. In all other cases it is a fake.

Castrol: how to find out the quality of purchased products

The original products of this brand must have:

• Castrol logo engraved on the canister lid;
• Manufacturer's emblem on the lid-fixing ring;
• There must be a protective film under the lid;
• Watermark on the back of the container;
• Unique product code;
• Current label design.

Motul: how not to run into a fake

Signs of the original Motul:

• Special canister shape;
• The canister must have a special opening control system - the ring under the lid must stand straight and not come off;
• Marking Made in Italy or Made in France;
• Some oils have distinctive marks on their caps. For example, Bubble Tag is a small transparent square with bubbles inside.

Mobil: recognizing a low-quality purchase (with video guide)

The features of original products from this manufacturer are as follows:

• Same color for front sticker and canister lid;
• The protective ring under the cover is intact and present;
• Silver or graphite canister;
• The assembly is smooth, there are no casting flaws;
• Clear label printing;
• At the bottom of the canister there is a code indicating the batch (starts with the letter N or G).

Zic: signs of a bad product

The original products have the following characteristics:

• Cover - there should be no traces of glue or soldering;
• High-quality label printing, rich colors;
• There is an expiration date, certificates, and a “non-food product” designation on the bottom;
• Special watermark at the bottom of the front of the canister.

Diagnostic devices

If visual observations do not inspire confidence, you need to check the oil using a special device. One such device is an octane meter. It will help in determining the following factors:

• motor oil manufacturer;
• the presence of water in the oil substance.

Special laboratory complexes consisting of several devices are also used.

Using all these devices is quite simple: you just need to turn on the device and drop oil into a special window on it. The main disadvantage is that they are not available to the average car owner and are most often available in specialized service centers.

High-quality oil is the key to longevity and good performance of your pet’s engine. Check the product you purchase carefully!

High-quality motor oil is the basis for long-term and trouble-free engine operation. Unfortunately, the market today is filled with counterfeit motor oils . This mainly applies to well-known brands that are most in demand. Therefore, the issue of purchasing high-quality motor oil is especially acute today. There are several ways to check engine oil for authenticity.

Feedback on positive qualities

Car enthusiasts who leave positive reviews about the ZIC 75W90 series lubricant note the following qualities:

• ensuring reliable lubrication of all aggregate components, including high-speed modes and extreme operating conditions;
• maintaining perfect cleanliness inside the gearbox and rear axle;
• extension of intervals between replacements due to high thermal-oxidative stability;
• reduction of mechanical destruction of parts;
• extension of service life.

In the responses of car enthusiasts, we find a statement of the positive effect of lubricant on the operation of the gearbox or rear axle gearbox of many car brands. User Konstantin claims that Toyota Avensis behaves excellent with ZIC oil. Many car enthusiasts note the beneficial effect of this substance on the assembly units of various VAZ models (2114, Kalina, Lada Vesta, Grants, Priora, etc.), Renault Logan, Geely, Toyota Auris, Hyundai, Kia, and many others.

User Nikolay admits that after 1 month of working with ZIC GF TOP 75W 90 transmission oil, the noise in the gearbox became quieter and the shifting process was much smoother. Normal operation was maintained at sub-zero temperatures.

Particularly attractive are the responses from car enthusiasts who have been using this lubricant for several years. According to them, long-term and regular use of this particular product allows you to maintain trouble-free operation of the gearbox for many years. Car enthusiast Guest has been pouring ZIC transmission fluid into the gearbox for more than 7 years. I did not find any shortcomings in the operation of the aggregate units.

Some users have resorted to replacing their previous oils with ZIC due to the 5th gear humming and stiff shifting of the lever. According to one of the car enthusiasts (data hidden), the transmission substance ZIC GF TOP 75W 90 deprives the 5th gear of oil starvation and it stops howling on the highway. The same user recalls that his “uncle” drove a VAZ 2111 for 500,000 km without repairing the gearbox. Since the beginning of the purchase, he poured only ZIC.

Positive reviews are full of highlighting the most important advantage of this lubricant. This is a low cost. The oil is in an acceptable price range for most. This proves that sometimes the low price of a product is in harmony with the almost ideal qualities of gear oil.

How to distinguish original oil from fake

Leading motor oil manufacturers are constantly improving ways to protect their products from counterfeiting. No wonder. There are unofficial statistics according to which about 40% of all motor oils sold on Russian markets are counterfeit products.

It will not necessarily be oil that is absolutely unsuitable for use. Often, canisters of well-known brands are filled with cheap mineral oil with a simple set of additives, which is far from the properties of the original, but is also suitable. But sometimes, instead of oil, you come across a substance that can damage the engine in a short time.

Let's look at several protective techniques implemented by leading manufacturers, and also tell you how to check engine oil for authenticity.

How to check engine oil for quality

Today there is no reliable way to test new motor oil for quality. Even not all laboratories can give a comprehensive conclusion about the properties and durability of the sample taken for research.

But there are a number of techniques that can indirectly indicate the quality of the motor oil used.

1. Oil consistency on dipstick. On a hot engine, remove the dipstick from the crankcase and place it vertically. High-quality oil will accumulate at the end of the dipstick into a drop up to a certain volume, only after that it will separate and fall. Poor quality will simply flow down in a stream.
2. You need to drop one drop of oil from the dipstick onto a paper napkin. The stain can be used to judge the condition of the engine oil. If the drop spreads as a uniform greasy spot with a slight darkening in the center, the oil is still suitable for use. If the oil does not spread, but remains in the form of a drop, or the stain has obvious delamination, the oil is unsuitable.

There are many methods used among car owners on how to check engine oil for quality. Using the considered methods, the quality of the oil can be judged by comparing the kilometers traveled and the results of a drop sample. Normal oil should work stably for about 10 thousand kilometers. If signs of oil degradation appear earlier, the oil is most likely of poor quality.

Today it is much more difficult to choose a good motor oil than some mechanical device (for example, a child seat in a car

), since without careful study in laboratory conditions all testing methods give very conditional results.

Our online store website sells only original oils, which is confirmed by quality certificates and the presence of all protection elements from the manufacturers.

In a tin container. And so, in 2020, many supporters of this really good oil were unable to purchase it. Visiting online stores and offline points of sale, instead of the long-familiar containers, customers saw ZIK oil in plastic cans. Naturally, many wondered: what is it, an original or a fake? And what is the reason for this transformation? In this article we answer these questions and reveal all the secrets of the new ZIC packaging.

ZIC packaging

. The original or a fake?

At the end of 2020, the management of the SK Lubricants

a decision was made to rebrand the packaging of its products.
According to the head of the marketing department of the SK concern, this is due to the development of its own new synthetic base oil YUBASE+
.

The new plastic canister, which replaced the tin packaging, has two handles - one on top, the other on the side. Now pouring oil has become much more convenient. At the end, the container has a measuring scale. In different areas of the canister we see plastic of different textures.

In order to protect our products from counterfeiting, the following elements have been developed:

ZIC label elements include the following relevant information:

The identification code is also applied.

The changes also affected the color of the packaging: gold, grey, blue and red colors are now used for ZIK canisters. The numbers in the product name help the consumer to easily determine the quality level of the oil.

The flagship ZIC product line is labeled TOP

. These are fully synthetic oils from the best grades of base oils, made according to the most modern recipes with the addition of polyalphaolefins. The oil contains an improved additive package.

Motor oil ZIC TOP 5W-30
X9 - a line of synthetic oils

based on YUBASE+ hydrocracking base oil with the addition of an improved additive package.

X7 - synthetic motor oils

made on the basis of YUBASE+ hydrocracking base oil with a standard additive package.

X5 - semi-synthetic oils

— made on the basis of YUBASE base oil with the addition of additives and mineral oils.

X3 - line of mineral motor oils

. ZIC X3 will not be supplied to Ukraine. This oil was released specifically for the markets of some Asian countries.

As you can see, ZIK has optimized its line of motor oils and rebranded it. ZIC motor oils have been completely updated not only inside but also outside.

Let's summarize.

ZIC oils are now bottled in plastic cans. They will no longer be supplied in iron containers, with the exception of oils for commercial vehicles packaged in 20 liters, which continue to be poured into tin buckets. All oils in plastic canisters are truly original. Just in the future, when purchasing ZIK oils, pay attention to the features of the canister that we presented in this article.

And lastly, buy oils only in specialized stores. Enjoy the shopping!

As you already understood from the title, this article will talk about ZIC oil and its counterfeit. Here you will learn how to distinguish counterfeit ZIC oil from the original. Useful - isn't it?

This oil recently changed packaging and in order to dispel all doubts about this original, we decided to add this oil to the list of previously described oils and their counterfeits.

Before buying oil, you need to be savvy with information on how to check oil for counterfeit. After all, if you put a fake in a car, no one knows what the consequences will be.

High level protection

Motor lubricants of the X9 line are absolute synthetic representatives of their group, which also includes diesel brands. All products have stable viscosity parameters, which affects the fluidity of the consistency. The lubricant contains additives that take care of the internal cleanliness of the cylinder block. It effectively washes away carbon deposits and dissolves them in its own mass. Dispersing properties are responsible for this. Their task is aimed not only at dissolving, but also at retaining combustion waste in the “body” of the oil, so that it does not cause damage to the technical parameters of the product. When the regulated replacement time arrives, all contaminants will be removed from the engine with the used fluid.

“ZIK” for diesel automotive devices is characterized by a low content of harmful substances and is therefore characterized as low-ash oil. This property has an impact on the ecological cleanliness of the environment.

Prices for ZIK 5w40 oil (synthetic) vary depending on the volume of packaging and the region of sale. For example, in the Sverdlovsk region of Russia, a liter container is offered on average for 450-500 rubles, and in Novosibirsk for 550-600 rubles. 4-liter canisters are sold for around 1,800 rubles, and metal barrels with a volume of 200 liters are put up for sale at 80 thousand rubles.

How to distinguish a fake from the original ZIC oil?

To protect against counterfeiting, the ZIK company has developed the following elements.

Vacuum film on the lid, on which you can see the inscription SK.

Protective foil under the lid with the inscription ZIC.

Fresh patented technology that allows you to place holograms directly on the label (in part of it). Naturally, most larger motor oil manufacturers have much higher levels of protection against counterfeiting than ZIK had before the rebranding. But the situation has changed significantly.

Now ZIC oil has a sufficient number of levels of protection and can compete on equal terms with other manufacturers. It can be seen on the front side of the canister. If you look at the label from a certain angle, you can see the SK hologram on it.

It should be noted that ZIK oil is not counterfeited as often as its more expensive competitors such as Mobil, Shell and Castrol. But you still need to always be on alert.

Engraving of ZIC oil on the bottom of the canister.

External signs of counterfeit oil

The original ZIC canister has a “SK” hologram on the front side, which is visible when the container is tilted. On the fake container, the abbreviation is changed to “ZIC” and is visible without tilting. Moreover, the inscription is not a hologram, but an ordinary drawing.

• If a film with the inscription SK has white tones around the edges, this indicates counterfeit.
• The front side of the description label on the original is darker in color.
• On a fake, the letters and numbers have a larger font size with poor print quality.

A canister with fake liquid is translucent in bright light. In the original container, the lubricant should be practically invisible. The counterfeit product has a softer plastic composition in contrast to the original oil canister. The SK Lubricants company uses red, blue, gray and gold tones for the original plastic container.

Additional information indicated on the original ZIK:

• name of the motor oil;
• fuel efficiency decals;
• viscosity index;
• composition of the base lubricant;
• technical specifications;
• an identification number.

When choosing lubricant products, pay special attention to protection systems. Using these recommendations, every car enthusiast will be able to protect themselves from purchasing low-quality compounds and fill only original ZIC lubricants into the engine.

The Zik company has long become a famous manufacturer of motor oils, whose products are actively promoted in many countries around the world. The South Korean company was founded in 1962 and since then has one of the most high-tech bases for the production of lubricants.

The company boasts a wide range of products and a large number of brand fans. It is worth considering several models of the synthetic and semi-synthetic line under which Zic motor oil is produced.

In the production of oil, modern technology for processing petroleum products is used - catalytic hydrocracking. This makes it possible to obtain lubricants with a high viscosity index.

In addition, the resulting oil contains low amounts of aromatic and sulfur hydrocarbons. Thanks to this technology, Zic oils are more stable.

What information can you get from a ZIC motor oil label?

1. Product name.
2. Fuel efficiency symbols.
3. Oil viscosity.
4. Composition of base oil.
5. Basic specifications.
6. Identification code.

The colors used for ZIC packaging are gold, grey, blue and red. The numbers in the product name help the consumer determine the quality of the product. X9 oil is a fully synthetic oil with advanced additives.

X7 is a synthetic oil with a basic additive package. X5 is a semi-synthetic oil with a basic additive package. X3 is a mineral oil with a basic additive package.

Always test the oil before purchasing to ensure it has all levels of protection. Fill your cars with only high-quality oil and never fall for counterfeits.

Well, that’s all the main characteristics and indicators of the original ZIC oil. If you have any questions, write in the comments, we will definitely answer you.

Video review of original ZIC oil and fakes

The South Korean company SK Lubricants can be called, without exaggeration, a phenomenon in the world of modern lubricants.

Having entered the foreign market only at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries, it, thanks to its products, easily pushed the world's leading giants of the oil and gas industry, and in recent years it has only been gaining momentum.

Motor oil ZIC X9 5W-40 is a fairly well-known representative of lubricants from SK Lubricants on the Russian market.

If we are based only on the number of reviews in open sources, then this product is in the top five in terms of sales among all ZIC brand oils.

And this is a good reason to understand in detail what ZIC X9 5W-40 engine oil is.

"Faster, higher, stronger"

It is under this slogan that ZIC X7 5w40 oil could be developed. Its molecular structure is constructed in such a way that the liquid penetrates into all technological gaps of engine parts and components. Thus, it provides maximum protection, preventing unexpected damage to metal surfaces during the first start of the engine after a long period of inactivity. Many lubricants, after stopping the engine, completely drain into the oil pan, leaving parts without an oil protective layer. During the subsequent start, for several moments the parts and assemblies rotate and rub against each other “dry”. Cracks and gaps appear on the smooth sides of the working elements, which will progress and in the future can lead to serious damage. This brand of lubricant prevents such negative manifestations by stopping their occurrence.

According to reviews of synthetic 5w40, ZIK oil, the product has high antioxidant properties. They prevent the appearance of rust on parts, which has a very destructive effect on them. Corrosion is the most common and destructive “disease” of any metal used in the engine structure. Therefore, this property is very important in maintaining the performance of the car’s power unit.

Main characteristics

Let's look at the most important characteristics of ZIC X9 5W-40, which determine its performance properties and scope of application. And what you need to pay attention to when choosing oil for your car.

Base type

ZIC X9 5W-40 is a synthetic motor oil created on a highly purified hydrocracking base using SK Lubricants Yubase+ proprietary technology.

This type of base is characterized by high stability of its operating properties, which deteriorate slightly throughout the entire service period. The additive package is purchased separately from Infineum.

Additives are supplied by the British company Infineum. Moreover, the additive package used in Genesis oils is one of the latest developments from the Infineum laboratory.

Viscosity zic x9 5w 40

Let's consider the viscosity grade according to SAE 5W-40. The first part of the index according to SAE 5W determines the minimum guaranteed temperature of lubricant pumpability through the system and the ability to rotate the crankshaft without the possibility of damage to the liners and journals.

In winter, ZIC X9 5W-40 oil is guaranteed to be pumped at temperatures down to –30 °C, and will allow the crankshaft to turn without jamming or scuffing at temperatures down to –35 °C.

The summer part of the index according to SAE 40 means that the lubricant will have a kinematic viscosity at a temperature of +100 °C in the range from 12.5 to 16.3 cSt.

The manufacturer declared a kinematic viscosity of 14.1 cSt. Indirectly, this criterion indicates that the lubricant can be used without consequences for the engine at ambient temperatures up to +40 °C.

Viscosity index.

Determines the change in lubricant fluidity when it is heated or cooled. For the oil in question, the viscosity index is 173 units. A good indicator for hydrocracking lubricants.

Temperature indicators

Flash point.

Shows the thermal threshold at which a chain reaction of combustion begins when heated without the use of an open flame. ZIC X9 5W-40 oil has a flash point of 222 °C. Average result.

Pour point.

The manufacturer states that the pour point of the oil in question is –42.5 °C. The classic indicator for hydrocracking lubricants of the 5W-40 category.

Base number

Affects the ability of the oil to wash away sludge deposits. The higher it is, the better the lubricant copes with cleaning the engine from contaminants.

note

The base number for ZIC X9 5W-40 is 9.1 mg KOH/g. This is a high figure. That is, the oil theoretically performs an excellent cleaning function.

The set of characteristics is quite impressive for hydrocracking-based lubricants. And here the most interesting characteristic is the price.

clogged diesel particulate filter due to the use of unsuitable oil

The cost of ZIC X9 5W 40 engine oil is at an average level. And taking into account the high performance characteristics, we can say that this, in theory, is one of the best offers on the market. Is this really so, we will find out below.

Negative ratings

Negative reviews indicate one significant disadvantage of the product. This is the presence of a lot of fakes on the market. Car enthusiasts complain that it is becoming increasingly difficult to choose original ZIC gear oil.

Torcon user tells a story that happened to his friend. He carried 2 ZIC canisters in the trunk. When it was -25 below zero outside, the oil in one canister turned white and froze, while in the other it remained normal. This case can be explained in 2 versions:

• one of the canisters contained a fake;
• presence of defective products. The manufacturer himself admits that sometimes an overdose of additives occurs, which changes the color of the lubricant and its characteristics. In other cases, different base oils are used. This also leads to a product with different shades and parameters.

Among other shortcomings, the following nuances are noted. The user (data hidden) indicated that when replacing the transmission fluid, small particles were found in the treatment. This was regarded as showing signs of wear.

The statement of another user (data hidden) sounds somewhat out of tune. The woman went to the service center. There she was told that she needed to change the fluid in the gearbox and buy ZIC. She did just that. After this, she admitted that normal gear shifting had returned, and normal operation of the gearbox had been restored. However, the woman notes the high cost of the product as a disadvantage. In this case, claims may be made against the service center, which may allow itself to overcharge.

Some users claim that this inexpensive transmission substance has worked well in manual transmissions in warmer seasons. But when it’s hot, the oil foams, and this is already some kind of drawback.

Some car enthusiasts think that the ZIC GF TOP 75W 90 transmission is not suitable for real Russian winters. They note that at temperatures below -25° the substance freezes. Then it can be quite difficult to engage the gear lever and move the car. Others complain that this lubricant does not protect transmission parts well from premature wear.

Independent test results and scope

One Russian independent laboratory, equipped with all the equipment necessary for testing lubricants, conducted an independent test of ZIC X9 5W-40.

We will not list all the parameters under study, but will focus on some significant points:

1. Almost all parameters studied in laboratory conditions did not deviate from the characteristics declared by the manufacturer by more than 5%. Moreover, the deviations were for the better. And this is a good sign that the oil is really high quality.
2. The base number turned out to be about 10-10.5 mg KOH/g. The manufacturer was modest with the declared ability of its product to clean the engine.
3. Evaporation rate due to waste is 9.8%. This is a good indicator, which means that the lubricant is resistant to evaporation.

Checking ZIK X9 5-40 oil on the KRISTAL-850 device - video

The scope of application of any lubricant for internal combustion engines is determined by classification according to one of the generally accepted criteria and approvals of automakers.

Motor oil ZIC X9 5W-40 has the following characteristics according to international classifiers:

• ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4;
• API SN/CF.

This means that the oil is suitable for use in gasoline and diesel engines with any power system. The engine can be equipped with a turbine and intercooler.

The degree of engine boost does not matter. The oil is compatible with exhaust gas catalysts, but is not suitable for particulate filters.

ZIC X9 5W-40 meets the following requirements of car manufacturers:

• Volkswagen 502.00, 505.00 and 503.01;
• Mercedes Benz-Approval 229.5;
• BMW Longlife-01;
• Renault RN 0700 and RN 0710;
• Mercedes Benz 226.5;
• PSA B71 2296;
• Porsche A-40.

In Russia, this motor oil is widely used in many regions due to its good viscosity properties and the availability of widespread tolerances.

Advantages of ZIC 5W40 motor oils

• Extends the life of the motor;
• Thanks to the presence of cleaning additives in a high-quality synthetic base, it allows you to fight carbon deposits, sludge and deposits, while the oil itself is practically not wasted and thus does not pollute the engine;
• Practically does not evaporate, has good thermal and oxidative stability;
• Fully compatible with the materials from which seals and filters in the fuel and oil systems of cars are made;
• ZIC 5W40 oil (synthetic) eliminates the appearance of vibrations and extraneous noise while driving, and this makes being in the cabin more comfortable;
• Provides a smooth ride, reduces fuel consumption;
• Performs well even with strong temperature changes;
• Allows you to start the engine safely and easily even in frosty weather. It pumps quickly, eliminating the negative effect of “oil starvation”, which appears immediately after starting the engine, when the oil has not yet had time to penetrate to each element;
• The oil perfectly envelops all engine parts; thanks to its viscous structure and unique chemically pure composition, it creates a durable oil film on the surface, reducing the coefficient of friction and reducing wear;
• The effectiveness of ZIC 5W40 oil (synthetic) is also supported by the presence of antifriction additives in the liquid, which enhance the effect;
• ZIC 5W40 oil has an extended replacement interval, that is, it retains its properties throughout the entire period of use between replacements, and the service cycle can be extended;
• Suitable for different engines of modern cars. In the product line you can find lubricants for internal combustion engines running on diesel fuel and gasoline;
• According to consumer reviews, it can be successfully used when operating a car in different conditions: active city driving, long trips on the highway, in mixed mode.

Reviews from car owners

The vast majority of reviews about ZIC X9 5W-40 are written in a positive or neutral manner.

Among all the reviews there are several common points:

• Good performance to price ratio.
  Many popular brands want more for their products of similar quality. While ZIC X9 5W-40 is cheaper than its competitors. And at the same time it fully complies with the characteristics stated on the container.
• The engine often starts to run quieter.
  Clattering hydraulic compensators either stop knocking completely or become significantly quieter. The good cleaning properties of the oil are reflected. Channels clogged with sludge are cleaned and the oil flow is stabilized. The compensator bodies are filled and function properly.
• Relatively wide availability
  . Motor oil ZIC X9 5W-40 is a fairly common product on the Russian markets. Even in small towns it can be found without any problems. The same cannot be said about some other brands.
• Resistant to structural changes and does not degrade to an unusable state
  throughout the entire scheduled service life. It’s convenient when you don’t need to pull out the dipstick every 500 km after 5-6 thousand kilometers and check whether the oil has turned into a useless substance.

There are also negative reviews about this motor oil. There are not many of them. And all of them are extremely contrary to the general impression created by the mass of other, positive reviews.

Video review of ZIC X9 5W40 oil after replacement in Chery Amulet

There is one small point that not everyone pays attention to: negative reviews in general about ZIK products appeared after oils in plastic containers began to arrive on the Russian market. And it became easier to fake them.

Advantages and disadvantages

Surprisingly, some buyers cite the use of a plastic canister as a disadvantage of ZIK X9 5w40 oil. The metal packaging of the predecessor ZIK XQ 5w40 immediately made the South Korean product stand out on the shelves and inspired more confidence in the oil. Modern plastic packaging raises doubts about the uniqueness and Asian bottling of the product.

Such a drawback cannot be considered significant, especially since over time, car owners will get used to the new design of ZIC product canisters and will not pay attention to the packaging.

The performance characteristics of the oil are much more important. They are the ones who show the reliability of the lubricant itself and encourage people to choose a specific brand.

The main advantages of ZIK X9 5B40 oil are:

• ability to work at extended replacement intervals;
• low oil consumption;
• excellent cleaning properties;
• preventing the formation of carbon deposits in the engine;
• high resistance to oxidation and aging;
• performance over a wide temperature range.