Shell Helix HX8 oil

Author: Victor

The performance of a car engine depends on the quality of the motor fluid used in the power unit. Consumers today are offered a huge range of oils, differing in price and technical features. What Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 liquid is and what reviews consumers leave about it - find out from this material.

[Hide]

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.

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.

Types of Shell and ZIC oils

To make it easier to decide on the appropriate lubricant, it is worth noting the classification of all existing motor oils. And based on this, choose Shell or ZIK products. First of all, you need to pay attention to the composition of the oils. Both Shell Helix and ZIC come in three types:

• mineral;
• semi-synthetic;
• synthetic.

The main difference is the underlying base of the lubricant. Some use recycled oil, while others use an artificially created synthetic base. Semi-synthetic oils are obtained by mixing the first two options, and now they are perhaps more popular than all others.

In addition, lubricants from Shell and ZIC can be designed for use in gasoline or diesel engines. This is due to the peculiarities of internal combustion engines operating on different types of fuel.

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 2021 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 2021, 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.

Manufacturer approvals and approvals

Let's look at the tolerances and approvals assigned to Shell Helix HX8 5W-30 engine oil:

• API clearance. For gasoline engines, the API approval corresponds to the SN standard, for diesel engines - CF. It is noteworthy that many independent tests show a significant excess of performance standards regulated by approval for gasoline engines.

  
  API Tolerances

  For example, thanks to Active Cleansing Technology, cleaning properties meet the requirements for the API SN standard by an impressive margin. The oil is suitable for use in all gasoline and diesel engines with any power system. It cannot be used only for trucks and heavy industrial equipment equipped with particulate filters of EURO-5 standards and higher.

• ACEA approval. Here the oil is assigned classes A3/B3 and A3/B4. These European standards actually completely repeat the requirements for oils according to the American API classification.

  
  ACEA approvals

Endorsements

The engine oil fully complies with the requirements of the following automaker standards:

• Volkswagen 502 00 and 505 00;
• Mercedes-Benz Approval 229.3;
• Renault RN 0700 and 0710.

There are no JASO approvals for Japanese cars.

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.

Characteristics of Shell Helix HX8 5w40 lubricant

Shell Hx8 oil is highly adaptable to any operating conditions. It guarantees stable engine operation when driving in different styles and in all weather conditions. The viscosity class synthetic 5w40 means that the lubricant works in the temperature range: from -35 to +40 degrees Celsius.

The main feature of the synthetic Hx8 brand is the properties of patented active detergent additives . They quickly and efficiently cope with existing carbon deposits, sludge and varnish deposits, preventing new dirt from settling on engine parts. Dissolved soot particles do not change the initial viscosity, which retains its properties until the oil is completely changed.

Specifications:

How to spot a fake

New SHELL Helix canisters for 2021

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.

Oil check

It is important to compare the color and smell of the oil. Counterfeits often smell like acetone. It has a lighter color.

Experts compare the fake with green tea, and the original with black tea.

Comparison of color and smell

It is also recommended to check the viscosity of the oil at different temperatures. First of all, the oil is compared at room conditions. Next, it must be placed in the freezer and cooled as much as possible. The counterfeit product becomes waxed or becomes excessively viscous.

Comparison at room temperature

Viscosity when frozen