Shell’s new 0W range of engine oils.
Shell has launched a new range of Helix Ultra engine oils in Singapore.
The 0W-20, 0W-30 and 0W-40 grades enable the oil giant to cater to a wider range of vehicle makes and models.
CLAIMED BENEFITS
Shell says that its latest Helix Ultra 0W range of synthetic oils are formulated to create “a self-healing anti-wear film” on components.
Shell also claims that these new oils can deliver up to 60 percent lower engine friction than other lubricant brands.
WHAT REQUIREMENTS DOES EACH GRADE SATISFY?
Shell’s Helix Ultra 0W-20 is aimed at high-performance and hybrid cars, while the 0W-30 grade is suitable for a wide range of multi-fuel vehicles.
This means that as long as it satisfies the manufacturer’s specifications, 0W-30 can be used for both petrol and diesel motors.
The 0W-40 formulation, on the other hand, is typically used by sports cars. The lubricants can be used in both naturally aspirated and turbocharged engines.
WHAT’S WITH THE DIFFERENT GRADES?
For first-timers, the numbers on oil bottles might be confusing. Let’s take the 0W-30 formula for instance.
To begin with, most modern engine oils are multi-grade, meaning they can be used in both cold and hot weather.
Long ago, cars had to use a different oil in the winter (a thinner, lower viscosity one) and a thicker (higher viscosity) one in the summer.
The first number, “0” means that the oil will be thin in winter (hence the “W”). The second number, 30, refers to the engine oil’s viscosity in hot temperatures.
The lower the numbers, the less viscous (thinner) the oil will be.
The lower viscosity in cold temperatures is needed so that oil can flow freely. If it is too viscous, it will fail to flow adequately, thereby leaving engine components un-coated.
This as you might imagine, will cause a lot of damage.
In high temperatures (like Singapore’s), a higher viscosity oil is needed. We don’t want the oil becoming too thin as the motor and engine heat up.
A more viscous oil can resist thinning, thereby retaining its protective characteristics.
