Every car owner knows about the need to timely replace all cooling and lubricating fluids in the car. One of the main ones is motor oil. If it is of high quality and selected correctly, it will ideally lubricate all contacting parts of the engine mechanism, reduce friction and cool, thereby extending the life of the car. Today we will look at Shell Helix 10W-40 oil (semi-synthetic), reviews about it, characteristics, application, positive and negative aspects. In this article we have collected all the most important information about the Shell product.
What is semi-synthetic?
It often happens that people, when buying a car for the first time, are completely unaware of the difference between synthetic, mineral and semi-synthetic oil. Synthetics are made on the basis of natural gases, are the most expensive of all types, and are used on expensive imported cars. Synthetics are not recommended for use in domestic cars, since they are the thinnest of all oils and can find their way into a small gap in the Russian automobile industry!
Mineral is made on the basis of oil, is the cheapest, and is used on classic Russian cars, old cars, since the residue from the combustion product can effectively clog all the cracks in the mechanism and pipes invisible to the eye, and will not escape.
Semi-synthetic is manufactured using a combined technology and is universal for use on Russian old, new and foreign cars.
Semi-synthetic is also good because it combines the main advantages of previous oils: mineral additives dissolve better in mineral oils, while synthetic oils can withstand a wider temperature range.
Features of shell helix motor lubricants
Shell Helix machine lubricant belongs to a brand with a big name. All brands and models of products produced under this brand are characterized by high efficiency; they comply with the standards and requirements put forward by modern automakers.
Thanks to the introduction of new achievements and technologies in the production of fuels and lubricants, the products produced by the company withstand any multi-level control at any phase of production.
Shell Helix 10W-40 oil (semi-synthetic): characteristics of HX7
Thanks to a number of unique additives in the oil, it cleans the engine more efficiently.
Provides antioxidant properties thanks to a number of special additives. Compared to analogue oils, it extends the service life of units and components by 20%.
Savings in fuel consumption occur due to the instantaneous supply of oil to all engine parts, which occurs due to reduced viscosity.
The liquid is able to maintain its viscosity level for the entire period of use of the oil, if this period is not missed.
This oil evaporates slowly, resulting in less waste. In this case, topping up is done less frequently, and the car owner saves money.
Helps reduce vibration and noise levels in the engine.
Basic characteristics of HX7 and areas of application
Oil viscosity - 10Ts-40.
The lubricating fluid can ignite at a heating temperature of 220 degrees.
The oil freezes at a temperature of minus 39 degrees outside.
Shell Helix 10W-40 oil (semi-synthetic) can be used in winter in the same way as in summer. It is all-season.
Suitable for engines equipped with fuel injection and exhaust gas recirculation. For which engines is Shell Helix 10W-40 (semi-synthetic) oil used? Diesel, gasoline, turbocharged, intercooled.
This oil is recommended by manufacturers:
- Fiat.
- Reno.
- VolksWagen.
Comparison of laboratory tests of the best SHELL motor oils
| Lab tests | SHELL Helix HX8 Synthetic 5W-40 | SHELL Helix Ultra 5W-40 | SHELL Helix High Mileage 5W-40 | SHELL Helix HX7 5W-40 | SHELL Helix HX7 10W-40 |
| ACEA approval | A3/B3, A3/B4 | A3/B3, A3/B4 | A3/B4 | A3/B3, A3/B4 | A3/B3, A3/B4 |
| API clearance | SN/SN PLUS/CF | SN/CF | SN | SN/CF | SN/CF |
| Kinematic viscosity at 100℃ | 14.6 mm²/s | 13.14 mm²/s | 14.57 mm²/s | 14.52 mm²/s | 14.09 mm²/s |
| Dynamic viscosity MRV | — | 19300 mPas at -35°С | — | 20200 mPas at -35°С | 21100 mPas at -35°С |
| Dynamic viscosity CCS | — | — | — | 5830 mPas at -30°С | 6485 mPas at -30°С |
| Flash point | 235°C | 242°C | 247°C | — | 236 °C |
| Freezing point | -50°C | -45°C | -54°C | — | -38 °C |
| Base number | 12.38 mg. KOH per 1 g | 12.44 mg. KOH for 1g. | 12.46 mg KOH per 1 g | 10.32 mg. KOH per 1 g | 10.44 mg. KOH for 1g. |
| Acid number | 1.63 mg. KOH per 1 g | 1.99 mg. KOH for 1g. | 2.02 mg KOH per 1 g | 1.81 mg. KOH per 1 g | 2.18 mg. KOH for 1g. |
| Sulfated ash content | 1.14% | 1.24% | 1.15% | 1.21% | 1.23% |
| Sulfur content | 0.250% | 0.232% | 0.253% | 0.415% | 0.612% |
| Fourier IR Spectrum | — | GTL base or hydrocracking | GTL hydrocracking | — | — |
| NOACK | — | — | — | — | 7.7% |
Basic characteristics and scope of application of HX6
The viscosity of this oil is 10W-40.
It hardens in the same way as HX7, at sub-zero temperatures equal to 39 degrees outside the car.
There is a possibility of fire when the engine heats up more than 220 degrees.
The density of this product is 871 kilograms per cubic meter, while that of HX7 is 880, this is the difference.
Motor oil 10W-40 (semi-synthetic) Shell Helix HX7 is recommended by the manufacturers:
- "Audi".
- "BMW".
- "Hyundai".
- "Mercedes".
- "Kia".
- "Volkswagen".
It can be safely used in winter in areas where the air temperature does not drop to forty degrees Celsius. It is also ideal for summer use.
Shell Helix Plus 10W-40
This is also a semi-synthetic engine oil, which is made using unique Shell technology. It has shown unsurpassed lubricating properties, and is truly better than analog oils. Independent experts have assessed the quality of this product and recommend it for use.
Suitable for engines:
- injection gasoline;
- turbocharged;
- multi-valve engines;
- diesel engines;
- gas-gasoline engines.
The range of its applications is wide, and it can be used in almost every car with any engine. To make sure whether this oil is suitable for you or not, read the manufacturer’s recommendations, which are available in the vehicle’s owner’s manual. If there is none, then consult with a specialist about the possibility of using this product specifically for your car.
Also, this oil is not recommended for use in winter in areas with harsh climates, where the temperature drops to -33 degrees, since it is at this temperature that the oil hardens.
It ignites when the engine heats up to 210 degrees, so in the summer, also carefully monitor the temperature.
Scope of application of this oil
Motor fluid is used for power units:
- diesel engine;
- Gas engine;
- injection power unit;
- turbocharged;
- engine with exhaust gas recirculation;
- with intermediate level cooling.
Shell Helix 10w 40 lubricant is most often used in cars of the following models: Volkswagen, Hyundai, Mercedes.
Shell Helix 10w 40 motor oil is indicated for use in frosty cold weather, but not lower than minus 40° C. In the summer heat, a car can also run well on this lubricant.
Shell Helix Ultra 10W-40 oil - semi-synthetic or not?
This question interests many car owners who, standing in the store and not finding Shell Helix semi-synthetic oil, think whether it is possible to add the same 10W-40, but “Ultra” to HX7 10W-40. Unfortunately, this cannot be done, since the gray packaging of this oil and the “Ultra” marking indicate that it is synthetic.
It is not recommended to mix these types of oils, since the additives can work in a peculiar way and foam the entire contents poured into the engine. Also, these additives can precipitate and cause engine failure.
How to spot a fake when purchasing
The first thing that should alert the buyer is the suspiciously low price. The desire to save money should not prevent you from making a prudent decision.
The manufacturer tries to protect its products from counterfeiting. The design changes periodically, but new packaging increases the variety of legal goods on the shelves of Yekaterinburg stores, often helping to hide counterfeit products. The most reliable way to distinguish the original from a skillful fake is to check the 16-digit code located under the label on the neck lid via the Internet. Using your smartphone, you can scan the QR code and automatically go to ac.shell.com to confirm your authenticity.
Without being able to go online, you will have to carefully inspect the canister. For hx7 It should be dark blue, shiny, without visible defects. There is a small symbol on the bottom that prohibits the contents from being eaten. For fakes, its size is almost always larger. The date of issue is marked in clear small dots.
The hologram on the cover should change color from green to gray when the viewing angle changes. The mesh is redder under ultraviolet rays. Fake containers are almost always made of thinner plastic, have a matte surface and an imitation of a holographic sticker, which only looks like the real thing from afar.
Why choose
You can completely avoid problems by placing an order in the Detal Auto online store. The company receives original products from reliable suppliers. Our staff will help you avoid mistakes when choosing a product.
In Yekaterinburg, oil changes can also be made with article numbers 550040315 and 550040341:
- if you do not need to remove the protection – 250 rubles
- if it is necessary to remove the protection – 400 rubles.
The Detal Auto store offers spare parts and consumables for cars of all popular brands. Almost everything is in stock. Study the description of the required product, place an order and don’t waste time looking for parts in different places! Everything you need can be found here!
Positive reviews about Shell Helix oil
Shell Helix 10W-40 oil (semi-synthetic) has numerous reviews. First we decided to write about the positive ones, since there are many more of them.
Car owners claim that this oil perfectly cleans the engine, does not leave carbon deposits, and does not foam, which sometimes happens with other oils. There are reviews that after switching to Shell from a different oil, the engine became more tractable, started easier and pulled better.
They say that even the most expensive foreign cars use this oil. There are reviews that the engine starts the first time even in frost below thirty degrees.
The low volatility of this oil is also noted. It is more economical and requires less topping up.
Also shared are those who noticed that Shell Helix 10W-40 (semi-synthetic) oil reduces fuel consumption. Reviews about this product say that although it is a little more expensive than its analogues, it is worth using, since it is really of high quality, has a beneficial effect on the operation of the car, and saves money on refueling and topping up.
Negative reviews
There are opinions that after many years of using this oil, no shortcomings were noticed, but later they began to be discovered. Some say that the car stopped starting even in twenty-degree frost, while for others the oil began to evaporate a lot. Car owners believe that they bought a fake, which is why Shell Helix 10W-40 (semi-synthetic) oil failed. There are also reviews that the quality of the product has dropped significantly compared to previous years, and car owners have become increasingly disillusioned with it. But still, the majority is inclined to fake.
To avoid purchasing such a product and not be disappointed in it, purchase only from trusted suppliers and specialized stores Shell Helix 10W-40 oil (semi-synthetic). Photos of the original packaging are available in our article. Start from the fact that each bottle of oil has an original sticker, and study it carefully.
Before you buy Shell Helix 10W-40 (semi-synthetic) motor oil, make sure that this product meets the technical characteristics of your vehicle.
A new canister is the best protection against counterfeiting
]Shell[/anchor] values its reputation and in 2015 announced the start of production of new canisters. Legacy canister models are still in production and will remain on shelves. The main differences between the new type of canisters and outdated models are described below:
- the new canister has an updated label;
- It is also worth noting the slightly modified shape of the canister - an elongated neck shape and another protective part;
- cover with a sticker applied on top in the form of an iridescent hologram with protection. The protection itself is made in the form of a multi-valued code. Using this password, the buyer on the company portal will be able to understand the authenticity of each individual canister.
It is also important to look at how the canister is made. There should be no leaks or bubbles on the canister.
Also pay attention to the safety indicator of the oil box. The Zik series lid always has a special film for protection.
Economical and low cost Shell Helix Ultra 10W40. Due to its low volatility, it can be practically not consumed and not wasted on soot. It should be remembered that 10W40 rarely needs to be added between full lubricant changes.
Helix Ultra 10W40 can be changed much less frequently; for this reason, the viscosity of the lubricant remains at the highest level throughout the entire service life of the engine, which contributes to strong fuel economy.
]Shell[/anchor] products are very attractive to various types of scammers. These lubricants are among the most counterfeited in Russia and the rest of the world. Drivers should take this into account if they want to keep their car intact.
How to avoid a low-quality product? It is worth buying goods only from trusted people. Large specialized companies will also not be able to provide motorists with a full guarantee that their product meets safety requirements.
Remember that by purchasing Shell motor oil in dubious places, or from sellers on the market, you can suffer greatly and lose significant money on car repairs.
