Comparison Shell Helix HX8 Synthetic 5W-40 4 L vs Shell Helix HX7 5W-40 4 L

- Mineral. The name of this type is due to the fact that the oil is entirely of “fossil” origin - its components are hydrocarbons obtained during the distillation of oil. This type of oil appeared first and is still used today, however, it is gradually losing ground to synthetics and semi-synthetics. This is due to the fact that pure mineral oils are significantly inferior in characteristics to these two types. In particular, they do not tolerate both high and low temperatures - they can thicken and even freeze at -15...-20 ° C, and when they boil, they severely clog the engine. Oxidation of such oil occurs faster, which requires more frequent replacement. In addition, many modern engines put forward quite stringent requirements for the quality of fuels and lubricants, into which mineral oils simply do not fit. On the other hand, brands of this type are easy to produce and inexpensive.

— Synthetics. Such oils are produced artificially, using chemical synthesis (hence the name). They appeared as a means of overcoming the shortcomings of mineral varieties and have proven themselves to be excellent in this role, because The technology for the production of synthetic oils makes it possible to create liquids with almost any characteristics - resistant to cold, not prone to oxidation, a certain viscosity, etc. On the other hand, this technology is quite complex and expensive, which consequently affects...the price of the product.

- Semi-synthetic. Such brands of oil are mixtures of mineral and synthetic components and, accordingly, are a cross between the two types described above. They are much cheaper than purely synthetic oils, and although they are inferior in characteristics, they are in many ways superior to purely mineral products. Semi-synthetics are considered the best option for cases where oil consumption is high, but mineral varieties cannot be used - for example, if you often have to drive long distances in cold weather, or if the engine in a car for long trips has high demands on the quality of the lubricant.

— Flushing. Low-viscosity motor oils with a special package of detergent additives based on potent chemicals, used to maintain the internal components of the power unit in proper cleanliness, remove varnish deposits, accumulated dirt and slag, and neutralize acids formed in the engine. Flushing compounds are recommended for use when switching from one oil to another (based on base, viscosity or manufacturer), when purchasing a used car with an unknown service history, when there are visible carbon deposits under the valve cover, and under severe operating conditions of the engine.

Type of engine for which the oil is designed. If compatibility with your type of engine is not directly indicated in the oil specifications, you should not use this brand. The fact is that all types of modern engines have their own characteristics, and a lubricant not designed for these features can increase wear, reduce power, or even lead to breakdown. Modern oils can be produced for the following options:

— Petrol. A four-stroke internal combustion engine (ICE) running on gasoline is implied. The main type of motor for modern passenger cars, it is also quite common in medium and high power motorcycles.

— Diesel. ICE on diesel fuel.

— Gas-gasoline. Petrol engine (see above), supplemented by gas-balloon equipment and capable of using natural gas as fuel. One of the main features of working on gas is the high operating temperature.

— Hybrid. Most often, hybrid cars combine a gasoline or diesel engine with an electric motor and can be powered by either one or the other. Both the design of the "hybrids" themselves and their engines can have significant differences from classic cars.

— 2-stroke. Two-stroke internal combustion engines are widely used in motorcycles — in particular, almost all scooters, many entry-level and mid-level motorcycles, as well as tools l...ike chainsaws, are equipped with such engines. Their main feature is the use of a fuel-oil mixture instead of a separate filling of gasoline and oil.

There are brands of oil that are compatible with several types of engines at once.

An engine oil quality standard that the car manufacturer Opel and GM consider essential for correct operation when used in the engine of their vehicles. Different engines (respectively, car brands) have their own standard, among which are 6094M, 4718M, Dexos 1, Dexos 1 Gen 2, Dexos 2, Dexos D, GM-LL-A-025, GM-LL-B-025 and OV0401547.

An engine oil quality standard that the PSA Group considers essential for correct operation when used in the engine of its vehicles. For various engines (respectively, car brands) there is a standard, among which are B71 2290, B71 2294, B71 2295, B71 2296, B71 2297, B71 2300 and B71 2312.