Shell introduces Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology

It doesn’t matter whether you drive a supercar, an SUV or a sedan—what’s important is that your engine’s peak performance and optimum efficiency are always achieved, and this is possible only by using the right engine oil.

Not all engine oils are created equal, so it is extremely important for car owners to understand how engine oils work in order to make an informed choice.

Why motor oil is important

Lubrication is the main function of a motor oil—to make it easier for moving surfaces in the engine to slide over one another, reducing friction and wear, and helping to save energy, thereby improving fuel economy.

Cleansing agents in the motor oil, such as dispersants and detergents, also help prevent dirt particles sticking together to form sludge, varnish and other deposits. Some may have anti-wear additives that coat metal surfaces in the engine, imparting both a physical and chemical barrier that helps to prevent wear and corrosion.

Motor oil also achieves a cooling function for the engine. Oil is circulated around the engine to transfer heat from hot areas such as the piston undercrown, releasing it into the sump or an oil cooler. Engine oils also have an impact on emission devices such as three-way catalysts and diesel particulate filters, affecting the efficiency of their operation.

In looking for motor oils, viscosity and industry specifications are the top considerations. These are usually indicated in the vehicle owner’s manual. The label of the motor oil bottle should confirm that it meets the requirements of the engine maker and thus is suitable for use in your vehicle.

High-quality oils will also feature approvals from vehicle manufacturers. This indicates that they have been tested and approved the oil for use in their engines. In terms of quality, always use the oil quality level prescribed by your owner’s manual.  However, all oils meeting the same standard are still not the same. As such, you should look for specific performance claims which indicate that the oil exceeds the minimum performance level.

Fully synthetic versus mineral oil

More and more engine makers are setting motor oil specifications that require the use of fully synthetic motor oils. There are many benefits to using a top-tier, fully synthetic oil, compared with mineral oils. First, fully synthetic oil is less prone to thinning or thickening at high temperatures. This can be important for optimal performance in modern engines.

Exceptional low-temperature properties mean faster oil flow for quicker engine warm-up—the fully synthetic oil does not thicken unduly, enabling easier starting with less strain on the battery. As the oil can circulate quickly around the engine, it enables the engine to reach optimum performance sooner.

Fully synthetic oils also contain better-performing cleansing agents that disperse contaminants and help stop deposits from forming, thereby helping to keep engines clean.

All these requirements are met—and even exceeded—by a new, cutting-edge oil that is formulated to provide unsurpassed sludge protection, enhanced piston cleanliness, superior wear and corrosion protection as well as improved fuel economy.

A revolution in motor oil

Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology is the latest top-of-the-range fully synthetic motor oil that is truly revolutionary—the first designed from natural gas rather than crude oil.

Shell PurePlus Technology is a revolutionary gas-to-liquids process that converts natural gas into a crystal-clear base oil with virtually none of the impurities found in crude oil. It is further combined with Active Cleansing Technology to create a motor oil that cleans as it protects the engine, helping prevent the build-up of dirt, and aiming for a smoother, more responsive drive for everyday drivers.

Shell Helix Ultra removes up to five times more dirt and sludge, protects up to three times better , and reduces up to twice as much engine wear as a normal mineral oil.

And with Shell’s experience in formulating motor oils for over 70 years, some of the world’s top manufacturers choose Shell as the first-fill motor oil for new vehicles in their factories, and continue to use Shell’s range of products for ongoing servicing.

For many people who are buying new, modern vehicles, the manufacturer’s recommendation will include specifications that they can only get in products like Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus Technology. These include modern industry specs and OEM approvals from manufacturers including Ferrari, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, BMW, Ford, Honda, General Motors, Chrysler, and Hyundai, among others.

As with all Shell Helix motor oils, this new line also underwent rigorous testing to ensure they meet all major international industry and vehicle manufacturer standards. The oils must pass a series of engine tests and laboratory tests that look at a particular area of performance, such as deposits, oxidation, wear and fuel economy. Shell has conducted tests with over 1,000 motorists globally to demonstrate that drivers can feel the difference after a Shell Helix Ultra oil change.

So, the next time you shop for a new car—or if you simply want your car engine to be clean as if it has just been out of the factory line—you can be confident in using Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus technology. Keep your vehicle in top condition and maintain its engine running just like new, for many years to come. Shell Helix is the smart choice for drivers who want to get the best out of their car on every journey.

The new Shell Helix Ultra 0w-40 is available in 1-liter and 4-liter packs, and the Shell Helix Ultra Diesel 5w-40 is available in 1-liter and 6-liter packs. They are available in all Shell retail stations and automotive supply shops beginning October. For more information, visit www.shell.com/pureplus.