Shell Helix Ultra - which one?

prydey · 30-08-2016, 08:10 PM

Hi guys.

Just a quick question specifically about this oil.

For years i've used shell helix ultra in my cars, choosing a grade to suit each car. as car requirements are changing, i've noticed that shell have started catering for this with their Ultra range, making it critical to check the label when i buy oil to make sure its the correct weight.

anyways, long story short, i think i may have accidently picked up the wrong bottle, but just want to know if it will still be ok or if i should just try to return it.

previously i've used this
http://www.shell.com.au/motorists/oi...-af-5w-30.html

this is what i picked up on the weekend
http://www.shell.com.au/motorists/oi...-c3-5w-30.html

didn't realise until i got home that even though both are 5-30, this one is a different variation.

So, is their any major reason why it won't work? car is either FG Falcon or LS focus and both currently running the top version.

sprintman1 · 30-08-2016, 08:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by prydey

Hi guys.

Just a quick question specifically about this oil.

For years i've used shell helix ultra in my cars, choosing a grade to suit each car. as car requirements are changing, i've noticed that shell have started catering for this with their Ultra range, making it critical to check the label when i buy oil to make sure its the correct weight.

anyways, long story short, i think i may have accidently picked up the wrong bottle, but just want to know if it will still be ok or if i should just try to return it.

previously i've used this
http://www.shell.com.au/motorists/oi...-af-5w-30.html

this is what i picked up on the weekend
http://www.shell.com.au/motorists/oi...-c3-5w-30.html

didn't realise until i got home that even though both are 5-30, this one is a different variation.

So, is their any major reason why it won't work? car is either FG Falcon or LS focus and both currently running the top version.

The 30 in 5W30 isn't a viscosity, it's a range. So you can have a 5W30 that's nearly a 20W, a 25W, a 30W, a 35W up to 0.1 cSt (Centistokes) under a 40W. Viscosity on the bottle/jug is meaningless, it's the spec it meets. Learn to read an oils spec sheet, you'll be glad you did.

383hq · 30-08-2016, 08:34 PM

i use the ECT (2nd link) in the mondeo
- the first version of helix you show can do nasty things to the diesel particulate filter during re-generation, so they sell the second version that suits dpf regeneration
(something about spraying diesel and burning off at high temps).

Think it's also lower in sulfur, won't be a problem in a petrol car

**Charliewool** · 30-08-2016, 08:35 PM

I miss the old servos where you just grabbed a pint or quart bottle from beside the bowser when the ole dipstick was a little low!
Them days when oils were oils...

prydey · 30-08-2016, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 383hq

i use the ECT (2nd link) in the mondeo
- the first version of helix you show can do nasty things to the diesel particulate filter during re-generation, so they sell the second version that suits dpf regeneration
(something about spraying diesel and burning off at high temps).

Think it's also lower in sulfur, won't be a problem in a petrol car

cheers. i figured it was aimed at diesel cars.

i still have about 7L of the ultra professional (first link) on my shelf. i tend to buy it when its on sale and repco had 30% off for RAA (nrma) members on the weekend so i hurriedly bought some more as both cars are due for service. my car goes in for a service on monday and didn't want a phonecall saying it was the wrong oil. i'll just use it in the focus.

**Raptor** · 30-08-2016, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charliewool

...
Them days when oils were oils...

I think they still pretty much are, everything else is just marketing hype trying to confuse the consumer and differentiate their brand. Anything that keeps the metal surfaces apart under load will do the job for me.

.

**Charliewool** · 30-08-2016, 08:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptor

I think they still pretty much are, everything else is just marketing hype trying to confuse the consumer and differentiate their brand. Anything that keeps the metal surfaces apart under load will do the job for me.

.

Uh huh... Reminds me of..
https://youtu.be/7QphMaa4wxI

pottery beige · 30-08-2016, 09:02 PM

sprintmans mum

sprintman1 · 30-08-2016, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raptor

I think they still pretty much are, everything else is just marketing hype trying to confuse the consumer and differentiate their brand. Anything that keeps the metal surfaces apart under load will do the job for me.

.

Taking the **** at its best

**Jastel** · 31-08-2016, 12:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charliewool

I miss the old servos where you just grabbed a pint or quart bottle from beside the bowser when the ole dipstick was a little low!
Them days when oils were oils...

The oil in the fancy branded bottle was the cheapest stuff they could get but...not the top of the range to match the advertising.
After all it was free...

Mercury Bullet · 01-09-2016, 01:09 PM

"Borrowing" those quart bottles was akin to todays youth "borrowing" a wine glass from the pub.

I used to have a great collection.