Good afternoon, dear car owners. This article will be useful to those who are now pouring into the engine of their car, or to those who are just planning to use such oil!
Unfortunately, today the market for motor oils is so large that there are a lot of fakes and it is quite difficult to find real oil. The "black" market did not bypass the well-known manufacturer of Shell motor oils. Fake Shell oil is quite common. The wide demand for this oil played a key role here. There is a demand - there is a supply. The only pity is that fake Shell oil is far from uncommon among the products offered. After reading this article, you can easily distinguish fake Shell oil from the real one and in time to refuse to buy a fake. By the way, while I was writing the article, a man came and together they began to look for distinguishing features.
The manufacturer Shell is trying to protect the consumer from buying fake oil, but the "pirates" also do not stand still and keep up with the times. Now we will tell you what key points to pay attention to when buying Shell engine oil so as not to fall for a fake.
1. The first thing to pay attention to is canister shape. The new Shell canister has some differences from the previous one. Namely, the new canister now has two handles. One handle on a real Shell canister is located on top, and the other is on the side. This is done so that the buyer can conveniently transport the canister and further facilitate the filling of real Shell oil into the car engine.
2. The next important difference is canister neck. Now it has become much shorter and narrower than in the previous canister. The neck diameter must be strictly 43 mm. The lid itself has also undergone some changes, namely, its size has decreased. Note the lack of a valve on the lid. Now it is not and should not be. The lid fits snugly against the retaining ring, which, when opened, must remain on the neck of the canister.
protective film under the lid of a real canister, Shell may not be. This is due to the process of switching to a new canister, so the absence or presence of a protective film under the canister cap does not in any way determine whether Shell oil is fake or real. Pay attention to this.
3. canister label. In comparison with the old version of the Shell canister, the label has also changed both on the front of the canister and on the back. The label visually increased by 40% and takes up almost all the free space of a real Shell canister.
4. Real Canister Shell Color. All Shell products are supplied in canisters in four colors: yellow, blue, gray and red. There are no other colors of genuine Shell products. Therefore, if you see, for example, a green Shell canister, you can safely leave, as it is a fake. And do not even try to listen to the arguments of the seller, who says that this is another rebranding of a real Shell canister.
5. Well, the last thing you need to pay attention to is code, which is imprinted on the back of the Shell canister. The code should be legible, but since the technology for applying the code to a real Shell canister is very simple and primitive, it can often simply be lubricated during the packaging of engine oil. Still, this very code is applied with an inkjet printer. But once the paint dries, it's almost impossible to wash it off. Check this out too. The code consists of the batch number, time and date of product packaging. The standard shelf life of engine oil is 5 years. If you looked at the code and took away a fairly old date, then it is better to refuse to buy such oil.
This is all. Now you know, how to distinguish real shell oil from fake. But do not forget that the best protection against counterfeiting is to buy Shell oil in already verified places. We always monitor the quality of our products and offer our customers only
Shell automotive oil occupies a leading position in sales, and at the same time one of the most counterfeited oils. In this regard, in 2016 and in September 2017, the manufacturer improved the methods of protecting the original oil from fake. Next, we gave a photo of a comparison of genuine oil with counterfeit oil and sorted out the old methods of differences and new ones.
The main differences between fake oil and the original
Gross fakes can be identified by the canister, cork and labels:
Left is counterfeit. On the right is the original. 
Changes since 2016, oil check by code on the website
The changes affected oil produced in Russia. First, they protected the barrels, tested the method and launched the protection into mass production - for 4-liter canisters and “liters”. All Shel oil canisters are marked with a special protective sticker that is glued to the canister lid. 
The sticker consists of two parts - the main and hidden (located under the top). To access the hidden one, you need to peel off the top one. Once peeled off, it cannot be glued back. On the second part of the sticker, a verification code is printed, which must be entered on the Shel website (opens in a new window). When you enter the correct code, a message will be displayed that you bought the original oil. 
The main sticker has several degrees of protection:
- The upper part shimmers in the light. Depending on the angle of the lid, on the original canister, the image of the Shell oil logo changes to the image of the canister. In fakes, there is more often just an iridescent image, without changing images.
- The drawing under the numbers, on the bottom of the sticker, on the original changes color from green to gray when the canister is tilted.
- 4 digits, in a black field, in the original match the last digits in the barcode, on the back label of the canister.
- When wetting the numbers with water, they change color from white to pink. And back from pink to white when dry. There are fakes with color-changing numbers. Watch the video on how to distinguish a fake from the original using this (unreliable) method.
There are currently two types of stickers. Some have an inscription printed on them - a code under the label. On newer stickers, instead of an inscription, it is applied - images of a QR code on one side and an image of a phone on the other.
Both labels are real. Changes in 2017
Since September 2017, there are canisters with a seal made of aluminum. What alarmed buyers. We found out - the original canisters.
The oil, produced since autumn 2017, comes with an aluminum seal. Glue is applied between the lid and the seal.
On the left is the original 2017 (under the cover, glue is visible on the aluminum security seal). On the right is fake. The tear-off ring has changed. The tear-off line was moved exactly in the middle and the distance between the lid and the tear-off ring slightly increased. Below are the lids of original Shell oil canisters. One is produced until 2017, the second is produced since 2017 (the tear-off ring has become narrower, the tear boundary has become more visible and runs exactly in the middle of the bottom skirt of the lid).
Both photos show the original oil. On top of the new sample (2017). The bottom photo is before 2017. Distinctive features in terms of sagging, roughness of lids, on new canisters (since 2017) are not relevant.
Conclusion
Shel oils in the original have good lubricating and protective functions for car engines, and one can only guess what is poured into fake canisters. Therefore, bookmark the instructions and make the right choice. The manufacturer took care of the protection of his product at the highest level, the main thing is to use all the methods correctly, how to identify a fake shell oil.
In conclusion, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the video on how to check the oil for originality using the code on the canister lid and phone. In the example, the original canister and the fake one are checked.
Video tutorial on how to distinguish a fake Shell:
The first difference: Plastic sagging on the lid.
The fake just has a flat lid, there are no sagging. The original Shell has a plastic lid on top.
Here it is necessary to comment, in nature there are original Shell canisters without sagging, they come from Hamburg Germany, but this is still a rare occurrence - all other Shells go as described here.
The second difference: Grid on the sticker.
On the Original Shell, the grid on the sticker changes color from green to black. For a fake, the grid does not shimmer and always remains green.
Third difference: The gap between the cover and the tear-off ring.
The Shell fake has a gap between the lid and the tear-off ring. The original is fused - there is no gap.
Fourth difference: Shagreen on the plastic of the canister.
In the fake Shell, the plastic on the canister has an “orange peel” shagreen. The original also has pebbles, but the surface is smoother - different.
Fifth difference: Reflective mirror layer sticker.
For a fake, if it approaches the canister, only shadows are visible on the reflective layer. In the Original, if you get close to the canister, your fingers, face, eyes, etc. are visible in a mirror image.
It should be noted separately that the original Shell HX7 series have not mirror stickers, they are just gray.
Difference 6: Shiny piston
In a fake, the piston does not reflect well - only shadows, in the original Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40, the piston sparkles all over. Your eyes, face, fingers, etc. are visible in the reflection.
It should be noted separately that the original Shell HX7 series pistons are not mirrored, they are just gray.
Seventh difference: Back label (please ignore this difference, as it turned out, original canisters come across with stickers with a uniform background!)
For a fake, the background of the back label is monotonous and does not shimmer, it is slightly darker. The original Shell background of the sticker has color transitions.
Eighth difference: Matrix code.
For a fake, the matrix code has an unstable paint, while the fake comes from production to sale, the paint is partially erased.
The original Shell has a matrix code that has a durable paint and does not just rub off.
The ninth difference: The points of the matrix code and the distance between them.
For a fake, the points of the matrix code are blurred, the distance between the points is not pronounced, the space between the points is either there or not.
The original matrix code has clear dots, they are not blurry, and there is a distinct distance between the dots.
Tenth difference: The bottom of the canister
In the original canister, the bottom has a bordering strip, it is clear. The Glass and Fork icon is small.
The fake does not have a border strip, and the “glass and fork” badge is large.
The fake badge "glass and fork" 20mm.
The original badge "glass and fork" 11mm.
Eleventh difference: We drip water on the lid sticker.
Shell in the instructions writes "when moisture enters, the color of the code changes to red, and when it dries, the code changes color to the opposite."
The original code changes color to pink.
For a fake, unfortunately, the code also changes color, though not so pronounced. The degree of protection does not quite work.
FAKE SHELL! How to distinguish a fake Shell. Water test. Part 2
water test- the numbers on the sticker should turn pink, and when dry, return their color back. The new Shell protection with water does not work very well, the numbers also turn pink for a fake. Tin, how quickly counterfeiters are improving ...
FAKE SHELL!!! How to distinguish a fake Shell. QR code verification. Part 3
Checking the QR code on the Shell canister with a smartphone and the installed Barcode Scanner application. For the original, reading the QR code leads to the site http://ac.shell.com, where the number from the scanned Shell canister is automatically entered and it says in plain text "This is a genuine Shell product." For a fake, the QR code leads to global English http://www.shell.com - to the main news page - where everything is in English!
I entered a number from a fake on the site http://ac.shell.com/ and that's what it showed. 
That is, this degree of protection works both when checking with a smartphone through a QR code scanner, and by manually entering it on the site.
FAKE SHELL - NEW VERSION!!! How to distinguish a fake Shell. Cold test. Part 4
Cold Test - Shell authentication at home with a freezer test. We pour the fake and the original into the same bottles. First, the color of the oil is immediately different. In the Shell fake, it is light, in the original it is a specific light brown with a red tint. We throw the bottles into the freezer of the home refrigerator and freeze for 5 hours or more. We take out the bottles and immediately see where the fake is. The fake has become very thick. She turned white and dimmed. Flows in comparison with the original Shell - slowly. 
Good day to all! More and more clients are coming to us asking: How to distinguish fake Shell Helix Ultra oil?" It's not surprising. After all, every year competition in the field of lubricants is growing, which entails the appearance of fakes of various quality. The myth that only oils that are in great demand among car owners are faked has long been a thing of the past. Absolutely everything is forged That is why, when buying oil, you need to be careful not to run into a fake.
After reading this article, you can easily distinguish fake oil Shell Helix Ultra 5w40. And this means that you will not only be able to save your own money and nerves, but also protect your car engine from low-quality oil. So let's get started.
How to distinguish fake Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 oil by external signs?
First, you need to understand that lubricant manufacturers are constantly changing packaging design and anti-counterfeiting methods. The changes also affected the beloved Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 engine oil. At the beginning of 2014, the design of the canister was slightly changed. The photo below shows a modern canister of Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 4l engine oil (2014 - present) on the right, and the previous package on the left.
Theoretically, you can still find old packaging in stores, since the shelf life of this product is 5 years. And less than two years have passed since the rebranding. But if you see an old canister of Shell Helix Ultra 5w40 oil with a new production date, then this should at least alert you. I think there is no point in explaining further, since in front of you is pure fake. So let's move on.
Secondly, look at the cover. The cover must be made of high quality plastic. There should be no difference in color from the canister itself. The fixing ring should visually be a continuation of the cover. When opening, the locking ring should easily come off the lid and remain on the neck of the canister. Also note that the retaining ring must not be damaged or separated from the cover.
However, it should be noted that the protective film under the cap is not a hallmark of fake Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 oil. This film may or may not be present. It all depends on the manufacturer, batch number and the country in which this oil is produced. Therefore, do not rush to panic if you do not find a film under the lid.
Thirdly, the quality of the print should not be in doubt. Images and text must be very high quality printed. Pay special attention to the "PurePlus Technology" logo.
The logo has a special coating that provides a mirror effect. Under normal conditions, this effect is very difficult to achieve, so the fake Shell Helix Ultra oil is distinguished precisely by the absence of a reflection in the logo.
Fourth, pay attention to the quality of the casting of the canister. The plastic should be smooth, without any tangible defects. The seams in the same way should be even, without any defects and poor-quality soldering.
Fifth, the back label should consist of two layers. The top layer should peel off easily from the canister without leaving any print marks on the bottom layer.
These are the main signs by which you will know how to distinguish fake Shell Helix Ultra oil. But do not forget that these are only external signs. A 100% answer to the question of the authenticity of Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 engine oil can only be given by laboratory examination, which is not always affordable for an ordinary ordinary car owner. That's all, thank you for your attention and see you on our website.
Like many other types of premium engine oil, Shell products are very often the object of counterfeiting and counterfeiting. Shell Helix Ultra is one of the company's developments, ideal for any car brand, which also has a packaging that distinguishes it from others.
It is thanks to the packaging that most drivers manage to distinguish the original oil from a fake.
Knowing how the Shell manufacturer protects its products from fakes is a good way for the driver to protect himself from purchasing a low-quality product that leads to loss of funds, as well as breakdowns and loss of engine performance.
Shell Helix Ultra has excellent cleaning properties, good low temperature performance, and fully protects engine parts from wear in all areas.
It has repeatedly proved its effectiveness in the operation of the engine, giving it positive qualities and reducing fuel consumption. Having balanced parameters, the oil retains the name of the developer company, and also remains one of the most popular in the world. This can characterize Shell oil.
It is worth noting that the company constantly maintains the level of lubricant quality, which allows it not to lose its image in front of its customers, as well as increase demand in a rapidly developing market. Shell engineers must continually improve product quality.
Unfortunately, lubricants from this and other big companies are often counterfeited close enough to the original that in some cases it is impossible to distinguish a fake until the moment of use. And after the oil has already got into the engine, the consequences are irreversible, you have to drain and refill the oil, or, even worse, repair and give the engine various manipulations in order to restore its previous characteristics.
To combat this phenomenon, Shell, like other automotive oil grants, is improving the quality of protection against counterfeiting and falsification of its own product, setting new standards that allow motorists to be confident in their cars and guarantee their long, long life.
Domestic fakes
Shell oil, which, due to its quality, has a fairly high price, is popular among some domestic motorists, but many give preference to cheaper types of lubricants. The desire to save money plays a cruel joke on drivers, because it causes more harm.
The fact is that it is much easier to make domestic brands of lubricants, so experienced motorists are trying not to save on oil, which allows them to increase the operating time of the car and the quality of its service, relying not on a lower price, but on high quality and duration of work.
Indeed, the better the oil, the less likely it is to break down, so Shell oil, on which the car has been running for several years in a row, is much better and more economical than cheap domestic oil or its equivalent.
As a result of fakes of domestic brands of oil, many motorists also suffer because it is quite difficult to check and determine whether it is an original or a fake, since even the packaging of most of them does not have proper protective elements.
As a result of using fake Shell Helix Ultra oil, parts wear out faster, the engine gets damaged and fails much more often, repairs are much more expensive.
What are the differences between high-quality Shell Helix Ultra 5w40 and 5w30 oils?
You can distinguish the authenticity of the oil by the following parameters:
cover with control skirt;
the front side of the canister;
chemical analysis.
Cover with control skirt
The skirt at the bottom of the lid and the so-called tear-off ring, which should protect the oil from counterfeiting, act as a seal. If the tear-off ring is in place, has not been damaged, then this is a sign of the original oil.
If, on the contrary, only visually the skirt looks intact, but is not actually attached to the lid, then most likely the driver is facing a fake, and not the original Shell Helix Ultra.
It should be understood that when opening the canister, the tear-off ring has only one-time use and is easily torn off when first opened. If they tried to pour cheaper oil into the canister, it is the tear-off ring that should have traces of such an attempt.
The second indicator of quality control on the lid is that it is absolutely smooth on top - this applies to all 4-liter packages, regardless of the place of production, and they are now produced in Russia and the European Union.
Front side of the canister
On the front side of the package there should always be a quality label, it should have the following properties:
- Firstly, it should not peel off, it should be tightly glued to the walls of the package, and any delaminations indicate attempts to re-glue;
- Secondly, the texts and images on the front label must be very easy to read. If the text is blurry, then most likely the driver sees the craft.
- You should also pay attention to the logo - if it does not have a special coating in the form of a spray that causes a mirroring effect, then you should be wary, since the original Shell Helix Ultra oil must have such a spray. It reflects light like a silvery hologram.
Chemical analysis
In fact, chemical analysis is the only way to make sure that the oil has the specified qualities. It is the analysis of the composition, carried out in the laboratory, that can determine whether the oil is really of high quality.
This method takes some time and also costs money, especially if you do a very detailed analysis. Moreover, it is not always possible to rely on any laboratory that comes across, which may not be designed for the analysis of lubricants and petroleum products.
But the amount of impurities and viscosity under different temperature conditions can still be checked.
Buy from authorized dealers
The best way to avoid fake Shell Helix Ultra is to buy from authorized dealers.
Therefore, it is better for any driver to know trusted places and sellers who can offer only the highest quality Shell oil released from the company's assembly line.
