Known to many motorists, Elf 5w40 oil was developed on the basis of Elf's proprietary technology and is simply necessary for those drivers whose driving style is fast and dynamic. This lubricating mixture is universal and can be poured into almost all types of engines operating on various fuels. In addition, in accordance with the statements of the manufacturer, it can significantly reduce fuel consumption and extend the interval for changing the lubricant composition.
Synthetics Elf Evolution 900 SXR 5W40 is positioned as Fuel Economy, that is, ultra-economical and fuel-saving oil. It is designed for use in passenger cars or minibuses. Excellent for the majority of engines operating on gasoline and diesel fuel, including those providing a multi-valve system, as well as those equipped with a convector or turbocharging. This motor oil demonstrates excellent thermal stability and fluidity during the cold season. It is preferred by many motorists primarily because of its excellent performance even after a long run.
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Characteristics
The Elf Evolution 900 SXR 5W40 lubricating mixture provides a high-tech synthetic production scheme, which makes it possible to obtain the best performance data from the power unit and increases the life of the motor components. Initially, Elf Evolution 900 SXR 5W40 motor oil was developed directly for Renault cars.
This motor lubricant can be used in car engines operating in a variety of conditions, including extreme ones. Provides excellent operation of the power unit at any time of the year and easy start-up even at very low temperatures. Prevents the appearance of soot and various deposits. In case of switching from another oil, a complete flushing of the motor components is recommended before using Elf lubricant.
Oil in cans of various sizes ELF Evolution SXR engine oil is the best choice for those who prefer to drive at high speed or enjoy sports riding. Created directly to the order of engine manufacturers, taking into account their requirements regarding extended oil change intervals.
ELF Evolution SXR 5W40 engine oil is different:
- excellent protection of engine components, especially in the distribution system;
- ensuring almost sterile cleanliness in the engine;
- good thermal stability;
- high antioxidant resistance;
- maintaining the lubricating qualities of the oil, including in extreme conditions;
- good cold start.
In order for the car to be operated for a long time without significant breakdowns, it is necessary to provide it with proper care and conditions of use. Much depends on what we fill in and with what frequency, in particular, the motor resource of the machine. At this stage, many inexperienced motorists make a characteristic mistake - they violate the rules for servicing the car, making their own adjustments. At the same time, no one coordinates anything with specialists in advance. We are talking about motor oils. When violating the recommendations, they run a class lower or higher. The range of lubricants is so wide and varied that it is difficult for the owner to make the right choice when buying. In order to provide methodological assistance, we will consider Elf 5w40 automotive engine oil and its characteristics in relation to technical means.
Characteristics of engine oil elf 5w40
The lubricant belongs to the class of synthetic fluids intended for refueling in vehicles:
- passenger class;
- minivan, minibuses;
- cars with pre-installed turbocharged and bi-turbo superchargers;
- sports class.
Elf, the official oil manufacturer, even took care of specialized racing cars. Now you do not need to purchase special lubricants and additives for the engine, just fill in the version of Evolution 900 NF oil. This synthetic base is specifically for high-speed engines, such as Renault.
The Evolution 900 SXR series, which is also based on a synthetic base, for the first time, engineers have applied the technology of "polarization under the influence of a magnetic field." Thus, fully coordinating the molecular composition of the liquid, which increases its service life.
How to distinguish from a fake
It is quite simple to distinguish elf 5w40 engine oil from a fake or a high-quality fake. Engineers took care of this at the stage of manufacturing the canister. Pre-pouring the base in the form of a special form. In parallel, putting a lot of markings on the packaging. The third characteristic feature is a special seam - soldering, located only in the area of the handle. This is not easy to do, as you will need special equipment that is available in factories. Handicraft solder the seam in the bottom area, which automatically unmasks the fake. Of course, if the buyer understands oils.
Application
Thanks to the "polarization" technology, Elf 5w40 engine oil with its characteristics received the "Green Light" for use from the world's leading car manufacturing concerns. So, the following communities and organizations gave their “good”:
- SAE - the world classifier and standardizer of motor oils;
- ACEA 2004 / C3 - European division of SAE;
- API - international classifier of liquids and lubricants;
- Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Volkswagen, General Motors, Renault, Peugeot, Nissan;
- Full approval for the use of lubricants in engines of a standard not lower than Euro - 5, 6, including race cars, subject to filling with specially created synthetic bases.
Advantages and disadvantages
- the widest possible temperature range;
- versatility of use, both on diesel and gasoline engines;
- ability to withstand high loads and temperatures;
- keeping the motor clean;
- replacement increased to 20 thousand km;
- power increase by 2.7%;
- consumption reduced by 5.6%;
- maximum fluidity even at critical temperatures;
- complete breakdown of waste products. This was first used in the auto fluid market, when the oil “cleans up” after itself;
- the critical threshold for changing the molecular composition is minus 40 °C. Evolution 5w40 engine oil, as well as Excellium NF, was created specifically for special geographical conditions.
Not without criticism: as a negative point - sometimes unreasonably high price in retail sales.
Reviews
- Vitaly, 35 years old, entrepreneur, owner of Opel Astra. By the nature of my activity, I am systematically on the road, negotiating contracts with suppliers. In a week I can wind a couple of thousand kilometers with ease. In order to somehow help the engine endure difficult everyday life, I pour Elf 5W synthetic-based oil into it. I see the result, I am quite satisfied;
- Karina, 27 years old, Audi owner, director of a services firm. After buying an Audi, during a scheduled technical inspection, the master recommended filling in synthetics from Elf. I obeyed. I am satisfied with the motor, because there are no complaints, I always go through MOT with a bang. I recommend;
- Victor, 44 years old, driver, company car Toyota Kemry. A couple of years ago, the boss bought new Toyotas. The cars are perfect, no issues. In order to increase the service life, it was recommended to fill the service station with the original synthetic base from Elf 5W. In general, we are satisfied with the result, the indicators of scheduled technical inspections are high, which means that the oil is working;
- Valentin, 39 years old, owner of Ford Focus 3, manager. When buying, I filled in Mobile 0W. But six months ago, friends recommended trying out products from Elf 5W40. Satisfied, the car has become faster, more economical, power has increased. I advise everyone.
The share of fake Elf oil on the Russian market is huge. According to experts, more than 70% is fake oil. Consumers have a question - how not to get counterfeit and buy real, original elf oil? We conducted an analysis, checked what protection the manufacturer uses against fakes. And of course, they brought a photo comparison of the original and fake oil.
Where is oil produced
Elf oil is bottled in four countries: Belgium, Romania, Poland and the Netherlands. Each plant has slight differences in labels and canisters. What affects the reviews and disputes about fake oil. Since at first oil was purchased, made in Belgium and had one label, and then they bought Romanian production and noticed a slight difference from the previous packaging. On this, many conclude that it is fake, but in fact they bought the original oil.
The first digits or letters in the batch number indicate the country of manufacture:
31 - France
10 - Belgium
N - Poland
LOT - Romania
Old elf booklet, according to the differences between the fake and the original
The following differences are relevant to low-quality fakes. Such fakes, for 2018, are rare.
Comparison video
Distinctive features of Elf diesel oil:
Comparison oil elf 5w40:
Conclusion
Having studied the forums, auto sites, we also studied the Elf website and came to an unequivocal conclusion - it is impossible to determine the originality of Elf oil for 100%.
The manufacturer himself caused confusion (with different canisters and labels, from different factories) and did not provide any information on how the original oil is protected from the fake one. There is only one, obviously correct way to buy real Elf oil - to purchase from official distributors, with a request to show a quality certificate for oil or.
In 2003, the French oil and gas company Total formed its structure and has not changed it to this day. It is currently the 4th organization of its kind in the world. Before the final formation, the company went through a difficult path of structural changes.
Total, then called Total Fina, last merged with another French company, Elf Aquitaine, in 2000. After the merger, the Elf brand of motor lubricants appeared.
Elf engine and transmission oil is now widely known in Russia. These lubricants are used not only by individuals. Various private and state organizations work with official suppliers in the Russian Federation.
Technical characteristics of ELF oils
Like any representative product of large and well-known brands, Elf engine and transmission oils have lubricants in their range that are suitable for various previously produced and currently produced cars.
Let's briefly consider the generally accepted global characteristics of lubricants in relation to Elf products.
SAE classification
Regarding Elf lubricants, everything is simple here: there are all possible combinations of winter and summer viscosity indicators. But not all options are easy to find.
Elf oil classification according to CAE
For example, Elf sports synthetic motor oils with an SAE 0W-20 class are very rare. At the same time, Elf offers motor lubricants with the most popular viscosity parameters, for example, 5V-40, in a wide range for any type of engine.
Lubricants suitable for this classification are suitable for obsolete and even obsolete vintage cars and modern cars.
API classification
For example, for gasoline engines of obsolete cars, it is easy to select Elf oil of SH class according to API. It will be the simplest cheap mineral water with a minimum set of additives, but with a high-quality base. Synthetics Elf has the latest API classes for both gasoline and diesel vehicles.
ACEA classification
The European Motorists Association commends almost all Elf lubricants, whether they are 100% synthetic or semi-synthetic. For gasoline engines, the vast majority of oils are assigned class A3, for diesel engines - B3 and B4. Lubricants from Total also have other tolerances that are less common.
Automaker Approvals
Unlike other global brands, Elf oils cannot boast an impressive list of approvals from automakers. Often on the canister you can find 3-5 marks on passing tests in the laboratories of automakers.
These are mainly European concerns such as Mercedes, Volkswagen and Renault. Oils are produced separately, which are designed specifically for the engines of the French automotive industry.
In general, lubricants under the Elf brand have established themselves as quality products from the medium and high price categories. The widespread use of Elf oils in Russia is largely due to a balanced price / quality ratio.
Advantages and disadvantages
Like any brand, regardless of its quality and reputation, Elf motor oils have advantages and disadvantages. Let's move away from the traditional scheme and start with the disadvantages.
- A high percentage of fakes on the market, which are often bottled in high quality canisters, which sometimes does not allow even professionals to identify them with a high degree of probability.
- Several large manufacturers whose product quality is somewhat different (even with identical tolerances, the consumer properties of the oil may vary, but not critically).
- Subjectively, many drivers believe that the price for the quality provided is too high. Especially against the backdrop of domestic lubricants that have been fired recently.
The advantages of the considered oils are greater than the disadvantages. However, all the advantages apply only to original Elf lubricants. - A wide range of. You can choose Elf oil for almost any engine and for any operating conditions.
- Developed dealer network. If you wish, you can buy guaranteed original products from Total in almost any region of the Russian Federation.
- Stable quality. Information that someone has acquired a frankly bad original Elf oil is unlikely to be found. All problems begin with the purchase of counterfeit goods in stores with a dubious reputation.
- Good interaction with exhaust gas cleaning systems. Additives in Elf lubricants have a balanced composition to work with catalytic converters and DPF filters. Naturally, with the appropriate permission.
- Stable long-term operation of Elf oil in engines operating with increased loads. Unlike some other lubricants, the base of Elf products is of high quality, regardless of whether it is mineral water or synthetics. The oil stably fulfills its resource and does not require early replacement due to accelerated degradation.
To the merits, some car owners also attribute a reduction in waste consumption in engines with a solid operating time. While some other lubricants burn out pretty quickly and you have to constantly top up, Elf oils do not suffer from this drawback.
However, the opposite view can also be found. Therefore, we will not attribute this item to either advantages or disadvantages.
Elf's popular oil lines
It makes no sense to list the entire range of Total products, because you can find almost any Elf engine oil with any characteristics. We will describe only in general terms the popular lines.
Elf Evolution Full-Tech
100% synthetic high performance motor oil. It has high protective, extreme pressure, antioxidant and energy-saving properties. Pretty expensive. Mainly used for new cars. It gets along well with engines built according to the EURO-6 standard. Available only in 5W-30 format.
Evolution 900
High quality synthetic lubricants. They are produced in a very wide range of viscosity indicators (from 0W-20 to 10W-60). The variant of the 900 series Elf 5W-40 is the most popular in the Russian Federation.
Evolution 700
Good, reliable semi-synthetics. Great for most domestic and used foreign cars. Just like the previous series, it is produced in a wide range of viscosities.
Evolution 500 (400,300)
A line of good mineral lubricants. Scope: used or retro cars with unpretentious engines. A good base, a minimum set of additives and a low cost allowed these oils to find their buyer.
Total also produces gear oils. However, there is no such wide choice as in motor lubricants.
How to distinguish a fake
Elf counterfeit motor oils are one of the most serious problems for this brand's products. According to some information, at least 3 underground manufactories produce counterfeit products.
A similar conclusion was made on the basis of the analysis of existing fakes. Moreover, it is difficult to distinguish a high-quality counterfeit from the original. Only rather obscenely executed fakes can be identified on your own.
fakes have stripes on the bottom
So, a few signs by which you can distinguish a fake Elf oil.
- Lid. By far the strongest argument. In the original, the edge of the cover is polished to a shine against the background of the general roughness. Its surface is slightly convex. The lid does not fit tightly to the base of the canister, but with a small gap of 1.5-2 mm. After unscrewing the protective ring remains on the neck.
- On the original, three parallel stripes in the back of the bottom of the canister do not reach the edges by about 5-7 mm.
- In a fake, the front label is pasted crookedly and has obvious defects. The back double sticker does not separate, or is separated with difficulty. The text underneath is poorly printed.
- On a counterfeit canister, in the area of the measuring scale, the tides of the canister relief protrude by more than 5 mm.
How to distinguish fake oil using the example of two canisters in this video
Today, a more or less reliable way to distinguish counterfeit goods is to carefully examine the cover. The remaining moments appear only in very bad fakes.
When buying Elf motor oils, the most important thing is not to run into a fake product. Further, the selection algorithm does not differ from the standard procedure. In the case of Elf lubricants, there is a dependence inherent in world brands: the higher the price, the higher the quality.
The selection procedure implies compliance with the following conditions:
- viscosity required for a particular climate;
- compliance with manufacturer's approvals according to API, ACEA or ILSAC;
- availability of recommendations and approvals;
- assessment of the base required for a particular motor (synthetics, semi-synthetics or mineral base).
Following these simple rules will allow you to choose the right Elf oil for your car.
When choosing a lubricant that will serve in a car until the next change, you want to be sure of the quality of the lubricant used. Now, unfortunately, there are a lot of products in stores that do not fulfill the characteristics declared by the manufacturer.
And because of the abundance of brands, making the right choice is becoming increasingly difficult. A motorist is forced to shovel mountains of statistical and analytical pages, not knowing for sure where he will finally be lucky.
Today we will talk about Elf 5w40 oil, which, while not standing out from the general range of other manufacturers with any magical nano-additives and miracle supplements, nevertheless deserves special attention. First of all, due to the fact that this manufacturer is already more than ninety years old, and it is Elf who pours the French into formula one racing cars, year after year, getting decent results.
About company
A bit of history. During its existence, the concern that produces oils, which we know today under the Elf brand, changed its name several times, going through various mergers and acquisitions in the common market of fuel and lubricants manufacturers.
Despite this, the total experience of this enterprise dates back to 1924, almost constantly developing and raising the quality of lubricants.
Undoubtedly, the use of the brand in formula one race cars can only give a positive characteristic. Part of the Total Group of more than 1,600 brands, Elf retains his French identity while remaining true to the old school tradition.
5w40 oils, general overview
Let's talk in detail about oils with the 5w40 index, and in particular, consider Elf 5w40. All motor oils with this index belong to two large groups: synthetic and semi-synthetic oils. Here is the main difference between these groups:
- Semi-synthetics are made from motor oil obtained by classical hydrocracking distillation with the addition of a modern additive package that gives it enhanced performance;
- Synthetic oils, produced using a more complex multi-level technology, differing in molecular structure. With the same base stock, synthetic oils, although more expensive to produce, have improved starting performance before the introduction of additives.
Important to know: The main advantage of synthetics is increased fluidity and frost resistance, all these properties begin to work from the index 0w40, 0w50, 5w50 and similar indices.
Where is it needed? First of all, increased fluidity is needed for racing engines, where the quality of lubrication at high speeds, and therefore the quality of the engine as a whole, depends on the specified parameter.
If we are talking about engine oil for an average engine, then sometimes 10w40 will be enough, while the 5w40 index is a little more than complete, it performs all the necessary work in the engine.
engine oil
What distinguishes Elf engine oil from the general range of engine oils with the 5w40 index, making its purchase more interesting than buying other brands:
- Production technology. This is the base that gives odds to many other manufacturers of motor oils. Elf engine oil is produced using the company's own developments with more than 90 years of experience in the production of fuels and lubricants;
- The right combination of additives. In addition to the additive technology itself, which deserves a separate article, it should be noted that Elf 5w40 is distinguished by a properly selected ratio, which, in turn, allows you to get excellent fluidity in the cold, while maintaining high detergent properties;
- Versatility of application. The company did not make two different oils for diesel and gasoline engines, instead offering to fill it in both diesel and gasoline engines. Characteristics were not affected by this, it has tolerances for both types of engines;
- Reliability. Even if you miss the replacement interval, you can be sure that the Elf will give you the necessary head start. It will continue to work without losing its characteristics, like a Cinderella shoe on a fateful night. Do not worry - you will have time to replace, without negative consequences for the motor;
- High base number to keep your engine clean throughout the life of the oil.
Finally, the quality of this brand is evidenced by the fact that there are even fake Elf oils on the market. It is difficult to disagree that not all manufacturers receive such an “honor”. Oil from the Elf company was awarded. Not counting all kinds of diplomas, certificates and awards from specialized forums and events in which the company takes an active part.
If you are afraid to purchase a fake, do not worry, it is quite simple to protect yourself from this - purchase lubricant only in large specialized stores, preferably with a certificate confirming that they are a dealer of this brand. And of course ask for a certificate for the motor oil itself. These simple precautions will completely protect you from counterfeit products.
Finally
