Greetings! If you really care about your own car, it is extremely important to monitor the quality of the working fluid in the heart. vehicle, engine. After all, even the "greenest" driver knows that engine oil loses its original properties over time. The longer the waste fluid stays in the power unit, the worse it is for it. That is why the duties of every motorist include periodic ones. But exactly how long it is able to cope with its functions is determined by the manufacturer.

However, it would seem that a simple purchase of a canister of lubricant often leads to a stupor not only young, but even experienced driver... To help in such a situation, special Internet services are called upon to select oil by car brand in real time. In this article, you will not only find those same resources, but also learn how to use them!

Types of engine oil

But before proceeding directly to decoding the marking and the actual selection procedure itself, I advise you to study all existing types oils. There are only three of them:

1. Synthetic - inorganic oil that can reliably protect the power unit from both overheating and freezing due to the increased level of viscosity. Experts do not recommend using it for engines with high mileage, in other cases, the operational life of the fluid is quite long.
2. Mineral - the best option for motors with a mileage of more than 100 thousand km, made exclusively from natural materials. I cannot advise it to you, at least because of two main drawbacks: the liquid absolutely does not tolerate sub-zero air temperatures and requires more frequent replacement... But it should be noted that in some cases this is a really old and reliable product!
3. Semi-synthetic- such a mix that combines all the best qualities of previous materials, which is in high demand. The consumer is primarily interested in such important qualities as: optimal viscosity and the ability to withstand various temperature drops.

The whole problem of choosing an oil for an engine lies in the fact that each particular type of fluid differs according to three main criteria:

1. Temperature resistance;
2. Starting qualities;
3. Fluidity and viscosity.

In turn, the above characteristics directly depend on some external factors, for example:

• The total mileage of the vehicle;
• Duration and frequency of starting the motor.

It's hard to figure it out, isn't it? A similar thought flashed through the minds of manufacturers, and they decided to produce oil for the engine of a particular car. Based on the fact that almost every car today is equipped with an individual motor, the choice for an ordinary driver is even more complicated.

Top engine oil manufacturers

The production of engine oil has long reached enormous proportions; it is produced in many countries of the world, including Russia. Believe me, there is a place in the assortment for both elite and budget brands. The catch is that even the most expensive oil may absolutely not suit your power unit... Special services are designed to significantly reduce the likelihood of an error, which provide a wide variety of selection catalogs. We will talk about it a little later, now we will designate the main players in this market:

• Motul is a world famous manufacturer from France with 150 years of history!
• Shell is a famous and best of all, an inexpensive brand of quality motor oil. A special merit of the company is the creation of, probably, the most effective flushing compositions.
• Castrol - official oil Formula 1 cars are naturally not cheap! It does not contain any impurities that do not have the best effect on the motor parts. The choice of the riders is mainly determined by the ability of this brand to protect the engine from the moment it starts functioning.
• Mobil is a leader in synthetic lubricants. A rich assortment allows you to choose working fluid for almost any engine. Prices are moderate, the main advantage is significant fuel savings due to the unique technological process.
• Total - good oil but not for all machines. The fact is that the main production capacity of the company is aimed at the production of motor oils for Volkswagen engines. On the other hand, german engine installed on many other vehicles.
• Zic is a giant industrial center with more than 80 factories located around the planet. Under this logo you can find any type of auto chemistry, including motor oil.

Of course, this is far from full list what awaits you on the shelves of a car shop, we will remember other equally important manufacturers.

If no factory has bothered to release a separate line for the engine of your car lubricants, you definitely need to be able to read the factory code! Of course, online selection is possible without this skill, but it certainly won't be superfluous for you. So, on the label of an oil can, you can see the following values:

• API is an indicator that characterizes the age of the engine, its type and the presence of a turbine. So, the additional letter S means that the oil is compatible with gasoline engines, and C - with diesel engines. Be careful: liquid labeled API C is only poured into truck, for cars, oil with the code API S / C is intended.
• SAE - carries information about the density of the composition and the recommended temperature range for use. Probably everyone has met with an inscription like SAE 15W40, let's decipher it. The letter W is nothing more than an abbreviation for the English word winter, that is, winter. When only one figure complements it (SAE 5 W), it means that the oil is winter. In our case, the liquid is intended for year-round use. A variant without the letters of the SAE 30 type at all, means that the oil is summer oil.

The numbers show us the level of viscosity of the lubricant at operating temperature engine. In summer oils, this indicator varies in the range of 20-60, the higher the value, the more fluid the liquid is. For all-season "grades", the manufacturer has added another index, which shows the degree of viscosity at low temperatures. The smaller it is, the easier the engine starts in severe frost. Understand once and for all, before the letter W, the value of the viscosity level is indicated at maximum negative temperatures, after - at positive ones.

Online oil selection services

If you are not sure that you can cope with the choice of a suitable lubricant yourself, and you do not want to trust the sales assistant, there is only one way out - a selection of engine oil by car brand online. To start the procedure, it is enough to visit a specific site. This is the only way to find truly original oil in the comfort of your own room! Below I have prepared for you best services working in this direction.

• Mobile is the official resource of the manufacturer, where, by entering some data, you can make a selection, go over.
• Shell is a favorite imported oil for domestic cars, you can pick here.
• Liquid Moli - by clicking on this link, you can easily find the best oil option from another famous manufacturer.
• Castrol - if you have sports car, a convenient program, will help you choose the best oil, but first you have to enter the country of residence, find Castrol oil.
• Motul - To find a French oil compatible with your engine, visit this website.
• Lukoil - if you prefer domestic manufacturer, to you here.
• Total - selection of products of this company can be performed here.
• Elf is another manufacturer providing a feature selection online.
• Valvoline - you can pick up this brand of oil here.
• Statoil is a good service to help pick up oil of the same name.

Here they are, the most popular - take it and use it for your health! Moreover, there will be no problems when searching! Everything is intuitive and logical!

The subtleties of the selection of lubricant for the gearbox

Online is no different from ICE fluid. Most of the services described above provide this function as well. But unlike manufacturers of engine oils, there is a clear market leader here - the Hado company.

Self-selection is carried out using the same indices, for example:

• W 80 - winter, the lower the value of the number, the higher the frost resistance of the liquid.
• 140 - year, denoted by one number, which also characterizes the viscosity of the material.
• 75W-90 is an all-season option.

API index in transmission oil plays a more significant role than in the motor. But even in the latter it is by no means impossible to neglect it. For this indicator, all existing materials are divided into the following groups:

• GL-1 is a conventional oil without additives.
• GL-2 - contains fatty foods due to which it can be used in worm gears.
• GL-3 - suitable for various manual transmissions and truck axles.
• GL-4 - is poured into a (mechanical) gearbox of any type, as well as into steering gears.
• GL-5 - designed for manual transmissions operating in difficult conditions.

I hope you understand everything, and the procedure for selecting the oil does not cause your former panic. Oh, I almost forgot! If your car has an automatic transmission, any oil labeled GL is not for you. In order to avoid confusion, the manufacturer marks such a product with other ATF symbols and even paints the container in a different color. In general, it is quite difficult to make a mistake. Well, that's how it is! I am sure your motor will serve you faithfully for many more years! Well, I say goodbye to you and leave! Good luck!

Many car enthusiasts are faced with the fact that they cannot choose optimal oil to your car. This is not surprising - there are many manufacturers on the lubricants market. In addition, there are a lot of products on store shelves. fake oils- this makes selection even more difficult. Let's dwell on the popular and relatively inexpensive brand of motor oils Elf, which is produced by the French concern Total.

General information

The Elf brand has a rich and eventful history. This name was given to the company, formed in 1939. ELF Aquitaine was majority owned by the French government. Only since 1994 has the form of ownership changed. The enterprise became private, but lubricants under this name began to be produced since 1967.

Prior to that, the company was engaged in the search and development of oil fields. Close cooperation with Renault and the impressive success of this tandem in Formula 1 sporting events were the basis for the development and further production of high-quality lubricants.

A real breakthrough occurred in 2000, when two large enterprises, Elf and Total, merged into one concern, which became the 4th in the world in terms of production in the petrochemical industry. Suffice it to say that today the concern owns 35 oil refineries scattered around the world.

Main series of oils

The French manufacturer produces all types of oils - mineral, semi-synthetic and synthetic. They fit all types of engines internal combustion(ICE) - both previously released and modern.

Such eminent manufacturers as Peugeot, Citroen, Renault, Nissan, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, General Motors, VolksWagen, Porsche, Subaru, Ford, Mazda, Toyota have given official approvals (admissions) to the use of Elf oil for their cars.

Car brands, as well as their approval numbers, can be seen on the engine oil canisters. If the characteristics of the grease according to the main classifiers correspond to those specified in technical documentation to the car, and there is also an appropriate tolerance - you can use it for replacement during the warranty period. Today, the following series of Elf engine oil are produced:

The most popular cars and oil for them

It is possible, according to the totality of characteristics, to make the selection of Elf engine oil for each car popular with Russians. Below is a list of the best-selling car models and their compliance with lubricants produced by the French concern.

Cars

Consider which greases from the Elf Evolution family are suitable for the most popular passenger cars.

The conclusions are as follows - the most common engine oil for the above models is Elf Evolution 900 SXR 5W-30 synthetics. Recommended in 4 car models out of five.

SUVs

Now compact crossovers- at the peak of popularity. The reason is simple - not every passenger car can withstand long-term operation on Russian roads... Lets the suspension, as well as a small ground clearance... Next - the selection of engine oil for the most popular crossovers.

1. Hyundai Creta - this Korean SUV is assembled in Russia, our motorists like it very much. Elf oil is also suitable for his motors.

• 900 SXR 5W-30 and 5W
• 900 FT 0W30 - this universal synthetics copes well with heavy engine loads, does not thicken in severe frost. SL / CF by API. ACEA compliant with A3 / B

1. Renault Duster is the bestseller in all respects. Russians are satisfied with its price and good off-road adaptation.

• 900 SXR 5W-30.
• 900 FT 0W30 - this universal oil composition has many tolerances: from Renault, MB, VW, BMW.

1. Toyota RAV4 - recognized all over the world, reliable model crossover. For its maintenance, the following lubricants are suitable:

• 900 SXR 5W-30.
• 900 FT 0W30 - the same oil liquid, which is recommended for Renault Duster.

The choice of lubricants for a car often raises a lot of questions from ordinary motorists. Of course, for trained and well-versed drivers, this procedure proceeds without hesitation. However, the selection of Elf oil can be difficult even for knowledgeable motorists.

This is primarily due to the fact that among the lubricants sold under the Elf brand there are many options with different parameters. Moreover, for the same car, you can find several lubricants with characteristics that seem to be suitable at first glance. Let's try to figure out how to choose the right Elf oils for a car.

Popular Elf lubricants

Among the lubricants "Elf" there are products, combined according to certain criteria in the line, as well as individual oils, as a rule, having special characteristics or restrictions on the field of application. Consider several lines of Elf engine oils.

Fully synthetic motor oils designed for modern engines with exhaust gas cleaning systems. It goes well with both gasoline and diesel engines equipped with turbochargers and intercoolers, subject to the approvals assigned to them with the requirements of the automaker.

Almost all greases in this line have ACEA C3 or C4 approval, which indicates compatibility with three-way catalysts installed on vehicles with an environmental class of EURO-5 and EURO-6.

API tolerances are also high here: SN / CF. Full-Tech greases have a large number of approvals from leading European car manufacturers.

Elf Evolution 900

The most popular and numerous line in terms of various variations of lubricants. It is a high-quality synthetics produced using a hydrocracking base high degree cleaning.

The API and ACEA tolerances for each individual Evolution 900 product can vary significantly. There are oils for more simple motors with low tolerances.

For example, Evolution 900 FT 0W-30 grease is labeled SL / CF by API and A3 / B4 by ACEA. These tolerances are sufficient for most European cars up to 2007. There are many more advanced lubricants in the 900 series. For example, Evolution 900 CRV 0W-30 has a high ACEA approval: A5 / B5.

Elf Evolution 700

Good semi-synthetics, which are in great demand in the Russian market. All oils in this series are classified as A3 / B4 according to ACEA. There are options designed more for diesel engines, as well as universal lubricants.

Diesel oils are not suitable for use with particulate filters... Universal versions from the 700 series are compatible with catalytic cleaning systems up to EURO-4. The lubricants of this line have received approvals from leading European carmakers such as Volksvagen, Renault and Mercedes-Benz.

Mineral oils formulated from a simple base after thorough cleaning. Packages modern additives allowed a relatively cheap and generally low-tech base to cope well even with high loads in unpretentious motors.

This lubricant is designed for engines Renault cars strictly until 2007 release. Great for Russian classics. Able to effectively protect turbocharged diesel engines with simple systems injection. Greases of the 500 series have approvals: according to API SL / CF, according to ACEA A3 / B3.

There are several other Elf motor oils that are sold separately under a unique name.

Selection of Elf oil by car make

The correct choice of lubricant determines the performance and service life of the engine. Today, most of the oil and gas companies producing motor oils with a worldwide reputation have developed their own systems. automatic selection by car.

However, manual search techniques suitable lubricant by parameters is still used quite often.

Let us consider separately how the two mechanisms for selecting the Elf oil according to the car make work.

Manual search for a suitable option

Self-selection of the required lubricant, without resorting to automated services, has several advantages.

• First, it is confidence in the right choice if you have the necessary knowledge in this matter. That is the factor software error excluded.
• Secondly, it is the ability to adjust some parameters of the engine oil. The program always offers lubricants that are nominally recommended by the manufacturer, without the possibility of adjusting for climate, engine wear and some other features.

First of all, when selecting Elf oil for a car, you need to familiarize yourself with the recommendations prescribed in the operating instructions or service book.

The primary parameters when choosing an engine oil are SAE, API and ACEA tolerances. Deviations according to API and ACEA are allowed only upwards.

For example, for gasoline engines in which it is recommended API oil SM, you can fill with grease having API specification SN, but lubricants with lower tolerances such as SL or SH cannot be used. The same principle works for the ACEA classification.

It is permissible to deviate from the required SAE viscosity by one point depending on the operating conditions or the degree of engine wear. For engines with solid mileage, you can take an oil with a higher high-temperature viscosity.

When operating a car in the northern regions, it is necessary to select the lubricant in such a way as to the indicator of winter viscosity so that it does not freeze even in the most severe frost.

Automated selection

Today there are several services for the selection of Elf lubricants. They are designed in different ways, but they function on the basis of the same algorithm.

Main selection window

Unlike some other selection programs, Total provides the ability to quickly select among popular models, which are displayed in a separate column. You can also use the classic scheme. The vehicle brand, model and engine are selected.

After confirming the selection, the program will offer several suitable oils Elf (usually two to five). It is important to remember that these oils are suitable only according to the factory recommendations of the car manufacturer.

Step-by-step selection of Elf oil

Sometimes additional adjustment is required in terms of the viscosity of the lubricant, taking into account the region of operation of the car.

Brief characteristics of lubricants "Elf"

All Elf lubricants have some distinctive features distinguishing them from other European brands. Consider these features of Total lubricants.

The selection of Elf oils for European cars, especially French ones, almost always implies the availability of several generally suitable options. And the choice is to assess the operating conditions of the car, the required properties of the oil and its durability, as well as their own financial capabilities.

The owner of the Elf trademark is the French oil production and refining company TOTAL. In 2000, the corporation acquired the French manufacturer Elf, whose oil it continued to produce under the same brand. Another European brand, besides Total, is the Petrofina brand, which is practically not represented on the Russian market.

Engine oil Elf are the main product to be introduced to the lubricants market. Although it is worth noting that the corporation is rebranding and selling liquid lubricants produced in Belgium and France, under a single TOTAL trademark. The policy of preserving the natural old brands and the new brand allows the company to reduce marketing costs and keep the cost of the finished product within certain price limits.

Elf motor oils are manufactured in France using technologies and formulations approved by a French developer. The sale is carried out through the official representative of the Total group, using a network of certified distributors and dealers. For retail sale, the goods are delivered in plastic blue canisters with a capacity of 1 and 4 liters, for corporate buyers shipment is carried out in metal drums.

Quality assurance on the assembly line and at races

The quality of Elf motor oils has established itself for more than 45 years of production history. Initially, the products were intended for the domestic market and were produced for Renault. Until now, this product is approved for the first fill and is used in French car factories.

From Russian manufacturers Elf diesel brands are used on KAMAZ conveyors. But they come to the conveyor in Tatarstan under a single brand Total.

Motor Elf oil delivered to the assembly line Datsun cars at VAZ and for the Romanian manufacturer DACIA.

Another confirmation of the quality of petrochemical products is the use of Elf liquid lubricant in the conditions of Formula 1 racing and motorcycle racing. Kawasaki has approved the use of these fluids, not only on racetracks, but also for potting in its factories.

Products for diesel engines are homologated by Mercedes Benz, MAN, Volvo plants and can be used in IVECO diesel engines.

Oil characteristics

The characteristics of the oils produced allow these liquid lubricants to be used in almost all types of cars, regardless of climatic conditions and driving style.

Gasoline oils

For the convenience of consumers and to meet the requirements for different conditions Operation and driving styles are produced by the fluid marked on the EVOLUTION label. Lubricants are classified by the manufacturer into three groups:

• Protection - mineral ELF EVOLUTION 300 FT and ELAF EVOLUTION SPORTI TXI
• Enhanced protection - mineral water 400 and 500 of the classification Elf Evolution 400 FT and Evolution 500. This group of lubricants is also used for atmospheric and turbocharged diesel engines on passenger cars... This also includes the semi-synthetics of the 700 series. The semi-synthetic base is used exclusively for gasoline engines and diesel engines. Brand ELF Evolution 700STI 10w40 is universal and can be used on both types of internal combustion engines.
• Optimal composition - completely synthetic oil designed to protect the engine in all conditions and provides easy start at low temperatures, fuel economy, durability of operation. There are two series in this group:
  1. Elf Evolution 900 is synthetic for use in both gasoline and diesel engines. Some brands, depending on the letter code after the series number, can be used universally for all types of internal combustion engines.
  2. Elf Evolution Full-Tech is specially developed for application in accordance with Euro-5 and Euro-6 standards. These brands are approved for newest cars Volkswagen, Mercedes and BMW.

Diesel oils

A French corporation provides lubricant for diesel engines in a separate series. By diesel technical fluids, the French mean goods for use in the internal combustion engine of heavy trucks, buses and agricultural machinery. Therefore, for light diesel commercial vehicles with a total weight not exceeding 5 tons, the selection should be carried out from the Evolution series. For heavy diesel engines, the Elf Performance line of fluids is available, which is divided into

• Elf Performance FE - reducing fuel consumption.
• Elf Performance

Lubricant for diesel engine has a second name in the name, which defines the base base and options for the use of fluids

• Experty, Galaxy, Harmony and Victory - Synthetics
• Discovery, Super D - mineral water
• Polytrafic - semi-synthetics

Some of the contents of the containers can be used as a working fluid for hydraulic systems, as indicated in the passport for the supplied products.

Moto oils

Total produces motor oils under the Elf brand. The range of produced motorcycle oil Elf meets all the needs of lovers of two-wheeled vehicles. This group of greases is also represented in all three groups of bases. There are both mineral and semi-synthetic and fully synthetic fluids.

The packaging says Moto 2 or Moto 4, respectively, for two and four-stroke motorcycle engines.

Special oils for vintage cars

A separate line of production is greases for retro cars with additives corresponding to engine materials. The main purpose of the production of this group is to fill the formed niche for maintaining collectible cars and cars that are in operation, but have a solid age.

There are three types of lubricants:

• Elf HTX Collection - for Peugeot and Citroen after 1950
• Elf HTX Prestige - for collectible cars 1900-1950 years of release
• Elf HTX Chrono - for racing cars type VW Golf GTI, Peugeot 205 GTI, Lotus, Porsche, Ferrari.

Selection of Elf oil by car make

The selection of Elf oil by car brand is not difficult. Elf sellers carry out oil selection using printed and electronic catalogs. The manufacturer's website gives Full description oil with the possibility of its use, depending on the type of internal combustion engine. Extended specifications lubricants allow you to select the required composition, taking into account the driving style, loads and climatic data of the operating area.

Viscosity characteristics allow you to select all-season fluids with parameters from 0w40 to 10w60 and summer fluids with a viscosity index up to SAE 50.

How to identify a fake Elf oil

Fake Elf oil is not uncommon in the market. Relatively high price original oil, compared to the cost of filling oils into canisters similar to the original ones, makes this kind of dubious business quite attractive.

Any comparison of the original Elf oil and the counterfeit oil is a statement of a past fact. The counterfactual market does not stand still and also reads about its shortcomings.

To figure out how to determine a fake Elf oil, you need to refer to the production process. The factories use a delivery system Supplies on time basis to reduce storage costs. Therefore, the production date of the original canister always coincides with the oil filling date.

If earlier Romanian manufacturers did not put a QR code on the back side of the label and used canisters that coincide with the original only in color, now these "shortcomings" of non-original production have already been corrected. The counterfeit Elf oil is now bottled in containers that practically do not differ from the original.

Original elf products are distinguished by the sole of the canister. On the heel of the original, there are embossed stripes on the entire width of the canister. The width of the stripes and the distance between them are approximately the same. If in 2015 counterfeit goods was poured into canisters, where the lines did not reach 15-18 mm to the edge of the canister, then in 2016 the canister began to be forged more efficiently and now, like the original, three tides do not reach the edge of the canister only 5 mm.

A definite, but weak, factor in confirming originality is the canister lids. Belgian and French plastic containers from Total factories are screwed with a lid that fits completely to the body of the canister or with a gap of no more than 1 mm and has a polished rounded corner on the top.

Underground bottling shops are not yet able to provide such a quality of manufacture of caps and screwing technology. But the process does not stand still and, most likely, this omission will be taken into account.

To purchase natural elf oil, you should contact the certified centers for the sale of oils of the French company.

Warranty 12 months or 20,000 km. mileage.*

* subject to warranty conditions

Return of goods is possible within 14 days.

You can get the order yourself at the point of issue:

G. Minsk, st. Platonova 31B, 2nd floor

Delivery in Minsk:

Free of charge for orders over 150 rubles.

With an order amount of up to 150 rubles - 7 rubles.

Delivery in the Republic of Belarus:

Delivery is made within 1-2 days.

Delivery cost from 5 to 10 rubles (in n.p. according to).

* delivery to settlements that are not on the list.

Check the cost and delivery time with the manager

In cash

At the point of issue
- to the courier in case of delivery

Using a plastic card

At the point of issue
- on the website
- through the "Calculation" system (AIS ERIP).

Elf oil selection

With the help of the Elf engine oil selection service, you can determine the oils recommended by the manufacturer and technical fluids for your car. For selection by car oil Elf and its purchase (search in the product catalog of the site) necessary:

1. Enter the vehicle parameters in the Elf oil selection service. Special attention you should pay attention to the reliability of information about the parameters of the car's engine (volume and power), since even in one model line cars can be completed different engines, the tolerances of oils for which differ significantly.

The selection service provides the required amount of engine oil and up to three oil recommendations. All the recommended products are suitable for use, however, they may differ, for example, by an increased drain interval (so-called long life oils), or by viscosity.

If you are not sure about the choice of a specific product, consult the managers of the online store.

When choosing a volume, it should be borne in mind that the recommendation indicates the capacity of the entire system, however, when replacing, a certain amount of oil remains in the system.