Oil "Elf 5W40": reviews. Elf engine oil

A car in our time is not a luxury, but a means to bring its owner to the desired destination. The problem with the car is that its maintenance is sometimes expensive, and repair, especially of the engine, and at all can significantly shake the family budget. Accordingly, it is required to make every effort to ensure that he has worked as long as possible. One of the most important guarantees of success is the use of high-quality motor oil.

One of the best is the "Elf 5W40" oil, about which, as well as its main characteristics, we will consider today in the pages of this article.

Basic information

For some reason, it turned out that for the entire time of the presence of this brand in the domestic market, it always remained, as it were, aside, as there was practically no flattering advertising or frankly flattering reviews about it. But in recent years, ELF products have become more persistent to win the domestic consumer. Even such "veterans" as Mobil and Motul are beginning to give up their positions in some areas.

So, the oil "Elf 5W40". Reviews about it are quite versatile. To understand their truth, it does not hurt to find out how it is characterized by the direct producer. It is believed that this is a "high-quality lubricant, equally well suited for both diesel and gasoline engines." The company ELF thus seems to ensure that its products are perfectly adapted to the rather severe conditions of the domestic climate.

By the way, and with what price characteristics can the prospective buyer be pleased with the oil "Elf 5w40"? Its price is quite democratic to itself: from one and a half thousand for five liters. Compared with other foreign brands, whose products can sometimes be given more than five thousand rubles for the same amount, more than tolerable. In any case, on the condition of the family budget, such a price will certainly not be particularly affected.

Where should I use it?

First, the manufacturer strongly advises applying it on all the latest models of cars with engines of complex design. Perfectly suited for multivalve models and varieties with turbocharging, can be used in machines with a catalytic filter and without it. It is allowed to use in all types of diesel engines, including those that are not equipped with a particulate filter.

The manufacturer also "presses" on the possibility of pouring into the engines of cars that are operated in particularly difficult conditions. Suitable not only for a leisurely ride in a dense city traffic, but even for fans to storm the expanses of the country, where, as you know, the roads as such do not smell. Even if you love a desperate, sporty ride, the "Elf 5W40" oil will be an excellent choice for you. Reviews indicate that even in this mode of operation your car is not in danger.

The interval between oil changes was also significantly increased. Unlike other elusive producers, the Elf really developed the oil, in full accordance with the recommendations of the most eminent automotive concerns. Of course, in any case, we believe that before filling new oil in the car you need to visit the site of its manufacturer and clarify all the nuances of compatibility.

In general, the oil "Elf 5W40" (the reviews confirm this) can be safely poured into the engines of any car. The confirmation of this is his class SL, which speaks of full compliance with all applicable standards in this field.

Main advantages of the oil according to the manufacturer's version

Let us sum up. According to the manufacturer, its products have the following advantages:

• Excellent engine protection in all operating modes. Guarantee of high purity of all its components due to a special package of additives, which always favorably distinguished engine oils Elf.

• The components of the oil itself are completely resistant to oxidation, the product retains all its qualities even under very severe operating conditions.

• Significantly simplifies even the cold winter start with the maximum possible saving of the engine life: this is achieved through a special formula that allows the oil to warm up quickly and immediately start lubricating the engine components.

• Even with increased intervals of replacement, the lubricant does not turn into a jelly-like "something" and does not maim the motor.

Specifications

So that you did not consider all of the above unfounded advertising, we give here purely technical nuances that distinguish the engine oil "Elf 5W40". Its characteristics are as follows:

• At 15 ° C it has a density of 1298 g / cm3 (0.8526).

• The viscosity index at 40 ° C is 445 mm2 / s (85.11).

• At 100 ° C this characteristic varies little: 445 mm2 / s (14.05).

• It freezes at a temperature below -39 degrees Celsius.

• Flash is 92 ° C.

• The total alkaline value is 2896 mgKOH / g (10.1).

Important! Generally, experienced motorists say that only two indicators are important to us: the pour point and the alkali value. In the first case, it should be noted that the oil characteristics are quite sufficient if in your region the winter temperature of the ambient air rarely drops below -35 degrees Celsius. If you live in areas closer to the north, where this temperature is regular, it is better to choose another lubricant.

As for the alkali number 10.1 - this value indirectly indicates that the oil and in fact it will be a good idea to clean the engine. Taking into account the fuel characteristics of most of our gas stations, this characteristic is extremely important. This is what distinguishes engine oil "Elf 5W40". Characteristics, however, little about what they say, if the most important indicators do not recount a simple language.

Decoding of important indicators

What is the pour point ? Simply put, in this state, the oil loses its fluidity, turning into a homogeneous, amorphous mass. This indicator is tested simply: the lubricant is poured into a test tube, which is installed in a thermostat with artificial ice. Temperature readings are read every few minutes.

Important! The pour point must necessarily be five to seven degrees below the threshold at which the oil is still capable of pumping. It is necessary to know that the hardening of most greases occurs for a rather banal reason: the precipitation of paraffin crystals.

This is especially true for oils obtained from cheap grades of oil. Normal producers necessarily add to the composition of their products special additives that prevent this phenomenon. Actually, due to this oil "Elf 5W40" and shows excellent results up to a temperature of -35-36 degrees Celsius.

Alkaline number . This value indicates the total possible resource. The fact is that in any oil that is operated for a long time, a significant amount of oxidation products is formed. To neutralize them, manufacturers use specific additives. The lower the alkalinity, the faster the lubricant will lose its characteristics. If you bought cheap oil, or you operate your car in a large city and forget to replace lubricant in time, then the car's engine can quickly fail.

To find out the very number, manufacturers use potentiometric titration. Simply put, the alkaline number in this case is the ability to neutralize a specific weight volume of the acid added to the oil.

Still need to say that the oil "Elf 5W40" is not a purebred "synthetics", but a hydrocracked grease. Many motorists are also impressed by the fact that the manufacturer does not drop to "miraculous ceramic dust" or other "nanotechnological" additives, which indirectly indicates the seriousness of the company.

That is why in recent years, more and more often on the shelves of car shops there is oil motor "Elf 5W40". Reviews about it, we now disassemble in more detail.

So, what do users say?

In our stores you can find canisters of one, four and five liters. Everything is done neatly, but sometimes motorists complain that it is impossible to disassemble the date of production of the oil. As a rule, we get the French version. Very often canisters are found, instructions for the use of lubricants are printed with rather coarse spelling errors. Apparently, the French save on translators.

Of course, there are no frankly unreadable nonsense, so you will certainly understand the recommendations from the manufacturer. We can say that Elf - oil is quite "serious", despite these minor flaws.

Experienced drivers also note that there are no cards on the neck under the lid. But the latter sometimes causes a strong irritation, as the "gag" is sometimes glued so that after opening the canister you definitely will not be able to stay with clean hands. Extremely commendable is the self-priming neck, which characterizes almost all Elf motor oils. Unlike all foreign and imported analogues, there is a kind of telescopic "barbell", with which it is easy to fill the oil in any conditions.

Many note that due to this "pleasant trifle" when replacing the lubricant it is possible to remain practically clean, and for such occasional refilling of oil, such packaging is extremely convenient.

Important note

Motorists, however, strongly advise to use the means for flushing the engine, in which there was oil Elf 5W40. Reviews suggest that a large number of dirt additives washed away in another way to remove from the motor simply will not work.

A double opinion

What else is characterized by engine oil "Elf 5W40"? Reviews about it are twofold: some users claim that the engine starts to work softer. On the contrary, other motorists with a heat prove that the engine produces much more sounds.

Let's figure out: most often negative reviews come from motorists who live in the northern regions. Please note that the article repeatedly met recommendations not to use the "Elf" in those areas where in winter the ambient air temperature regularly drops to -35 degrees Celsius and even lower. Elf 5W40 oil is not suitable for such conditions, what can we do ... In general, in this case it is better to buy conventional synthetics.

At these temperatures, Elf - oil is not too good, because due to the considerable density of the process of lubricating the engine is greatly complicated. It is not surprising that after the launch, it starts to work "hard." In general, carefully read the manufacturer's recommendations!

Elf Evolution

A specialty is the engine oil Elf Evolution. How do avtolyubiteli respond about this variety? Here it should be noted that the company places special emphasis on the use of this lubricant in severe climatic conditions. Judging by the proclamation, it can be successfully poured into cars that are operated in the conditions of our North. Is it really?

Alas, but this time the French were somewhat sly. Indeed, more additives are added to the composition of this brand, which in theory are not badly opposed to the rapid thickening of the lubricant even at very low ambient temperatures. That's just in practice they cope with this not too well.

Drivers from northern cities in one voice argue that the oil "Elf Evolution 5w40" frankly behaves badly at temperatures from -25 degrees and below! That is, it shows itself worse than his "colleague in the shop!" What is the reason for such a paradox is for certain unknown.

For the sake of justice, let's not forget about fakes. Only a completely naive buyer can think that faking a lubricant from a well-known foreign concern will not interest anyone. As studies by many domestic experts show, at least 15-23% of engine oil fakes are on the market. Among the popular brands, which are especially often forged, is the "Elf". Of course, the use of such ersatz is extremely adversely affecting the state of the engine of your car.

Thus, buy lubricants exclusively in certified large stores. Yes, this advice is very trite, but he unfortunately did not lose relevance. Only in this case you can keep the high performance characteristics of the motor of your car.

But there is also a positive moment. He associated with the operation of the car in urban conditions: motorists believe that this motor oil 5w40 "Elf" actually allows you to save up to 7% of fuel. And this recognition from motorists, who are daily forced to spend several hours in traffic jams, are worth a lot!

A little about the dreamers

In principle, not all reviews should be listened to. And this applies not only to negative, but also to some positive characteristics. So, some "experts" complain that after filling this lubricant ... does not increase the engine power! We think it's not worth repeating all the time that all the eloquent exhortations of some unscrupulous manufacturers about "restoring the engine" or "increasing engine power" are fairytales that you do not need to pay attention to.

We also said that the Elf producer is respected just because such ridiculous promises to customers do not give. And certificates from large automobile concerns also inspire considerable confidence and respect.

So, what is the last thing you can say about the oil "Elf 5w40"? Its characteristics allow us to speak with a clear conscience of its high quality and suitability for use in many climatic and operational conditions. In any case, the "Elf" is just as good as many of its counterparts from other manufacturers. Finally, I would like to wish everyone a good road and quality oil!