A car these days is not luxury, but a means of delivering its owner to the desired destination. The problem with the machine is only that its maintenance is sometimes expensive, and repairs, especially the engine, can completely shake the family budget. Accordingly, it is necessary to make every effort to ensure that he worked as long as possible. One of the most important prerequisites for success is the use of high-quality motor oil.
One of the best is Elf 5W40 oil , reviews of which, as well as its main characteristics, we will consider today on the pages of this article.
Basic information
For some reason, it turned out that for the entire time the brand was present on the domestic market, it always seemed to be on the sidelines, as there were practically no flashy advertisements or frankly flattering reviews about it. But in recent years, ELF products have become increasingly insistent on conquering the domestic consumer. Even such "veterans" as Mobil and Motul in some areas are beginning to lose ground.
So, the Elf 5W40 oil . Reviews about him are quite multilateral. To understand their truth, it does not hurt to find out how it is characterized by a direct producer. It is believed to be “a high-quality lubricant that is equally well suited for both diesel and gasoline engines.” At the same time, ELF seems to guarantee that its products are perfectly adapted to the rather harsh conditions of the domestic climate.
By the way, what price characteristics can a potential buyer please with Elf 5w40 oil? Its price is quite affordable for itself: from one and a half thousand for five liters. Compared with other foreign brands, for the production of which sometimes you can give more than five thousand rubles for the same volume, more than tolerable. In any case, such a price probably will not especially affect the state of the family budget.
Where to use?
Firstly, the manufacturer insists on using it on all the latest models of cars with engines of complex design. Ideal for multi-valve models and turbocharged versions, it can be used in machines with and without catalytic filters. 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. It is suitable not only for a leisurely ride in a dense city stream, but even for those who like to storm the expanses of a country where, as you know, it doesn’t smell of roads as such. Even if you like a desperate, sporty ride, the Elf 5W40 oil will be a great choice for you. The reviews indicate that even in this mode of operation, your car is not at risk.
The interval between oil changes has also been seriously increased. Unlike other promising manufacturers, Elf did develop oil, in full accordance with the recommendations of the most famous automobile concerns. Of course, in any case, we believe that before pouring new oil into a car, you need to visit the website of its manufacturer and clarify all the nuances of compatibility.
In general, the Elf 5W40 oil (reviews confirm this) can be safely poured into the engines of any car. Confirmation of this is its class SL, which indicates full compliance with all applicable standards in this area.
The main advantages of the oil according to the manufacturer
To summarize. According to the manufacturer, his products have the following advantages:
Excellent engine protection in all operating modes. Guaranteed high purity of all its components due to a special package of additives that have always distinguished Elf engine oils.
The components of the oil itself are completely resistant to oxidation, the product retains all its qualities even under very harsh operating conditions.
Even a cold winter start-up is greatly simplified while maintaining the maximum possible engine life: this is achieved thanks to a special formula that allows the oil to warm up quickly and immediately begin to lubricate the engine components.
Even with extended drain intervals, the grease does not turn into a jelly-like “something” and does not cripple the motor.
Specifications
So that you do not consider all of the above unfounded advertising, we present here the purely technical nuances that distinguish Elf 5W40 engine oil. Its characteristics are as follows:
At 15 ° C, it has a density of 1298 g / cm3 (0.8526).
The viscosity at 40 ° C is 445 mm2 / s (85.11).
At 100 ° C, this characteristic changes little: 445 mm2 / s (14.05).
It freezes at temperatures below -39 degrees Celsius.
“Flash” - 92 ° C.
Total base number 2896 mgKOH / g (10.1).
Important! In general, experienced motorists say that only two indicators are important to us: pour point and alkaline number. In the first case, it should be noted that the characteristics of the oil are quite sufficient if in your region the winter ambient temperature 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 a different lubricant.
As for the alkaline number 10.1 - this value indirectly indicates that the oil will actually be nice to clean the engine. Given the characteristics of the fuel in most of the gas stations in our country, this characteristic is extremely important. This is the difference between Elf 5W40 engine oil. Characteristics, however, do not say much unless the most important indicators are retold in simple terms.
Decryption 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: grease 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 able to pump. You need to know that the hardening of most lubricants occurs for a rather commonplace reason: the precipitation of paraffin crystals.
This is especially true for oils derived from cheap grades of oil. Normal manufacturers are sure to add special additives to the composition of their products that prevent this phenomenon. Actually, due to this, Elf 5W40 oil also 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 has been used for a long time, a significant amount of oxidation products is formed. To neutralize them, manufacturers use specific additives. The lower the alkaline number, 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 change the lubricant in time, then the car’s motor can quickly fail.
To find out this very number, manufacturers use potentiometric titration. Simply put, the alkaline number in this case is the ability to neutralize a certain weight volume of the acid added to the oil.
It must also be said that Elf 5W40 oil is not purebred “synthetics”, but hydrocracked lubricant. Many motorists are also impressed by the fact that the manufacturer does not stoop 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 automobile stores found motor oil "Elf 5W40". We will now analyze the reviews about it in more detail.
So what do users say?
In our stores you can find cans of one, four and five liters. Everything was done carefully, but sometimes motorists complain that it is impossible to make out the date of oil production. As a rule, we get the French version. Canisters are very often found, instructions for the use of lubricants on which are printed with rather gross spelling errors. Apparently, the French are saving on translators.
Of course, there is no frankly unreadable nonsense, so you will probably figure out 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 cardboard boxes on the neck under the lid. But the latter sometimes causes severe irritation, since the “gag” is sometimes glued so that after opening the canister you definitely will not be able to stay with clean hands. The filler neck itself, which characterizes almost all Elf engine oils, is extremely laudable. Unlike all foreign and foreign analogues, there is a kind of telescopic “rod”, with which it is easy to fill the oil in any conditions.
Many people note that due to this “pleasant trifle”, when replacing the lubricant, it is possible to remain practically clean, and such containers are extremely convenient for periodic oil refills.
Important Notice
Motorists, however, are strongly advised to always use means to flush the engine, which was Elf 5W40 oil. The reviews indicate that a large amount of dirt washed with additives could not be removed from the motor in a different way.
Double opinion
What else is characterized by motor oil "Elf 5W40"? Reviews about it are twofold: some users claim that the engine starts to work softer. On the contrary, other motorists with ardor argue that the engine makes significantly more sounds.
Let's figure it out: most often negative reviews come from motorists who live in the northern regions. Please note that in the article there were repeatedly recommendations not to use the "Elf" in those places where in winter the ambient temperature regularly drops to -35 degrees Celsius and even lower. Elf 5W40 oil is not adapted to such conditions, what can I do ... In general, in this case it is better to buy ordinary synthetics.
At such temperatures, Elf - the oil is not very good, since due to the considerable density, the process of lubricating the engine is greatly complicated. It is not surprising that after starting it starts to work “hard”. In general, carefully read the manufacturer's recommendations!
Elf evolution
Elf Evolution engine oil stands apart. How do motorists respond about this variety? It should be noted here that the company places particular 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, this time the French were somewhat deceitful. Indeed, a larger number of additives have been added to the composition of this brand, which, in theory, quite well resist the rapid thickening of the lubricant even at very low ambient temperatures. That's just in practice they cope with this is not too good.
Drivers from the northern cities unanimously claim that Elf Evolution 5w40 oil behaves frankly at temperatures from -25 degrees and below! That is, it manifests itself worse than his "colleague in the shop"! What is the reason for this paradox is not known for certain.
In fairness, let's not forget about fakes. Only a very naive buyer can believe that a fake lubricant from a well-known foreign concern will not interest anyone. As the studies of many domestic experts show, at least 15-23% of fakes of motor oils on the market. Among the popular brands that are especially often faked, is the "Elf". Of course, the use of such ersatz extremely negatively affects the state of the engine of your car.
Thus, buy lubricants exclusively at certified large stores. Yes, this advice is very commonplace, but, unfortunately, it has not lost its relevance at all. Only in this case you will be able to maintain the high performance characteristics of the motor of your car.
But there is a positive point. It is associated with the operation of the car in urban conditions: motorists believe that this 5w40 Elf motor oil actually saves up to 7% of fuel. And this recognition from car enthusiasts who are forced to spend several hours in traffic every day is worth a lot!
A bit about dreamers
In principle, not all reviews should be listened to. Moreover, this applies not only to negative, but also to some positive characteristics. So, some "experts" complain that after filling this lubricant ... the engine power does not increase! We think it’s not worth all the time to remind you that all the telling admonitions of some unscrupulous manufacturers about “restoring the engine” or “increasing engine power” are fairy tales that you do not need to pay attention to.
We also said that the manufacturer of Elf arouses respect just because it does not give such absurd promises to customers. Yes, and certificates from major automotive concerns also inspire considerable trust and respect.
So, what finally can be said about Elf 5w40 oil? Its characteristics allow us to speak with good conscience about its high quality and suitability for use in many climatic and operational conditions. In any case, the "Elf" is definitely no worse than many of its counterparts from other manufacturers. Finally, I would like to wish everyone a good journey and high-quality oil!