You have probably seen this for yourself, but why is the fully synthetic Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 selling for just RM99.00 for a 4L can when the retail price in the spare parts shop and Shell fuel stations is about RM260.00. The difference in price of RM161.00 is strange and sounds like someone is getting played out. Or not!
Are Malaysians paying too much for lubricant?
Choosing the right engine oil for your car is a daunting task with so many options on sale and your mechanics recommendations always seems to be the best, however you must note that your mechanic will often propose the lubricant where he gets the best margin of profit.
It is obvious that this is an imported lubricant (the can says ‘Made In Italy’) and it carries all the global standards approvals, so why is it much much much cheaper.
Well, our research with the industry reveals this. Tesco as a large supermarket chain buys this lubricant in bulk and ships it into Malaysia and so they are able to sell at a very low margin.
Also, this Italian product Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 has some chemical properties in it that is suitable for European weather and for more modern engines like the latest direct injection engines. This means, all reconditioned used European cars should have no issue using this product.
The Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 produced in Malaysia at RM260.00 is formulated to work with cars sold here and our humidity included. Experts suggest, if we are using an older vehicle then we are NOT good to go with the RM99.00 Tesco Shell. Something modern, say a 2013 onwards vehicle then also best to use the RM260.00 lube.
While there is a mountain of information to learn about the various lubricant choices and you can always ask the advice of a trusted mechanic (we also are in the dark about which is the best as we trust our mechanics choice), the first step is honestly quite simple: Look in the car manual and it will give the factory recommendation for lubricant and this is all you need to enjoy cheaper priced engine oil.
So, can we still use this engine oil for our cars manufactured in year 2009 and 2015?
Yes, there should be no issue.
Who are the expert that said 2013 onwards car should use Shell RM260? Shell technical people or outsider?
Kindly advise.
Information gathered from mechanics we use.
Could you provide us with the fruits of your research? Which mechanic did you consult? As far as I’m concerned, these “Made for Malaysia” RM260 bottles are blended in Port Dickson with the very same formulation. The main purpose of this move is to combat counterfeiting. Perhaps Tesco is just trying to clear old stock for the new. I saw Aeon Big selling them for RM160+.
Yes, you are right. Shell wanted to prevent fake lubes from the market and their Malaysian made lubricants come from PD.
Shell’s explanation is because its “Fake” from Tesco Giant outlet? If it’s fake then why Shell & KDNHEP didnt initiate a lawsuit against Tesco / Giant?
Because both are original. Only different sources.
Akin like I buy a Huawei hand phone direct from China. And cost alot cheaper than buying from Huawei Malaysia. only difference is the warranty, but same functionality.
Or like I buy a Toyota Vellfire from UMW Toyota which costs like Rm 360K.
a recond Vellfire, older (year 2016 for example) but same car, For around RM 250K average (based on carlist.my).
Why didnt UMW initiate a lawsuit against recond dealers? Because that will be considered monopolizing.
And consumers will hunger for cheaper price, not higher price.
Very true. Been using reputable brand engine oil from tesco for already 10 years. No issue. Infact still using fully synthetic 5w-40 for my 10 year old work horse
@TGBTV – Correction . Shell’s Made for Malaysia is Made in HK. Not Made in PD. Can always look up at the bottle label.
Combat counterfeiting , Yes. So that they can continue to sell overpriced Ferrari-approved lubricants to the mass market.
Clearing stock? Nah. I bought mine in last December, and manufacturing date was in June 2018.
Just bought a box of 4 from giant with promotion price at 89each (27nov19)
Old stock problem ?nope, all made by 24aug19
https://pictr.com/image/5uH9mY
Hi..
Bila tengok di label tu tulis API-SN . then rujuk di website API:
“SN Current For 2020 and older automotive engines”
So technically boleh gunalah pada enjin tahun 99 kan?
kalau nak ikut manual memang tak wujud dah ler standard API untuk enjin tahun 99 tu.
Even Shell Malaysia dare not claim it is fake, that mean the oil are genuince. I believe, Tesco will not risk to sell fake oil.
DSF, I think you’re relying on unfounded hearsay when alleging that older cars are better off using locally made Helix as the formulation is suited to local weather etc. You go on to cite the experts from who you heard this as “mechanics”. How is a mechanic an expert on oil and lubrication? How can any mechanic know the difference in the formulation of oils? Most won’t even know what API Groups of Base Oil or TBN the oil they sell are. In my opinion, this is a poorly researched article that lacks factual basis.
Hi Shawn, TQ for reaching out to us. Yes, you are right, more effort on our part should have been taken in research.
We spoke to a few mechanics that we trust as they service a lot of cars day in day out and they all shared the same answer with us on the lubricant use on older cars as when the car owners came back in for repeat oil changes using their own lubricant purchased, they all noticed higher sediments and oil loss.
Could be age of cars, condition of engines, driver attitudes and also driving cycle.
We produced this article to answer questions if Hypermarket lubricant is Ok to purchase and use as we have been using Tesco sold lubricant with no issue on our cars.
Can anyone conduct friction test for both branded lubricant oil bought form our local supermarket? I have been using it ever since as it’s cheaper. Thanks.