Shell Helix sets the standard in biofuels compatibility

3 December 2012 – Shell today announces that Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 and Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 have met the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA)’s latest specifications for engine oil performance.

In order to adhere to the ACEA’s new A3/B4 2012 requirements, the products underwent a series of rigorous tests. As in previous years, these tests assessed their performance in a variety of areas, including engine protection and fuel economy. For the first time, however, the oils also went through a new CEC L-105 Low-Temperature Pumpability test. This analysed their performance in the presence of a biofuel, reflecting the growing importance of these fuels in the energy mix.

Both Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 and Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 performed strongly during each element of the ACEA testing process and were judged to work as effectively with biofuels as with regular gasoline or diesel.

Richard Dixon, Shell Helix Technology Manager, said: “Shell Helix Ultra 5W-30 and 5W-40 are among the first engine oils to meet the new ACEA 2012 specifications, underlining Shell’s commitment to offering our lubricants customers the same high-level of performance and protection no matter what type of fuel they use.”

Global mandates for reducing CO2 emissions across the road transport sector mean that biofuels have an important role to play in powering the vehicles of the future. However, they have also been shown to have a potentially negative effect on engine efficiency and longevity; a challenge that Shell takes extremely seriously.

Dr Dixon added: “In the future, biofuels will be an increasingly vital part of the energy mix, so it is up to companies like Shell to develop lubricants that offer high levels of performance and protection when used alongside them. The fact that Shell Helix Ultra 5W-40 and 5W-30 continue to meet the evolving performance specifications such as those set by ACEA should reassure our customers that they will do exactly that.”