How long can Blue Shell HX7 Plus be used?
3 Answers
Blue Shell HX7 Plus can last up to 8,000-9,000 kilometers under good road conditions, but should be replaced after about 6,000 kilometers if frequently driving in traffic congestion. Below is relevant information: 1. Price difference: HX7 Plus is a fully synthetic oil, while HX7 is semi-synthetic. Since fully synthetic oil is made from superior components of crude oil, it's naturally more expensive than semi-synthetic oil. 2. Performance difference: Engine oil consists of base oil and additives. The base oil determines the fundamental properties of the lubricant, while additives compensate for and improve any deficiencies in the base oil's performance. Therefore, as a fully synthetic oil, HX7 Plus outperforms the semi-synthetic HX7 in terms of performance.
I've been using this engine oil for three to four years, and it generally needs to be changed around 7,500 kilometers. Last time when I went for maintenance after driving 8,000 kilometers, the mechanic said the sludge had noticeably increased. If you're stuck in city traffic every day doing short trips, you might need to prepare for an oil change at around 6,000 kilometers. In the south where high temperatures are common, it's best not to exceed six months, while in the north you can stretch it a bit longer. I make it a habit to check the dipstick myself every 5,000 kilometers—if the oil turns black and thickens, that's the signal. Never push it to the manufacturer's stated limit just to save on oil change costs, as you might end up paying for a major engine overhaul.
Both of our family cars use Shell Helix Ultra, but the actual performance varies by model. My older turbocharged car can easily go 10,000 kilometers on full synthetic oil without issues. However, my wife's small-displacement naturally aspirated car starts losing power after about 7,000 kilometers. The key factor is your driving habits: if you frequently floor the accelerator or drive on mountain roads, you might need to change it every 5,000 kilometers; for gentle driving with more highway miles, 8,000 kilometers is acceptable. I check the dipstick monthly and top up immediately if it falls below the minimum level, as broken oil film accelerates wear. Remember to replace the oil filter when changing oil – skipping it reduces the effectiveness of the oil change.