What is the difference between Shell Blue Shell and Gray Shell?
2 Answers
Shell Blue Shell and Gray Shell differ in their composition: Blue Shell is a semi-synthetic oil, while Gray Shell is a fully synthetic engine oil. Engine oil, motor oil, or engine lubricant is a substance enhanced with additives in base oil, primarily containing anti-wear additives, detergents, dispersants, and multi-grade viscosity index improvers. Engine oil is used for lubricating internal combustion engines. The main functions of engine oil are to reduce friction and wear on moving parts, remove sludge (one of the functions of dispersants) and varnish (detergents) from the engine, neutralize acids produced from fuel and lubricant oxidation (detergents), improve the sealing of piston rings, and cool the engine by carrying away heat from moving parts.
Last time I got my car serviced, I specifically asked the mechanic about the difference between these two engine oils. The Gray Shell is Shell's premium full synthetic oil, with overall stronger performance, especially suitable for turbocharged cars or vehicles that frequently go on long trips. It provides better high-temperature protection, reduces engine wear, and has stronger cleaning capabilities, typically requiring an oil change every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers. The Blue Shell is semi-synthetic, significantly cheaper, and more suitable for regular naturally aspirated engine family cars. My daily commuter car uses the Blue Shell, which is completely sufficient for city driving, and changing the oil every 5,000 kilometers doesn't hurt the wallet. However, for new cars or performance vehicles, the long-lasting protection of the Gray Shell is more cost-effective, as the savings on repair costs far outweigh the price difference in engine oils.
