Why Do 4S Stores Not Recommend Using Shell Engine Oil?
2 Answers
4S stores do not recommend using Shell gasoline to prevent oil-related faults in new cars, so generally, 4S stores will specifically recommend a brand of engine oil for car owners to use. Besides fearing potential issues, using the oil they recommend also earns them commissions. Relevant introductions are as follows: 1. Additives: Many car owners avoid Shell gasoline mainly due to the issue of Shell gasoline additives. When refueling, they may notice an item on the fuel receipt that charges an additive fee per liter of gasoline. Apart from adding unnecessary costs, the main reason is that too many additives can lead to lower heat value in the car and relatively louder noise. Listening carefully to the engine, one might feel that the engine sounds muffled, giving a sense of insufficient power. 2. Shell Engine Oil: Shell gasoline also enjoys high international recognition. Beyond gasoline, it is a pioneer in liquefied natural gas. As the largest industrial company in the Netherlands, it holds a certain share in the global oil and gas sector.
As someone who frequently hangs out in the auto repair circles, I find it quite interesting how 4S dealerships reject Shell engine oil. It all boils down to profit margins and risk control—4S shops rely on after-sales services for revenue. Just think about it: their warehouses are stocked with manufacturer-approved oils from designated supply channels, ensuring stable profits with every sale. Shell, as a third-party brand, not only comes with higher purchase costs and lower commissions but, most critically, has an alarmingly high counterfeit rate in the market. Dealerships fear customers might buy fake oil elsewhere, add it to their engines, and then blame the shop when problems arise. Moreover, new car maintenance manuals explicitly require manufacturer-certified oils—even if Shell meets the same specifications, it would need recertification testing, which is time-consuming and costly. Last time my buddy took his car to a 4S shop wanting Shell, the service manager immediately pulled out his phone to show case photos of engines ruined by counterfeit oil, scaring him into switching back to OEM oil. At the end of the day, 4S shops prioritize hassle-free profits, and no matter how good Shell is, it can't beat the convenience of manufacturer-backed oils sitting in their warehouses.
