Carlube Triple R 5W-20 ACEA C5, API SP Fully Synthetic Engine Oil R-TEC 14, 5L ⚫ Review 🏆

Carlube is a well-known and respected brand in the automotive lubricants industry. The company originated in the UK over 100 years ago and has built a reputation for manufacturing high-quality oil products. Carlube produces a wide range of lubricants and fluids for all types of vehicles, from passenger cars to heavy-duty equipment.

The Carlube Triple R range represents the brand's premium fully synthetic engine oils, designed to provide maximum protection and performance. Carlube Triple R oils meet the latest industry specifications and are recommended by major auto manufacturers.

The Carlube Triple R 5W-20 oil reviewed here is intended for modern gasoline and diesel engine passenger vehicles. Its advanced full synthetic formulation aims to provide exceptional wear protection, fuel economy, and engine cleanliness.

Product Overview

Carlube Triple R 5W-20 is a fully synthetic engine oil that meets some of the highest industry standards for motor oils. It has a 5W-20 viscosity grade, meaning it has characteristics of both a 5 weight oil when cold and a 20 weight oil when hot. This allows it to flow well when an engine is first started in cold temperatures but also provides protection at higher engine temperatures.

The oil carries certifications from both the American Petroleum Institute (API) and the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (ACEA). The API certification is "SP" which denotes the oil meets the latest API requirements for gasoline engines. The ACEA C5 certification means this oil is approved for use in vehicles from Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen and others. These certifications indicate the oil has passed a series of tests for things like wear prevention, deposit control, oxidation resistance, and fuel economy.

In addition to the 5W-20 variant, Carlube also offers the Carlube Triple R, R-TEC 31, 10W-40 ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4 Semi Synthetic Engine Oil 5L. This semi-synthetic engine oil is designed to provide exceptional protection and performance in both petrol and diesel engines. With a viscosity of 10W-40, it offers excellent flow characteristics and reduces engine wear even under high-temperature conditions. Its ACEA A3/B3 and A3/B4 ratings make it suitable for a wide range of vehicles, ensuring that your engine remains well-protected and delivers optimal performance.

Benefits

Carlube Triple R 5W-20 offers several key benefits for your engine:

Fuel Efficiency

This motor oil is formulated to reduce friction and provide excellent fuel economy. The advanced full synthetic formula allows the oil to flow smoothly at low temperatures while maintaining viscosity at higher engine temperatures. This results in less drag on engine components, enabling the engine to operate efficiently and make the most of each drop of fuel.

Performance

In addition to fuel savings, Carlube Triple R 5W-20 delivers exceptional performance. It meets strict ACEA C5 and API SP specifications for gasoline engines, so you can rely on outstanding protection for your engine. The oil maintains its viscosity even under demanding driving conditions to prevent wear, and keeps critical parts clean. Your engine will run smoothly and responsively when using this high quality lubricant.

Engine Protection

This oil is designed to provide maximum engine protection. It contains special additives to prevent the buildup of sludge and deposits, even in extreme driving conditions. The anti-wear additives shield engine parts from damage during cold starts and high temperatures. You can trust Carlube Triple R 5W-20 to keep your engine running like new for longer by reducing friction, wear, and deposits.

Use Cases

The Carlube Triple R 5W-20 engine oil is recommended for a variety of modern petrol and diesel engine vehicles with longer drain intervals. It is formulated to provide exceptional protection and performance for engines requiring an ACEA C5, API SP oil meeting Ford specification WSS-M2C948-B.

Some examples of recommended vehicle applications include:

• Ford EcoBoost engines
• Jaguar and Land Rover petrol and diesel engines from 2015 model year onwards
• Mazda SkyActiv petrol and diesel engines
• Honda and Acura vehicles specifying dexos1 Gen 2, ILSAC GF-5 or earlier specifications
• Nissan, Infiniti, and Renault calling for RN 0700, RN 0710 oils

The advanced full synthetic formula makes it ideal for stop-start driving conditions found in city and urban environments. It provides rapid lubrication at start-up to critical engine parts to minimize wear. The low viscosity 5W-20 grade helps enhance fuel economy benefits.

Triple R can handle high temperatures found in sustained highway cruising while also providing cold flow properties needed for frigid winter climates. Overall an excellent choice for mixed city and highway driving.

Application

Carlube Triple R 5W-20 is designed for modern gasoline and diesel engines, including those with turbochargers and direct injection. It can be used in a wide range of vehicles from major manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, VW, Ford, GM, and more.

When changing your oil, first check your owner's manual for the recommended viscosity and service interval. Most manufacturers today call for 5W-20, especially in cooler climates. Triple R 5W-20 meets the latest performance specs for many European, North American and Asian vehicles.

To apply the oil, start by parking your car on level ground and applying the parking brake. Locate the oil drain plug, usually at the bottom of the oil pan. Place a drain pan underneath to catch old oil. Remove the fill cap and drain plug to allow the old oil to drain completely. Once drained, replace the drain plug and tighten. Then fill with new Triple R 5W-20 through the engine fill cap opening until it reaches the "Full" mark on the dipstick. Replace the fill cap and you're all set.

For most modern engines, oil changes are recommended every 5,000-10,000 miles or 6-12 months, whichever comes first. Synthetic oils like Triple R 5W-20 allow you to safely extend drain intervals versus conventional oils. But always follow your manufacturer's recommendations for optimal engine protection. With Triple R 5W-20, your engine will stay well-lubricated between oil changes.

Performance Testing

The Carlube Triple R 5W-20 motor oil has undergone rigorous performance testing and meets or exceeds industry standards. It is certified for:

• ACEA C5 - This European standard specifies fuel-economy requirements for engine oils used in passenger car and light commercial vehicle gasoline and diesel engines. To meet ACEA C5, oils must demonstrate improved fuel economy in standardized engine tests.

• API SP - This American standard denotes engine oils for modern gasoline engines. To be licensed for the API SP service classification, engine oils must provide improved high-temperature deposit protection for pistons, turbochargers, and other engine parts. They must also protect against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), a problem prevalent in downsized and turbocharged direct-injection engines.

• R-TEC 14 - This is Renault's proprietary standard for fuel-efficient engine oils that provide optimum protection during prolonged oil change intervals. The tests consist of bench evaluations for viscosity, volatility, oxidation resistance, and deposit formation. Meeting R-TEC 14 means the oil meets Renault's specifications for their gasoline and diesel passenger car engines.

By satisfying these industry performance benchmarks, the Carlube Triple R 5W-20 exhibits well-balanced properties to promote engine cleanliness, fuel economy, emission system protection, and all-around wear control.

Pros

Carlube Triple R 5W-20 motor oil offers several key benefits that make it a top choice for many drivers.

• Excellent Engine Protection: This oil is formulated to provide maximum protection for your engine. It keeps critical components properly lubricated and reduces wear, even under extreme driving conditions. The synthetic base oils and advanced additive package help prevent sludge and deposit build-up.

• Improved Fuel Economy: The advanced low viscosity formula helps reduce friction in the engine, allowing for better fuel economy compared to higher viscosity oils. Drivers report 1-2% gains in MPG after switching to Carlube Triple R 5W-20.

• Meets Major Specifications: This oil meets or exceeds the latest standards from API, ACEA, Renault and other major OEMs. It provides the right performance for modern turbocharged gasoline and diesel engine designs. The ACEA C5 specification means it offers robust protection suitable for a wide range of European vehicles.

Cons

While the Carlube Triple R 5W-20 motor oil offers many benefits, it does have some limitations to be aware of:

• Not ideal for high-performance engines - This oil is designed for regular passenger vehicles under normal driving conditions. It may not provide the same protection for modified, high-performance engines under extreme conditions. The formulation is not robust enough for racing applications.

• Requires frequent oil changes - With a 5W viscosity, this oil flows well in cold temperatures but may break down faster than higher viscosity oils. The manufacturer recommends changing your oil every 5,000 miles for maximum protection. This costs more and requires more frequent maintenance than oils that last 10,000+ miles between changes.

• No official industry certifications - Carlube does not list any industry certifications for their Triple R oil such as approval by American Petroleum Institute (API). This makes it difficult to validate the oil meets certain specifications. Brands like Mobil 1 and Castrol have API certifications for their synthetic oils.

• UK-only availability - Currently Carlube Triple R is only available in the UK. For customers elsewhere, you would need to pay international shipping fees if ordering online, which reduces the value. This oil is not stocked by major auto parts chains in other countries. The limited availability makes it impractical for drivers outside the UK.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, Carlube Triple R 5W-20 motor oil offers competitive value. At around £16 for a 5 liter jug, the oil comes out to approximately £3.20 per liter. This puts it right in line with other leading synthetic motor oils in terms of price per volume.

Compared to conventional mineral oils, Carlube Triple R does carry a bit of a premium. However, for the increased performance and protection, most find this incremental price increase worthwhile. The key is that when looking at other full synthetic competitors, Carlube 5W-20 is cost competitive.

So while it may cost a little more upfront compared to basic mineral oils, the superior quality of Carlube makes it a worthwhile investment for those looking to get the most out of their engine. When factoring in the potential for improved fuel economy and reduced wear over time, Carlube Triple R 5W-20 offers strong value for drivers looking to upgrade to a fully synthetic motor oil.

Conclusion

Overall, Carlube Triple R 5W-20 is a high-quality fully synthetic engine oil that provides exceptional performance and protection for modern engines. It meets the latest industry specifications such as ACEA C5 and API SP, making it suitable for a wide range of petrol and diesel engine applications.

The key benefits of this oil include excellent fuel economy from its low viscosity, robust wear protection from its synthetic formula, and exceptional thermal stability and cleaning power. It performs very well in both hot and cold temperatures.

While the oil does come at a premium price, for those looking for a top-tier synthetic oil that meets the latest standards, Carlube Triple R is an excellent choice that is backed by Millers Oils' strong reputation. With its impressive performance credentials and ability to protect critical engine components, it is easy to recommend for demanding driving conditions and engine requirements.

In summary, Carlube Triple R 5W-20 is a leading fully synthetic engine oil that delivers exceptional all-round performance, protection and efficiency. For drivers seeking a high-end oil to get the most out of their engine, it is definitely worth considering.