Carlube Triple R 5W-40 ACEA C3, API SP Fully Synthetic Engine Oil 2L ⚫ Review 🏆

Carlube is a well-known brand of automotive lubricants owned by The Addison Group. They produce a wide range of oils, coolants, and greases for both personal and commercial vehicles.

The Carlube Triple R 5W-40 oil is one of their flagship fully synthetic engine oils designed for modern petrol and diesel engines. It is formulated to provide exceptional protection and performance in the latest low emission engines from major manufacturers like Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW, and Ford.

The "5W-40" refers to the oil's viscosity rating, with the 5W indicating good cold flow properties and 40 indicating the viscosity when hot. This combination makes the oil suitable for year-round use. The "R" in the name stands for "Race derived" referring to the oil's motorsports pedigree.

Overall, the Carlube Triple R 5W-40 is an advanced full synthetic oil aimed at enthusiasts and demanding motorists looking for maximum engine protection.

Specifications

The Carlube Triple R 5W-40 oil is formulated to meet some of the latest industry specifications for high performance passenger car engines. It carries approvals for both the ACEA C3 and API SP service classifications, indicating it is suitable for use in gasoline and diesel engines calling for these specs.

The "W" in 5W-40 refers to the oil's winter grade, which measures the oil's viscosity or ability to flow at low temperatures. The lower the winter number, the better it will flow when cold. The "40" refers to the viscosity grade when hot. So this oil offers low temperature flow of a 5W oil while providing the protection of a 40 weight oil when the engine is warmed up.

The Carlube Triple R uses a fully synthetic base oil formulation. Synthetic oils are known for having excellent resistance to viscosity breakdown and providing better protection against deposits and sludge buildup compared to conventional mineral oils. The synthetic base allows the oil to maintain its viscosity and lubricity even under extreme operating conditions.

Additionally, the Carlube Triple R, R-TEC 33, 10W-60 ACEA A3/B3, API SL Fully Synthetic Engine Oil 5L is another high-performance option. This oil is designed to provide exceptional lubrication properties in high-stress driving conditions. With a viscosity of 10W-60, it offers a thicker oil that is perfect for high-performance and modified engines, ensuring that they remain protected even under extreme temperatures. This fully synthetic formulation also delivers outstanding thermal stability and resistance to oxidation, promoting longer engine life.

Uses

The Carlube Triple R 5W-40 is an engine oil intended for both gasoline and diesel engines. It is suitable for use in many different makes and models of vehicles.

The "5W" refers to the viscosity grade, with the 5 denoting that it has a relatively low viscosity at cold temperatures for easier starting and oil circulation. The "40" indicates the viscosity grade when the oil is hot and at operating temperature. So this oil provides the benefits of a multi-viscosity oil that can perform well in both cold and hot conditions.

The oil is formulated to provide excellent protection against wear, deposits, and sludge build-up. It helps keep critical engine parts clean and running smoothly. The synthetic base oil along with advanced additives allow for extended oil change intervals compared to conventional oils.

Overall, the Carlube Triple R 5W-40 is designed as a premium quality, all-season motor oil for modern engines under normal to sometimes severe operating conditions. It meets or exceeds specifications from major manufacturers and industry standards like ACEA and API. So it can be used with confidence in many makes and models of gasoline and diesel engines where this viscosity grade is recommended.

In addition to its 5W-40 variant, Carlube offers the Carlube Triple R, R-TEC 2, 0W-20 ACEA C5, API SN Fully Synthetic Engine Oil 1L. This fully synthetic engine oil is formulated for advanced performance and is particularly suitable for modern engines that require low viscosity oil for better fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Its ACEA C5 and API SN specifications ensure it meets high industry standards for protection and performance.

Pros

Carlube Triple R 5W-40 fully synthetic engine oil has many benefits that make it an excellent choice for your vehicle. It provides excellent protection against wear, helping to prolong engine life. The advanced formula keeps critical engine parts lubricated, reducing friction and wear.

It also helps maintain fuel economy. The synthetic base oils have low viscosity, reducing pumping losses and allowing the engine to operate efficiently. This can lead to improved gas mileage compared to lower quality oils.

In addition, Carlube Triple R protects in extreme temperatures. It resists thermal breakdown at high temperatures to prevent deposits and oil thickening. At low temperatures, it flows readily to prevent start-up wear. This makes it suitable for all seasons and conditions.

The oil withstands high engine stresses to prevent sludge, varnish, and other harmful deposits from building up. This keeps engines clean. Overall, Carlube Triple R delivers exceptional performance, protection, and value.

Cons

While Carlube Triple R fully synthetic oil offers many benefits, it does have some potential drawbacks to be aware of.

• More expensive than conventional oils - Fully synthetic oils like Carlube Triple R typically cost more than conventional motor oils. The advanced technology and high quality synthetic base stocks used in these oils come at a premium price. Expect to pay 20-50% more for a fully synthetic oil versus a conventional oil.

• May not be ideal for very old or high mileage engines - For older engines with well over 100,000 miles, a fully synthetic oil may not always be the best choice. The tight tolerances in a worn engine can potentially cause leaks or consumption issues with a low viscosity fully synthetic oil. In those cases, a higher viscosity conventional oil may be a better fit.

Key Features

The Carlube Triple R 5W-40 engine oil stands out for its well-rounded key features that make it a versatile, high-performance oil.

One of the most notable features is the oil's triple-grade viscosity. The 5W-40 viscosity grade means the oil has characteristics of both a 5W viscosity oil when cold and a 40 viscosity oil when hot. This dual nature makes the Carlube oil ideal for use in a wide temperature range. It flows well to lubricate and protect critical engine components even in frigid winter temperatures. Yet the oil also maintains a protective viscosity film at high engine temperatures during summer driving or when towing heavy loads.

The Carlube oil also contains a low-SAPS formula, meaning it has low levels of sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur. This makes the oil very emissions system friendly. It helps minimize particulate filter clogging while also protecting catalytic converters and other exhaust treatment components. For modern engines with sensitive emissions equipment, low-SAPS oil is essential.

Detergent additives within the Carlube 5W-40 oil help prevent the buildup of sludge that can restrict oil flow. By keeping critical engine parts clean, the oil maintains smooth performance and extends engine life. The detergents also prevent deposit formation on piston rings, valve lifters, timing chains and other moving components.

Performance

Carlube Triple R 5W-40 engine oil delivers excellent performance and protection for your engine. Its fully synthetic formulation provides superior thermal and oxidation stability, allowing the oil to maintain its viscosity even under high engine temperatures. Many synthetic oils tend to thin out at high temperatures, leading to reduced lubrication, but Carlube Triple R retains its viscosity grade to keep metal surfaces properly separated.

The oil also has a low pour point, meaning it flows well even in cold temperatures. This allows for easier cold starts during winter, reducing engine wear during those critical start-up moments when oil has not fully circulated yet. The 5W-40 grade provides a balance of cold flow properties and high temperature viscosity retention. Overall, Carlube Triple R provides strong all-around performance.

Value

The Carlube Triple R 5W-40 motor oil provides excellent value for money compared to other leading synthetic motor oil brands. At around £20 for a 2 liter jug, it is very competitively priced against comparable fully synthetic oils that can cost upwards of £25-30 for the same quantity.

The 2 liter container is a good size that will provide multiple oil changes for most vehicles, making it economical to use this oil. With some bargain or store brand oils you may only get a 1 liter container, so the 2 liters of Carlube oil gives you more for your money.

Overall, Carlube 5W-40 represents one of the best value synthetic engine oils on the market. You get a premium fully synthetic product at an affordable price point. When you factor in the trusted Carlube brand name and specifications this oil meets, it provides outstanding value for drivers looking to use a high-quality synthetic oil.

Compatibility

When selecting any engine oil, it's crucial to ensure compatibility with your specific vehicle. Always check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommended oil viscosity grade. Engine oils are assigned a viscosity grade based on their flow characteristics under certain temperature conditions.

The Carlube Triple R 5W-40 features a multi-grade viscosity of 5W-40. The 5W refers to the oil's behavior in cold temperatures (the "W" stands for "winter"), while the 40 refers to its viscosity at high engine temperatures. This dual-grade rating means the oil provides easier cold starting, but maintains the right viscosity for lubrication when the engine gets hot.

In addition to viscosity, you'll want to verify the Carlube Triple R meets the required API and ACEA classifications specified for your vehicle. This oil is formulated to meet the latest API SP and ACEA C3 standards, making it suitable for many modern petrol and diesel engine applications. However, always cross-reference your owner's manual to ensure compatibility before selecting any engine oil. Using the manufacturer's recommended grade and classifications helps protect your engine and avoids potential damage.

Conclusion

Carlube Triple R 5W-40 is a fully synthetic engine oil that offers several benefits but may also have some downsides depending on your needs.

On the pro side, this oil meets the latest ACEA C3 and API SP specifications for gasoline and diesel engine performance. It provides excellent wear protection, minimizes sludge build-up, and resists oil breakdown at high temperatures. The 5W-40 viscosity grade makes it suitable for a wide temperature range.

Potential cons are that it is on the pricier side for a synthetic oil. It may also not be the best option for older, high-mileage engines that could benefit from a high-mileage formulation.

Overall, Carlube Triple R is a quality fully synthetic oil that is recommended for most modern gasoline and diesel engines. It provides robust protection and performance. This oil would be ideal for drivers who do regular oil changes on newer vehicles and want a premium oil to maintain engine health over the long haul. For older engines, a high-mileage or synthetic blend oil may be a more cost-effective option.