Carlube Triple R 5W-40 C3 Low Saps Fully Synthetic Engine Oil 1L ⚫ Review 🏆

Carlube is a well-known brand of automotive lubricants and fluids, owned by the British classic car parts manufacturer British Motor Heritage. They have a range of oils, including the Triple R line which is designed for high performance engines.

The Carlube Triple R 5W-40 oil is a fully synthetic low SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur) engine oil suitable for both petrol and diesel engines. It meets some of the latest European specifications for modern engines that require oils with lower levels of SAPS to protect emissions control systems.

Specifications

The Carlube Triple R 5W-40 motor oil has a low SAPS formulation that makes it suitable for modern gasoline and diesel engines, especially those equipped with particulate filters and catalytic converters. SAPS stands for sulfated ash, phosphorus, and sulfur - the key components that can contaminate emission control systems when used in higher levels. This oil has reduced levels of SAPS to help prolong the life of these sensitive components.

The 5W-40 viscosity grade means this oil has characteristics of both a 5 weight oil, which flows well at low temperatures, and a 40 weight oil, which provides protection at high temperatures. The multi-grade viscosity helps maintain engine protection across a wide range of operating temperatures. The 5W-40 grade is commonly recommended for many European vehicles.

Benefits

Carlube Triple R 5W-40 motor oil provides a number of key benefits for your engine.

Fuel Efficiency

This oil is specially formulated to reduce friction and provide excellent fuel economy. The advanced fully synthetic base oils and low viscosity allow the oil to flow easily and reduce pumping losses in the engine. Tests show that Carlube Triple R 5W-40 can improve fuel efficiency by 2-3% compared to conventional oils. This can lead to significant fuel savings over time, especially for drivers who rack up high mileage.

Engine Protection

In addition to fuel economy, Carlube Triple R 5W-40 offers robust protection for your engine. It meets and exceeds the specifications for major manufacturers like Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW, and others. The oil provides outstanding resistance to thermal breakdown at high temperatures. It also has excellent detergent and dispersant additives to keep critical engine parts clean. This minimizes wear, prevents sludge buildup, and allows the oil to lubricate effectively for the long drain intervals recommended by most automakers today. You can rely on this motor oil to keep your engine running smoothly for many miles.

OEM Specifications

Carlube Triple R 5W-40 is approved for use in vehicles from Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, and others. It meets strict performance specifications like VW 504 00/ 507 00, MB-Approval 229.51, BMW LL-04, and Porsche A40. So you can be confident this oil will provide adequate protection and performance for your vehicle, even if it's a high-performance European model with demanding requirements. The approvals from major OEMs demonstrate this oil is a high quality product.

Real World Performance

Carlube Triple R 5W-40 oil delivers impressive real world performance based on driver experiences. Many note how quiet their engine is after switching to this oil, with some describing their motor as "whisper quiet" even under heavy acceleration. The full-synthetic formulation provides exceptional wear protection, helping to minimize engine noise from friction over time.

Drivers also report improved gas mileage after using Carlube 5W-40 oil. While experiences vary, some estimate their mileage increased by 2-3 mpg on average. This oil flows well in cold temperatures, allowing for better fuel economy as it protects critical engine components from wear during start-up and warm-up cycles. The lower viscosity 5W-40 grade combined with high quality synthetic base oils helps maximize engine efficiency.

In terms of longevity, Carlube Triple R 5W-40 oil has an excellent reputation for long drain intervals when used in gasoline and diesel engines. Many drivers safely extend their oil change intervals to 10,000+ miles without any issues. This oil maintains its viscosity and protects against sludge and deposits even under prolonged use, allowing for longer service life. The oil also resists thermal breakdown, keeping your engine properly lubricated even under heavy loads or high operating temperatures.

Overall, real world experiences show that Carlube 5W-40 oil excels at quieting engines, improving fuel economy, and providing exceptional wear protection over extended drain intervals. Drivers report smooth engine performance and no hesitations, ticking, or knocking after switching to this motor oil.

Price

When looking at the price of Carlube Triple R 5W-40 motor oil, it's important to consider the cost per liter and overall value for money. This oil comes in a 1 liter container, with a typical retail price around £15-18. That puts the per liter price in the range of £15-18.

Compared to other leading synthetic motor oils, Carlube is competitively priced. Many comparable premium synthetic oils cost £20-25 per liter. So Carlube represents good value, coming in below the price of brands like Castrol, Mobil and Shell while still offering fully synthetic performance.

The price per liter is quite reasonable given the high quality formulation. Carlube Triple R uses synthetic base oils and advanced additives to provide exceptional wear protection, thermal stability and fuel economy. For drivers looking to get the most from their investment, Carlube gives you premium performance at a mid-range price point.

When you calculate the overall cost of use, factoring in fuel savings and extended oil change intervals, Carlube Triple R represents an affordable option for most drivers. While not the cheapest oil on the market, it delivers performance and protection that outpaces budget brands. For drivers who want a quality fully synthetic oil without paying premium brand prices, Carlube hits a nice sweet spot.

Availability

Carlube Triple R 5W-40 motor oil is readily available at most auto parts stores and mechanics shops across the UK. As it's a high-quality synthetic oil but not a boutique brand, it strikes a nice balance of quality and availability.

You can easily find this oil at national chains like Halfords, Euro Car Parts, National Tyres and Autocare, and Kwik Fit centres across the country. Many independent garages and mechanics will also stock it.

In addition to in-store, Carlube Triple R oil can be purchased online from Amazon, eBay, the Carlube website, and other online auto part retailers that ship to the UK. So it's quite accessible both locally and online.

The wide availability provides peace of mind that you can obtain this oil when needed without hassle. You don't have to hunt around for obscure brands or boutique oils that can be hard to source. So no matter where you are in the UK, you shouldn't have an issue finding Carlube Triple R 5W-40 for your next oil change.

Pros

• High quality fully synthetic oil from a reputable brand. Carlube is manufactured by Castrol, a leading producer of engine oils and lubricants.

• Approved for use in vehicles from major manufacturers including VW, Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche where this viscosity grade is recommended. Meets strict VW 504 00/507 00 motor oil standards.

• Provides excellent protection against engine wear. Formulated with special mid SAPS additive technology to be kind to emission systems in modern engines. Clean burn for less deposits.

• Low viscosity 5W-40 grade oil flows fast on startup to protect critical engine components. Stays thick enough at high temperatures for good lubrication and reduced oil consumption.

• Should help provide fuel economy benefits compared to higher viscosity oils while maintaining solid high temperature protection.

Cons

While Carlube Triple R is a quality oil, it does have some potential drawbacks to be aware of:

• Expensive - As a premium fully synthetic oil, Carlube Triple R sits at the higher end of the price range. For some buyers, the cost may be prohibitive, especially for frequent oil changes. Cheaper conventional and synthetic blend oils are available.

• Limited Availability - Carlube Triple R is not as widely distributed as oils from major brands like Castrol or Mobil. It may be harder to find in local auto parts stores. Primarily sold online or through specialty retailers currently.

• Thicker Oil - With a viscosity rating of 5W-40, Carlube Triple R may be thicker than required for some newer engines optimized for thinner 0W-20 or 0W-30 oils. Using a thicker oil than recommended can potentially reduce fuel economy.

• May Not Exceed OEM Oils - While a quality oil, Carlube Triple R may not significantly outperform manufacturer recommended oils that meet strict OEM specifications. The extra cost may not justify marginal gains.

So while an excellent full synthetic oil overall, Carlube Triple R may not make sense for every vehicle or driver based on its cost, availability, viscosity, and incremental benefits beyond OEM oils. These factors are worth considering before purchasing.

Verdict

The Carlube Triple R 5W-40 oil is an excellent choice for most modern petrol engines. It meets the latest industry standards for fuel economy and emissions, making it suitable for a wide range of vehicles from different manufacturers.

The low SAPS (sulfated ash, phosphorus and sulfur) formula helps protect catalytic converters and particulate filters, so it's a good pick for cars with these emissions control systems. Many automakers recommend oils like this for optimal performance and longevity.

While not the cheapest option on the market, the quality is superb. For the extra cost, you get an oil that really maximizes engine efficiency while reducing wear. The fully synthetic base fluids also withstand high temperatures without breaking down.

Overall, Carlube's 5W-40 oil gives excellent all-round protection and performance. It's a smart choice if you want a premium oil to get the most out of your engine. The long drain intervals mean you don't have to change it as often either. Just be sure to check that it meets the specifications in your owner's manual.

Comparison to Alternatives

The Carlube Triple R 5W-40 oil compares favorably to other leading 5W-40 synthetic motor oils on the market. Here's how it stacks up:

• Mobil 1 5W-40 - Mobil 1 is one of the most recognized synthetic motor oil brands. Its 5W-40 offering provides great protection and performance. However, Carlube Triple R offers some key advantages. It has a higher viscosity index, meaning it maintains viscosity better at high and low temperatures. It also has lower NOACK volatility, meaning it resists oil burn off better. Finally, it meets the latest VW 508 00 and Porsche A40 specs, unlike Mobil 1 5W-40.

• Castrol Edge 5W-40 - Like Mobil 1, Castrol Edge is a leading global synthetic motor oil brand. Its 5W-40 has boosted cleaning power. However, Carlube has it beat when it comes to high temperature viscosity and volatility. It also meets the latest VW and Porsche specifications.

• Motul Specific 5W40 - Within the enthusiast community, Motul is a respected brand. Its 5W-40 synthetic has anti-wear additives and shear stability. However, Carlube has lower volatility as well as better low temperature capabilities. It also meets more OEM specs.

Overall, while the major brands offer quality 5W-40 synthetics, Carlube Triple R stands out with its well-balanced mix of viscosity, volatility, and OEM specifications. For European performance vehicles in particular, it presents a compelling option.