Carlube Triple R, R-TEC 35, 15W-40 ACEA A3/B3, A3/B4, API SN Mineral Engine Oil 1L ⚫ Review 🏆

Carlube Triple R is a premium mineral engine oil from Carlube, a well-known British oil brand owned by Morris Lubricants. The Triple R line is designed for older vehicles or classic cars that require traditional non-synthetic engine oils.

Carlube has a long history in the automotive industry, supplying oils and lubricants to vehicle manufacturers and garages since the 1920s. They produce oils, coolants, transmission fluids, greases and other lubricants. The Triple R range is their premium mineral oil line, formulated for older petrol and diesel engine vehicles.

The 15W-40 viscosity grade reviewed here is suitable for a wide variety of classic and vintage cars, as well as some modern diesel engines. It meets major industry specifications from ACEA, API and others.

Specifications

The Carlube Triple R 15W-40 oil meets some of the latest performance specifications for engine oils set by API and ACEA. Specifically, this oil meets the following standards:

• API SN - Introduced in 2010, API SN oils provide high temperature deposit protection for piston deposits, wear protection, and engine cleanliness. Oils meeting SN have passed a range of tests and can be used in gasoline engines, as well as newer diesel vehicles with Diesel Particulate Filters (DPFs).

• ACEA A3/B3 - This European oil specification requires good cleaning power, protection against wear, low oil consumption, and engine compatibility. Oils meeting A3/B3 can be used for gasoline and diesel engines, and are suitable for use with biodiesel.

• ACEA A3/B4 - Similar to A3/B3 but with extra protection required for direct injection gasoline and turbocharged engines. Oils meeting this spec provide superior protection against deposits, wear, and sludge build-up.

So in summary, the Carlube 15W-40 oil meets some of the latest API and ACEA engine oil specifications relevant for gasoline and diesel engine protection and performance. The key benefits are protection against wear, deposits, and oil degradation.

Viscosity Grade

Carlube Triple R R-TEC 35 uses a 15W-40 multi-grade viscosity rating. This means it has characteristics of both a 15-weight oil and a 40-weight oil.

The number before the "W" represents the viscosity grade at low temperatures or during cold starts. The lower this number, the better the oil flows at cold temperatures. The 15W refers to a viscosity grade of 15 during winter or cold weather conditions. This allows the oil to flow and lubricate properly when an engine is first started and hasn't fully warmed up yet.

The number after the "W" refers to the viscosity grade at high temperatures when the engine is running hot. The 40 refers to a viscosity of 40 at operating temperature. This thicker viscosity protects the engine under hot conditions.

The benefit of a multi-grade oil like 15W-40 is that it provides ease of flow during cold starts along with protection at high temperatures. This makes it suitable for a wide variety of ambient temperatures and conditions. The oil won't get too thick when cold or too thin when hot.

Base Oil Type

The Carlube Triple R 15W-40 uses a mineral base oil. This means the oil is derived from crude oil that has undergone refining, purification and additional processing to create a lubricating oil stock.

Mineral oils have some key advantages and disadvantages compared to synthetic oils:

Advantages of mineral oil:

• More affordable than synthetic oils
• Provides adequate lubrication for many engine applications
• Can help provide some sealing properties for older engines

Disadvantages of mineral oil:

• Does not have as high of a viscosity index as synthetic oils, meaning the oil's viscosity changes more with temperature fluctuations
• Increased volatility compared to synthetic oils
• Not as thermally stable at high temperatures compared to synthetic oils

So in summary, the mineral oil base stock offers a more budget-friendly option that can provide satisfactory lubrication performance in many engines. But it lacks some of the premium qualities of synthetic oils when it comes to viscosity control, volatility and thermal stability.

Application

Carlube Triple R 15W-40 is intended for gasoline and diesel car engines. The oil is formulated to provide optimal protection and performance across a wide range of operating temperatures.

The 15W-40 viscosity grade means the oil flows well at cold temperatures for easy starting and fast lubrication at startup. The "15W" refers to the oil's behavior at low temperatures, while the "40" signifies its viscosity at 210°F. This dual-grade viscosity ensures effective lubrication in both cold and hot conditions.

At the same time, Carlube Triple R 15W-40 meets major industry specifications for gasoline and diesel engines. It carries approvals from API, ACEA, and leading automakers. So you can rely on this oil for many makes and models of passenger vehicles with either gas or diesel engines. It covers a broad range of engines and driving conditions.

The key benefit is that Carlube Triple R 15W-40 works well for mixed fleets. For any operation running both gasoline and diesel vehicles, this oil simplifies inventory and prevents misapplication. One product can handle many light duty engine applications.

Pros

The Carlube Triple R 15W-40 oil offers several advantages that make it a good choice:

• Good protection: This oil provides effective protection for high mileage engines. The detergent and dispersant additives help keep critical engine parts clean. It also has anti-wear properties to reduce friction and prevent engine wear.

• Affordable price: While offering quality performance, Carlube Triple R is very competitively priced. For an oil that meets major specifications like API SN and ACEA A3/B3, it represents good value for money. This makes it budget friendly.

• Suitable for high mileage engines: The 15W-40 viscosity grade along with the mineral base oil makes this oil well suited for older, high mileage engines. The slightly thicker oil provides a robust lubricating film for worn engine components.

Cons

While the Carlube Triple R 15W-40 engine oil performs well for a mineral oil, it does have some drawbacks compared to synthetic oils.

• Not as much fuel efficiency as synthetic: Synthetic oils tend to provide better fuel economy compared to mineral oils. This is because synthetics have lower viscosity and friction, allowing the engine to operate more efficiently. Mineral oils like the Carlube 15W-40 will not reduce fuel consumption as much as a full synthetic.

• Shorter drain intervals: Most manufacturers recommend changing synthetic oil every 7,500-10,000 miles. However, with a mineral oil like this Carlube, drain intervals are usually around 3,000-5,000 miles. So you'll have to change your oil more frequently compared to a synthetic. This adds up in terms of oil costs over time.

The cons are mainly inherent limitations of mineral oils compared to synthetics. But the Carlube 15W-40 is a quality mineral oil at an affordable price point.

Verdict

The Carlube Triple R 15W-40 is an excellent value mineral motor oil suitable for a wide range of older petrol and diesel engine applications. It provides robust protection and performance at a very affordable price point.

The key strengths of this oil are:

• Proven formulation - Carlube has decades of experience producing quality lubricants. The Triple R range utilizes select base oils and a trusted additive package to deliver reliable performance across a variety of driving conditions.

• Broad compatibility - Meets the latest API SN specification and has ACEA A3/B3 and A3/B4 approvals, making it suitable for many European and Asian engines. Ideal for older engines without complex emission control systems.

• Durable film strength - Provides excellent wear protection, especially during cold starts, to help extend engine life. The multi-grade viscosity provides stable lubrication in hot and cold temperatures.

• Detergent/dispersant additives - Keeps engine internals clean by suspending soot and dirt until drained at oil change. Minimizes deposit formation.

• Affordable price - At around $10-15 per liter, the Carlube Triple R offers tremendous value compared to synthetic or semi-synthetic oils. Makes it very accessible for DIY oil changes.

The Carlube Triple R 15W-40 is a proven conventional mineral oil that offers robust protection at an unbeatable price point, making it a great choice for older engines without demanding specifications. Its versatility and value make it one of the best options on the market.

Alternatives

When looking for an alternative to Carlube Triple R 15W-40 engine oil, the major brands to consider are Mobil, Castrol, and Shell.

Mobil 1 is one of the most popular synthetic motor oils and provides exceptional wear protection, high temperatures resistance, and overall engine cleanliness. Mobil 1 15W-40 is a leading fully synthetic option.

Castrol GTX is a more budget-friendly conventional motor oil that still offers reliable everyday performance. Castrol GTX 15W-40 provides good protection against sludge build-up and oil thickening.

Shell Rotella T6 is a heavy-duty diesel engine oil designed for hard working vehicles. Shell Rotella T6 15W-40 has excellent soot dispersancy and wear control. It meets demanding specifications from OEMs.

Overall, Mobil 1 is the premium synthetic choice, while Castrol GTX gives a more affordable conventional option. Shell Rotella T6 is ideal for diesel engines. Carlube Triple R sits in the middle as a mineral-based oil with solid all-around performance.

Conclusion

The Carlube Triple R 15W-40 engine oil offers decent performance at a reasonable price point. Its mineral-based formulation provides basic protection and lubrication for gasoline and diesel engines, meeting industry specifications like API SN and ACEA A3/B3.

On the plus side, Carlube 15W-40 offers good value for everyday driving conditions. It flows well in cold temperatures while providing adequate viscosity and film strength when hot. The oil is readily available and affordable.

However, for demanding driving conditions or extended oil change intervals, a synthetic or semi-synthetic oil would be a better choice. Mineral-based oils like Carlube 15W-40 have limitations in extreme temperatures and may break down over time. They also lack the advanced additives found in synthetic formulations.

Overall, Carlube 15W-40 is a satisfactory budget motor oil for normal service in gasoline and diesel vehicle engines. Drivers seeking maximum engine protection and performance would be better served by upgrading to a high-quality synthetic or blend. But for basic lubrication at a low cost, Carlube 15W-40 is a decent option.