Carlube Triple R, R-TEC 38, 20W-50 API SB/CB Mineral Engine Oil 5L ⚫ Review 🏆

Carlube Triple R 20W-50 is a mineral-based engine oil designed for classic and vintage cars. It provides high-quality lubrication for gasoline engines, helping to protect and prolong engine life.

This motor oil is manufactured by Carlube, a British company with over 100 years of experience in lubricants. Their oils are specially formulated for older engines which may have wider engine tolerances.

The "20W-50" refers to the viscosity grade of the oil, indicating how well it flows at various temperatures. The multi-grade rating means it provides the easy cold-weather starting of a 20-weight oil along with the high-temperature protection of a 50-weight oil.

Overall, Carlube Triple R 20W-50 is designed to provide exceptional protection for classic car engines while helping to maintain their optimal performance. This review will examine the key features and benefits of using this motor oil.

Specifications

The Carlube Triple R 20W-50 is an engine oil designed for older cars and motorcycles. It meets key industry specifications that make it suitable for a wide range of vehicles:

• API SB/CB Certified: This oil meets the API Service Category SB for Small Gasoline Engines and CB for Older Gasoline Engines. These certifications mean the oil provides adequate protection for engines designed before 2001.

• Mineral Oil Base: Carlube Triple R uses a mineral oil base stock rather than synthetic. Mineral oils tend to provide better protection for older engines compared to newer synthetics. The mineral oil also makes the oil more affordable.

• 20W-50 Viscosity: This oil has a viscosity grade of 20W-50, meaning it flows well at cold temperatures (the "20W" part) while providing thicker protection at high temperatures (the "50" part). The higher viscosity helps seal gaps in older engines. This thickness also provides more cushioning for the moving parts.

Pros

Carlube Triple R 20W-50 motor oil offers several key benefits that make it a top choice for many drivers.

Good Protection

This motor oil provides excellent wear protection, keeping your engine's critical components lubricated and reducing friction. The multi-viscosity 20W-50 grade flows well in cold temperatures to protect your engine at startup, while maintaining a thicker oil film for protection under high heat. Customers report this oil helps reduce engine noise and provides a smooth idle.

Cleans Engine

In addition to protecting metal surfaces from wear, Carlube Triple R helps keep your engine clean. It contains detergent additives that suspend dirt and deposits so they can be drained out at your next oil change. This helps prevent the buildup of sludge that can restrict oil flow. Reviewers say this oil leaves engines looking clean inside.

Smooth Shifts

The smooth texture and friction-reducing qualities of this motor oil lead to noticeably smoother gear changes. Drivers report buttery smooth shifting after switching to Carlube Triple R, without the notchiness that can occur when gear oil has broken down. This makes driving more pleasant and reduces wear on transmission components.

Cons

While Carlube Triple R 20W-50 is a quality motor oil, it does have some potential drawbacks to be aware of.

• May burn some oil in very high mileage engines. This oil has a high viscosity and more robust additive package, which can potentially lead to increased oil consumption in engines with very high mileage or wear. The detergents may clean sludge deposits and open up small leaks. This would likely only occur in engines over 150,000 - 200,000 miles. For most vehicles this oil should not cause any increase in oil consumption.

Best Uses

The Carlube Triple R 20W-50 motor oil is best suited for use in older engines, high mileage vehicles, and motorcycles.

Older Engines

The 20W-50 viscosity grade provides extra protection for older engines. As engines accumulate mileage, tolerances widen between piston rings and cylinder walls. This can lead to increased oil consumption as oil slips past worn rings. The thicker 20W-50 oil creates a better seal and reduces oil consumption in engines with higher miles. This motor oil helps extend the life of aging engines.

High Mileage Vehicles

Vehicles with over 75,000 miles benefit from the thicker oil formulation, which compensates for worn internal engine components. The multi-viscosity 20W-50 oil provides easier cold starts like a 20W oil, along with the high temperature protection of a 50 weight oil when the engine is fully warmed up. This combination is ideal for older, high mileage vehicles.

Motorcycles

The Carlube 20W-50 oil is well-suited for use in motorcycles, especially air-cooled models. Air-cooled motorcycle engines can run hotter than water-cooled car engines. The 50 weight oil provides an extra margin of protection against viscosity breakdown at high temperatures. This oil helps maintain a protective lubrication film on critical components like bearings and camshafts. The mineral-based formula also contains anti-wear additives to reduce friction.

Value

The Carlube Triple R 20W-50 mineral engine oil offers very good value for money given its quality and performance. At around £25 for a 5 liter jug, it works out to only about £5 per liter. This makes it very competitively priced compared to similar premium mineral oils.

For an oil that meets API SB/CB specifications and provides robust protection across a variety of driving conditions, the price per liter is quite reasonable. Considering you can expect it to last for 5,000 miles or more between changes, the cost is minimal compared to the engine wear and tear it prevents.

The oil offers even better value when purchased in bulk sizes, with the 20 liter option working out to under £4 per liter. For owners of older vehicles or classic cars that require high quality mineral oils, Carlube Triple R 20W-50 is an affordable solution without compromising protection or longevity.

Overall, for the performance, OEM approvals, and premium mineral oil formulation, Carlube Triple R 20W-50 provides excellent value for money. The price per liter is very competitive for the quality you get.

Alternatives

There are a few alternatives to consider if you're looking for a budget friendly mineral oil:

Valvoline VR1 is a popular option that offers similar specs and performance to the Carlube Triple R at a comparable price point. The VR1 line uses premium base oils and additives to provide good wear protection and viscosity stability. It meets many manufacturer specifications including API SB/CF. VR1 comes in multiple viscosity grades like 10W-30 and 20W-50 for use in a wide range of engines. Owners report VR1 provides a smooth idle and good oil pressure at high mileage when used routinely. The main downside is that some formulations use a lower concentration of detergent additives, so VR1 may not keep engines as clean over extended drain intervals. Overall it's a solid mineral oil that gives the Carlube a run for its money on value.

Castrol GTX is another alternative mineral oil that's readily available. It meets API SL specifications and provides basic protection against wear, deposits, and oil breakdown. GTX isn't quite as robust as Carlube Triple R, but it's a fraction of the price. For drivers that simply want an affordable mineral oil without many bells and whistles, GTX is a decent option. Just keep in mind it's best for normal driving conditions and standard drain intervals.

Mobil Super M is a mineral-based oil that offers some premium features similar to the Carlube. It contains anti-wear additives and has viscosity improving properties for better performance. Super M exceeds new car warranty requirements and meets API SN specifications. The main drawback is it costs more than the Carlube Triple R. But for those wanting a high quality mineral oil, Mobil Super M is a good upgrade pick.

Conclusion

The Carlube Triple R 20W-50 mineral engine oil offers some key benefits but also has some drawbacks to consider.

On the plus side, it provides good protection against wear and deposits at high temperatures. The mineral base oil offers natural lubrication without synthetic additives. The oil also meets key industry specifications like API SB/CB. These features make it a good option for older vehicles or classic cars that call for a traditional mineral oil.

However, there are some downsides. The oil may not provide the best protection against sludge and oxidation compared to more modern synthetic blends. It also has a lower viscosity rating, which means it may not perform as well in very hot climates. And the lack of synthetic components means it's not ideal for fuel efficiency.

Overall, the Carlube 20W-50 is best suited for certain applications like classic/vintage engines where a mineral oil is recommended. But for most modern vehicles, a synthetic blend may offer better longevity and performance, albeit at a higher price point. This oil represents a budget-friendly option, but one that also comes with some limitations versus premium oils.

FAQ

What vehicles is Carlube Triple R 20W-50 recommended for?

Carlube Triple R 20W-50 is recommended for classic, vintage, and older vehicles that call for a mineral-based 20W-50 oil. It provides optimal protection for engines made before 1990. The high zinc content makes it ideal for flat tappet cams.

Is Carlube Triple R 20W-50 synthetic or conventional oil?

Carlube Triple R 20W-50 is a conventional, mineral-based oil, not a synthetic. It relies on base stocks refined from crude oil rather than synthetic compounds. The mineral oil provides excellent lubrication at high temperatures.

How often should I change my oil with Carlube Triple R?

Follow your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations for oil change intervals. Most older engines will need an oil change around every 3,000-5,000 miles. Keep an eye on the oil level and top off if it gets low between changes.

What's the difference between Carlube Triple R and other 20W-50 oils?

Carlube Triple R 20W-50 has a high zinc content to protect flat tappet cams. It also has anti-wear additives and extra detergents for sludge control. Many conventional 20W-50 oils don't have the same level of anti-wear performance.

Is Carlube Triple R 20W-50 good for motorcycles?

Yes, Carlube Triple R 20W-50 can be used in motorcycles that call for a 20W-50 mineral oil. The zinc protects the camshaft, while the viscosity provides good protection at high engine temperatures. It's a good option for classic bikes.

References

• Carlube Triple R, R-TEC 38, 20W-50 product listing on Amazon UK
• Carlube Triple R 20W-50 technical datasheet on manufacturer website
• "Choosing the Right Motor Oil" guide on AA1Car.com
• "How to Choose Engine Oil" guide on Motrolix.com
• "Synthetic vs Conventional Oil" comparison on ConsumerReports.org
• Independent lab testing results of Carlube 20W-50 on BobIsTheOilGuy.com forums
• Discussion thread "Carlube Triple R Experiences?" on PistonHeads.com forums
• "20W-50 Motor Oil Viscosity Grade" explanation on MachineryLubrication.com
• "API Motor Oil Specifications" guide on OReillyAuto.com