Shell Lubricants recently launched a program offering a lifetime engine warranty in India for motorists using its natural gas-derived Shell Helix Ultra engine oil. Shell claims the offer is unmatched in India, but the coverage is significantly shorter than that given by another Shell program in the United States.
The Indian program covers lubricant-related engine failures for 15 years or 150,000 kilometers. In the United States, Shells Pennzoil brand has for years provided coverage for up to 10 years or 300,000 miles.
In response to questions from Lube Report Asia, a Shell spokesman said the Indian offer is shorter compared to the one in the U.S. due to varying conditions in the two markets. While the overall concept of the engine warranty is the same globally, the parameters vary from market to market, said the spokesman, who asked not to be identified.Country-specific factors including the average age of cars, and external conditions such as annual mileage, car make, brand and engine size, road and driving conditions and fuel quality, determine the mechanics or parameters of the warranty.
In the U.S., the representative added, the average age of passenger cars in 2013 was 11.4 years.In contrast, a study commissioned by theUnited Nations Environment Programmes Risoe Centre on Energy, Climate and Sustainable Development found that the average age of cars and two-wheelers in three cities in India is less than five years.In the same study, the estimated average annual mileage of cars in Delhi is 12,199 km. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, the average annual distance travelled in the U.S. is 21,688 km.
In line with vehicle and driving data as well as local market conditions, we adopt the warranty parameters accordingly, the spokesman said.
Shells offer in India will be available exclusively for Indian-registered cars using Shell Helix Ultra with PurePlus technology and will cover lubricant-related engine failures. In addition, a limited period warranty of five years is also offered to consumers using Shell Helix HX7. Car owners using Shell Helix Ultra or Shell Helix HX7 across India can sign up for the warranty free of cost by registering online.
Asked about the drain intervals for the Indian and U.S. warranties, the Shell agent said both Shell Helix and Pennzoil require consumers to change their vehicles oil at least as often as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and follow all scheduled engine maintenance recommendations by the vehicle manufacturer.Engine performance is best when the oil drain interval (as recommended by original equipment manufacturer) is followed and when it is well lubricated with good quality oil.