The Anglo-Dutch energy giant said it hired an independent research firm that surveyed 1,000 motorcycle and passenger car operators in each country during December and January. The firm only questioned individuals between the ages of 18 and 40.

In each country, a majority of respondents said they pay to have their oil changed by automaker-approved workshops or other professionals, but the percentage varied between countries – from a low of 54 percent in China to a high of 71 percent in Singapore.

The portions of respondents following original equipment manufacturer guidance about which oil to choose also varied. In India, 66 percent of respondents defer to OEMs, while in Pakistan only 21 percent did. Likewise, the percent of respondents letting their installer choose the oil ranged from 23 percent in India to 54 percent in Pakistan.

Vietnam had the highest portion of respondents, 71 percent, who did not understand the difference between synthetic engines oils – defined as those made with API Group III, IV or V base stocks – and conventional oils, which only contain Group I and II stocks. India and China had the lowest portions at 51 percent and 52 percent, respectively. Group I, II and III base stocks are all made from paraffinic mineral oils, although they are refined to different degrees. Group IV base stocks are polyalphaolefins made of chains of linear alpha olefins that come from petrochemical plants. Group V is a catchall category for other types of base stocks including naphthenic mineral oils, esters and other synthetics.

Motorist Oil Change Practices

(percent of respondents)

Source: Shell Lubricants