How to determine that synthetic zic 5w40 is a fake oil

How to determine that ZIC 5w40 synthetic oil is a fake oil?

ZIK 5w40 engine oil has caused a lot of noise.
It was tested and tested, scolded and praised, they said that the manufacturer is not trustworthy, so the oil ruins engines and the like. In fact, it's worth turning to the facts. The manufacturer of the ZIC line of motor oils showed excellent results in testing by the Za Rulem magazine, slightly strange results in the thirty of the AutoReview newspaper, and quite good results in independent examinations of power unit manufacturers.
As a result, the conclusion suggests itself: either the population does not know how to read and is pouring the wrong oil, or there are only counterfeits and fakes all around, and that’s what we’ll be talking about.

Counterfeit products

Branded good oil, which is popular and in high demand, will definitely be counterfeited. Such a seemingly insignificant situation can cause irreparable harm to the “heart” of the car. How to distinguish a fake ZIK 5w40 (synthetic) oil? There are several signs that will help you avoid the unpleasant situation of purchasing counterfeit goods. Some of them that define branded products:

When choosing oil for your vehicle, did you choose Zic oil? If yes, then you are probably convinced of the high performance qualities of Zik motor oil, with which the engine starts without problems in severe frost, fights long-term deposits in the installation and ensures stable operation of the car. If you have not encountered this brand before, then it’s time to get to know it better.

First of all, we will look at the company’s current “oil lines”, then we will determine how to choose products for your vehicle, and, finally, we will learn to distinguish counterfeit products from high-quality originals.

Is ZIK 5w40 oil genuine or fake?

Motor oil ZIC 5w40 on a synthetic basis is one of the universal options for gasoline and diesel engines of the modern generation, so this product is in high demand among car enthusiasts, which means it attracts increased attention from unscrupulous manufacturers of counterfeit oils, because why fake something that no one needs it.

By the way, this is the first argument in defense of the fact that ZIK oils are of excellent quality. As if anticipating a similar step against counterfeit products, the manufacturer ZIC produces its oil in ideal packaging with several degrees of protection.

In order to identify counterfeit ZIK 5w40 oil, you need to pay attention to the following:

• The original ZIC 5w40 oil is bottled in 4-liter cans, which is standard for most engines.
• ZIC bottles all synthetic oils in metal, and the canisters will necessarily differ in color, for example, 5w40 is bottled in a golden canister with a mustard tint, other SAE oils are bottled in red and green metal.
• The label on genuine ZIK oils is completely absent; all information about the product is printed directly onto the metal, so if you see a transparent label on the canister and they tell you that the manufacturer has changed the packaging, then this only means that the liquid poured into the canister is a homemade fake.
• The ergonomics of the canister from the manufacturer ZIC 5w40 and other metal containers is made as a watering can, i.e. When the lid is opened, the oil inside does not pour out completely through the hole, but pours through the spout.
• By the way, regarding the cap, all the original ZIK synthetic oil is hidden by branded plugs with a seal, as evidenced by the small tendrils sticking out. If there are none on the container, then it is nothing more than a counterfeit from Uncle Vanya.
• Moreover, under each of the caps there is protection made of metallized paper, on which the brand name of the oil is also applied.
• On the front side of the canister you can read the name of the oil, for example ZIC 5w40 and the API class, in this case SN, you will have to look at the rest of the information on the back of the canister.
• Particular attention should be paid to the manufacturer, since at least one letter on counterfeits will certainly be changed, which will protect the dishonest seller from further claims against him.
• Again, you should ask the seller if there is a certificate for the oil - genuine deliveries will have certificates with blue seals, any photocopies, with stories about dealers, co-dealers, etc. they say that the products sold are counterfeit.
• As a comparison, it would be nice to have with you a canister of good oil that has already served you well and is a standard for comparison with all the others.

And yet I would like to say that despite all the precautions, you can still run into counterfeit goods. Why? Because an enterprising manufacturer of burnt motor oil has learned to buy original canisters from ZIK and others, without particularly bothering to produce good copies of the container.

Authentication

The desire to counterfeit ZIK oil is due to the popularity of this lubricant.
This is precisely what is the main source of problems for large and well-known companies. The higher the demand for a product, the greater the likelihood of encountering a counterfeit. This situation can be explained extremely simply. Fraudsters are interested in counterfeiting products that can be easily sold. After all, if consumers trust a particular brand, they will definitely buy it. But little-known companies that have not reached the peak of their popularity or are just entering the big market are often not of interest to scammers, since the level of demand for such products will be very low. The first thing the buyer must check when choosing ZIC engine oil is the authenticity of the container in which the working fluid is sold. There are several ways to check the oil for authenticity using just one container. The buyer should pay attention to:

• polyethylene provided on the lid in the original packaging;
• container manufacturing material;
• quality of plastic and its casting;
• label;
• hologram;
• engraving;
• identification code;
• measuring scale.

Let’s go through separately all the characteristic features and distinctive features of the container. This will allow you to choose the original oil for your car before the actual purchase, and not pay in vain for counterfeit products.

Distinctive characteristics

Every motorist knows how important a role consumables play for the correct, safe and trouble-free operation of the car. Therefore, when choosing ZIK oil, you should carefully study the packaging and rely on all the characteristic distinctive features of the original container. If you fill in a fake, which happens not so rarely nowadays, despite all the efforts of the manufacturer, the risk of premature wear of the car’s elements, its breakdown and further expensive repairs increases.

In order not to run into counterfeit ZIC oil, try to devote enough time to the process of choosing a working fluid. Take your time, do not hesitate to ask the seller questions and refuse the purchase if anything confuses you. This is your legal right as a consumer. As well as the right to return goods in the event that you doubt the quality or authenticity of the purchased products.

Now let's look at the main characteristics of ZIK oil containers, by which you can identify a fake and find the real original working fluid of a well-known brand.

1. Material of manufacture. First, remember that after the rebranding carried out in 2015, the ZIK company decided to abandon the use of metal. That’s why only the old canisters that are sitting on sellers’ shelves are made of metal. All modern containers, with the exception of the largest canisters for wholesale buyers, are made of plastic. If you see a standard 4-liter metal container, then this is a fake or an old, stale product. It is better for you to refuse both options, since it is recommended to fill only the freshest working fluids into the car.
2. Workmanship. Experienced motorists do not have any particular problems with how to distinguish counterfeit ZIC oil in plastic. Often, scammers do not think much about the quality of the packaging, leaving various irregularities on the packaging, inaccurate joints of the two halves, burrs and other defects. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is take ZIK oil in your hands, touch the canister, and check it for quality of workmanship. If you find various irregularities, then this is a fake. All original canisters undergo thorough quality control, so such irregularities are excluded on real ZIC containers.

3. Thermal film. Counterfeit ZIC oil can be identified by it. The presence of polyethylene on the lid is required by the ZIK plant. Thermal film is placed on the neck of the container and the logo is always applied. If there is no SK Lubrikans inscription on it, then we hasten to disappoint you, since this is an obvious fake. The advantage is that you can check the availability of the film without purchasing the product. This film allows you to protect the canisters from counterfeiting and additionally prevent accidental unscrewing of the lid. Dual functionality aimed at customers.
4. Disposable skirt. It is provided on the lid of the canister. When unscrewed, this element remains on the neck. And just under the lid you will find special foil. The logo on it is the same as on the thermal film. Its presence is mandatory. If the foil is missing or there is no inscription, it is not the original, but a fake composition. Therefore, it is better to refuse its use.

5. Labels. Let's assume that you bought yourself a canister of oil from the South Korean manufacturer ZIC, and found a lid with all the engravings and a metal container. And there is a label on it. Carefully glued, evenly located on the surface of the package. And here you need to stop and put the canister in place. The original container does not contain any paper labels applied to the container using glue or any other materials. For real containers from this oil manufacturer, information is applied directly to the material of the canister itself. And it doesn’t matter whether it’s metal on large containers or modern plastic that appeared after rebranding.
6. Inscriptions. Often, scammers rely on the inattention of buyers and the sellers themselves, through whom the goods are sold. Therefore, the label must be studied not only by the method of its application, but also by the information itself that is provided there. It happens that in non-original containers there is no information about expiration dates, the letters in the names are changed, or the original name of the product is supplemented with additional symbols. We recommend studying the information on the packaging and comparing the product names with the information presented on the company’s official website. Look at what oils ZIC produces and how they are spelled correctly. If you see that the data does not match even one letter, this is a fake.
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At first glance, most of you will think that the presented distinctive features are enough to identify counterfeit products and original ZIK motor oil. But the manufacturer does not stop there, since fraudsters regularly find new solutions and workarounds to still counterfeit the product and present it on the market under the high-profile and sought-after name ZIC.

Additional protective measures

In order to protect customers as much as possible from non-original goods, ZIK company specialists are developing new methods of protection against counterfeits. You must understand that only the attentiveness and responsibility of the buyer himself can avoid purchasing counterfeit oil. Yes, at ZIC enterprises they try to make the maximum number of protective signs and distinctive features. But if you don't pay attention to them, then avoiding the use of low-grade oil will be problematic.

It is not difficult to guess that the original ZIC oil works much better and ensures reliable and long-term operation of all engine components. If you fill a fake, this leads to rapid wear, serious damage and expensive repairs. If you know how to distinguish fakes from original compounds, then all this can be avoided.

The following can be identified as additional protection measures by which the original is determined.

1. Hologram. A very interesting, modern and original solution from the manufacturer. It is not so difficult to identify fake ZIK oil. With its help, the manufacturer allows you to understand how to distinguish containers from fakes and find the original. It is important to note that applying a hologram is a patented solution from the ZIC oil manufacturer. Fake oil does not have such technology, so most buyers can easily find the original composition using it. The hologram is applied directly to the brand name of the SK Lubrikans company, that is, ZIC, and is also present on the vertical stripe if you look at the front side of the oil container. A fake has no such solution. Therefore, start at least with this identification mark. It will help you purchase real working fluid, and not take risks and wait to see how the car behaves with fake oil.
2. Measuring scale. At first it seems that there is nothing complicated about faking a measuring scale. This is a simple transparent strip provided along almost the entire height of the canister. But even here, scammers make the same mistakes. It is the fact of an apparent trifle that plays a cruel joke on them. In real containers with motor oils from ZIK, this measuring scale is always applied neatly and evenly. The manufacturing technology itself allows you to clearly view the presence of liquid in the canister. But if you have a fake, then often the length of the strip turns out to be shorter or longer than the original one, it is poorly visible and is applied unevenly. In practice, it is difficult to introduce such an element into packaging. Therefore, even using a measuring scale, buyers often easily identify a fake.

3. Text on back label. Run your finger over this area of ​​the canister. Do you feel something? If not, then this is definitely not a ZIK product. In real packages of motor oils from a well-known manufacturer, the text has a raised surface. It is applied in such a way that when you run your fingers over it, you can easily feel the text tactilely, that is, by touch.
4. Engraving on the bottom. Another way to check the authenticity of the selected ZIK oil is waiting for you at the bottom of the container. Turn the container over and see if the brand logo is there. If it is not there, then everything is very clear. You can put the canister back and go to another store.

5. Smell. It happens that you still buy products without examining the packaging. This happens when ordering online, when you are simply given oil by friends or do not have time to check the authenticity of the container. Do not rush to pour the composition into the engine. After unscrewing the cap and removing the protective foil, smell the liquid itself. Real motor oil from ZIC will not have a sharp or pronounced odor. Therefore, when you come across an excessively odorous liquid, give up the idea of ​​pouring it into the crankcase.
6. ID code. Although the identification code is the easiest to apply, all data is still unique and corresponds to the manufacturer's specifications. Therefore, do not forget to look for the presence of this digital designation, which is applied to the section of the canister where information about the name, type and other parameters of the oil is provided.

If the authenticity check is successfully completed, you can start pouring ZIK oil into the crankcase of your car. Some doubt until the last moment whether they chose the right oil and whether the seller’s words correspond to reality. After all, it often happens that we trust store employees, rather than trying to verify the originality of the oil ourselves. This is a common phenomenon that is difficult to combat.

General recommendations

To finally make sure of the complete safety and originality of the selected working fluid from ZIK, we will carry out a few more simple tests and tests. They will let you know whether you did everything right, or whether you have a high-quality fake in your hands.

1. Price question. All kinds of promotions, unique offers and reduced prices always work against the buyer. Blinded by discounts, we buy goods and don’t think about why the manufacturer suddenly showed such generosity. The very fact of actions from ZIK cannot be ruled out. But their oils cannot be called cheap, therefore, if the cost is too low, you should have suspicions about the authenticity of the product. If the price is reduced by more than 1/4 of the original cost, then it is better not to buy this oil. It may turn out to be original, but old, lying on the shelves. The seller just needs to implement it. Or it is a fake, for the sale of which buyers are “blurred” with a low price.
2. Color. If the package has already been opened, you can identify the original by smell and color. We have already talked about the aroma. As for the color, in the original it is always golden or light yellow. If darker shades are detected, there is a high probability that you are looking at counterfeit products.
3. Frost resistance. The test can be carried out at home if the appropriate temperature regime can be created. The real composition from ZIK begins to become cloudy only at temperatures from -32 degrees Celsius, but the fluidity remains unchanged. When the oil darkens earlier or begins to thicken, it is definitely fake.
4. Splashes. The test is extremely simple and can be carried out in the store itself. Take the container in your hands and shake it. If you hear splashes, then this oil is not worth buying. In the original container, the composition cannot flop.

All these tips will help you make the right purchase and fill the oil sump of your engine with original oil from a reputable manufacturer. Always rely only on yourself, come to the store prepared and do not think that the sellers always understand everything and they are not interested in selling counterfeit products. It is best to buy such consumables for a car in certified stores, through official representatives who have the appropriate documents for the sale of ZIC products.

Who is it suitable for?

Car engine oil ZIC 5W40 is a completely synthetic element. According to the manufacturer, it is considered a quality standard suitable for use:

• In gasoline engines of passenger cars;
• Diesel types of passenger vehicles;
• Power units of SUVs and urban crossovers;
• In cars with a gas system.

It turns out that ZIK lubricant is contraindicated for use in truck engines and in two- to four-stroke engines installed on motorcycles and scooters.

Original and fake ZIC 5W40

It is not difficult to identify a counterfeit product; it is enough to be guided by some aspects:

Volume

Real ZIK 5W40 oil from the manufacturer is bottled in small containers - 4 liters. This indicator defines a certain standard that is typical for most power units.

Canisters are not made of plastic

All ZIK synthetic oil is produced by the manufacturer only in metal cans. Each motor oil model has a different color scheme. For example, 5W40 is bottled in a tank with a golden tint, while others have red and green colors.

No label

Genuine ZIK oil cans completely lack a paper information component (label). Product information is printed directly onto the metal base of the canister.

How to identify a fake in this case?

If it was not possible to identify a fake from a metal can and it absolutely matches the original, then you need to pay attention to the motor oil itself.

A few tips to help you identify counterfeit products:

1. Price ZIK. Synthetic motor oil ZIC 5w40 cannot be classified as a very cheap oil, so if the price for it differs by at least a third, this should alert you.
2. ZIK oil color. The color of real ZIC 5w40 oil is golden, light yellow, anything darker indicates a fake. ZIK has practically no smell; genuine synthetics are characterized by a soft fragrance that is barely noticeable to the nose.
3. Take a test. The freezer test can also be done with ZIC 5w40. Even at minus 18, fake oil freezes or forms an incomprehensible cloudy mess that practically does not flow along the walls of the bottle. The original ZIC 5w40 will not notice frost at -18, and at -32 it may become slightly cloudy, but will retain its fluidity thanks to balanced additives. But low temperatures are not scary for an engine with a fake, where the car simply will not start and you will have to wash the engine after draining the oil. The main problem with counterfeit ZIC 5w40 will be at high temperatures. The absence of additives immediately indicates the viscosity of the product; therefore, the engine will not be happy with a liquid of unknown origin flowing like water throughout the power unit.
4. Check by touch. Check the authenticity of the ZIC 5w40 oil in the canister, so to speak, by touch. Shake the packaged container up and down, twist it, if you hear a vigorous splash, then the fake oil, the original ZIC 5w40, will not splash like that, it gently flows inside the canister, all due to the same synthetic nature (density, fluidity, viscosity).

Despite the fact that the ZIK company has taken care and introduced several degrees of protection for oil packaging from counterfeits, there are a large number of counterfeit products on the market. Using these tips, you can with a significant degree of probability find out what kind of oil was purchased and poured into the engine of your car.

How to distinguish a fake ZIC 5w40 synthetic oil? Say no to fakes

Increasingly, drivers have become interested in how to distinguish a fake ZIC 5w40 synthetic oil.
Many are sure that a branded manufacturer itself is a guarantor of protection against counterfeiting. They have noticeable bottles and producing similar ones is difficult and unprofitable. This is partly true. And yet, lately, businessmen have found a loophole here too. Many services and gas stations have begun to resell bottles of real oils to counterfeiters.
Yes, workers will pour high-quality oil into your car. But they won’t refuse to sell the containers to dubious persons later either.

Lids

If you always use the same oil from the same manufacturer, then you should be well aware of what the factory-packaged canister lid looks like. As a last resort, when going to the store, do not be lazy to take it with you. This is the only area that counterfeiters have not yet learned how to fake efficiently. If there are any, even minor differences in the ribs, fastening or appearance, do not hesitate to refuse the purchase.

Sometimes businessmen compensate for the lack of sealing tendrils by gluing the lid to the canister. Even small traces of glue or solders should alert you

. At best, there is diluted original or cheaper mineral oil inside. At worst, something unknown to science.

Label

. Read the label carefully. It is not uncommon for counterfeit manufacturers to not even bother to indicate expiration dates and release dates. It is also not uncommon to change one letter in the manufacturer's name. At first glance this is not striking. But such dealers always have an excuse that this is not a counterfeit of a well-known brand, but a new unknown manufacturer. What is poured inside such bottles is known only to those who filled them. And that's not always the case.

Color and smell

. Real good motor oil has a golden light yellow color. If the color of the contents is much darker, then we can confidently say that it is counterfeit. In addition, high-quality oil has a barely noticeable, mild odor. Counterfeits can often be identified by the presence of a very pungent and unpleasant odor.

Price

. When you see that the price of your oil has been reduced in the store, do not rush to rejoice. Even if the counterfeit is bottled in original containers, the price will always be lower than the original. Since the dealers themselves, as well as the stores cooperating with them, strive to sell such goods as quickly as possible.

Viscosity

. In all counterfeits, the content of viscous additives and thickener is much lower than in the originals. This is especially noticeable when the oil heats up. If such oil is poured into a car, it will lead to a sharp decrease in operating pressure. The result is insufficient lubrication and rapid engine wear. So if, when you shake it, the inside of the canister squashes quickly, then you are being offered to purchase a counterfeit product.

Conclusion

. After reading this article, you will be able to determine for yourself whether a quality product is being offered to you or not. And you will know exactly how to distinguish a fake ZIC 5w40 synthetic oil. Take the time to stay in the store a little longer and carefully examine the packaging of the oil. The result will be longer-lasting engine operation. Otherwise, you may face major repairs in the near future.

What are the dangers of using counterfeit motor oil?

To understand this issue, you need to understand the technological process for producing the liquid. At enterprises of large brands, various additives are added to initially high-quality motor oil to improve its original characteristics. Of course, they increase the cost of the process, because of this, really good oil will not be cheap.

In the case of fake oil, the situation is the opposite. The cheapest base is taken as a basis, mixed with industrial and sent to cans. The production cost is several times lower, and the selling price is only 10–15 percent lower.

The specialist says:

If the price of motor oil is much lower than the market price, then this is a reason to think about it. The fact is that only large retail outlets can afford to purchase goods at a discount. For example, a 2% discount may be provided when purchasing 3 tons of oil per month or more. Small shops cannot afford this. Therefore, if in a small stall the cost of motor oil is significantly lower than the market average, then it is not worth making a purchase.

Thus, the use of “dangerous” motor oil can lead to the following consequences:

• Pressure drop in the oil system. Because of this, engine parts receive less fluid than they need;
• Corrosion of engine parts due to low-quality components and the use of an industrial base not intended for car engines;
• The temperature range of operation decreases - in the cold season the car may simply not start.

Synthetics and semi-synthetics are often counterfeited, since “mineral water” is not highly valued in terms of cost.

Zic oil: how to distinguish the original from the fake

The Zik company has long become a famous manufacturer of motor oils, whose products are actively promoted in many countries around the world. The South Korean company was founded in 1962 and since then has one of the most high-tech bases for the production of lubricants.

The company boasts a wide range of products and a large number of brand fans. It is worth considering several models of the synthetic and semi-synthetic line under which Zic motor oil is produced.

In the production of oil, modern technology for processing petroleum products is used - catalytic hydrocracking. This makes it possible to obtain lubricants with a high viscosity index. In addition, the resulting oil contains low amounts of aromatic and sulfur hydrocarbons. Thanks to this technology, Zic oils are more stable.

Lubricatns' methods of combating counterfeit products

The Lubricants company produces synthetic-based lubricants in plastic containers: ZIC A, ZIC A+ with a viscosity index of 10w40. But due to the large number of counterfeit products, the Korean brand recently changed the design and material of the packaging. The name of the lubricant has also changed - to ZIC X7 and ZIC X5. In addition to these two types of oil on a synthetic and semi-synthetic basis, the company has rebranded the ZIK X9 motor lubricant.

This new line of oils has a unique anti-counterfeit system:

1. protective foil with the company logo;
2. the original canister does not spill thanks to the double handles;
3. The neck has a thermal film marked SK.

In addition, the Korean brand has updated its hologram technology. When the canister is tilted at a certain angle, the SK Lubricants logo will appear on the top stripe of the label. On a fake, this logo is visible in its normal state without tilting the oil container.

Characteristics

In Russia, the South Korean company sells more than 20 types of motor oils. Designed for gasoline and diesel units, as well as for engines of motor boats, motorcycles, lawn mowers, walk-behind tractors and chainsaws.

Any well-known brand of oil is excellent for use in Russian conditions. For example, 5w-30 is allowed for use at temperatures from −35 degrees and is all-season. It can easily provide a cold start of the engine, which will not entail negative consequences. Due to their high viscosity, Zik motor oils do not evaporate, which eliminates the appearance of carbon deposits in the cylinders.

General recommendations

To finally make sure of the complete safety and originality of the selected working fluid from ZIK, we will carry out a few more simple tests and tests. They will let you know whether you did everything right, or whether you have a high-quality fake in your hands.

1. Price question. All kinds of promotions, unique offers and reduced prices always work against the buyer. Blinded by discounts, we buy goods and don’t think about why the manufacturer suddenly showed such generosity. The very fact of actions from ZIK cannot be ruled out. But their oils cannot be called cheap, therefore, if the cost is too low, you should have suspicions about the authenticity of the product. If the price is reduced by more than 1/4 of the original cost, then it is better not to buy this oil. It may turn out to be original, but old, lying on the shelves. The seller just needs to implement it. Or it is a fake, for the sale of which buyers are “blurred” with a low price.
2. Color. If the package has already been opened, you can identify the original by smell and color. We have already talked about the aroma. As for the color, in the original it is always golden or light yellow. If darker shades are detected, there is a high probability that you are looking at counterfeit products.
3. Frost resistance. The test can be carried out at home if the appropriate temperature regime can be created. The real composition from ZIK begins to become cloudy only at temperatures from -32 degrees Celsius, but the fluidity remains unchanged. When the oil darkens earlier or begins to thicken, it is definitely fake.
4. Splashes. The test is extremely simple and can be carried out in the store itself. Take the container in your hands and shake it. If you hear splashes, then this oil is not worth buying. In the original container, the composition cannot flop.

All these tips will help you make the right purchase and fill the oil sump of your engine with original oil from a reputable manufacturer. Always rely only on yourself, come to the store prepared and do not think that the sellers always understand everything and they are not interested in selling counterfeit products. It is best to buy such consumables for a car in certified stores, through official representatives who have the appropriate documents for the sale of ZIC products.

Synthetic

When considering synthetic motor oils, it is worth taking ZIC XQ LS as an example. This is a top quality product containing reduced amounts of sulfur and phosphorus. The oil is recommended for both gasoline and diesel engines, with and without turbocharging.

When using ZIC XQ LS oil, fuel consumption is reduced and engine life is increased. Due to its low ash content, ZIC XQ LS is able to effectively protect the diesel particulate filter.

Semi-synthetics

High-quality semi-synthetics have a high viscosity index and are designed to work with gasoline engines of all types. These also include units with fuel injection and turbocharging.

Semi-synthetic Zik oils guarantee complete engine protection from increased loads. This allows you to significantly extend the life of the unit. Semi-synthetic oils are energy-saving. They have low volatility and good thermal stability. This allows you to significantly extend the oil change period.

Zic 10w40 line

One of the popular lines of semi-synthetic oils is ZIC 10w40. The line contains synthetics and semi-synthetics. When choosing SAE grade oil, you should pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Semi-synthetic oil Zic 10w40 can be used for both gasoline and diesel units. The product is also used successfully for turbocharged engines. The lubricating fluid contains a balanced package of impurities that are produced by world-famous factories.

The base of the ZIK 10w40 line is the high viscosity product YUBASE VHVI. The main advantage of the product is that various deposits do not appear in the engine. ZIK 10w40 A+ oil showed excellent performance in tests when operating under high loads:

• city ​​driving mode;
• broken cycle;
• rally.

Regardless of the climate and temperature changes, the product is able to reliably protect the motor from overheating, significantly extending the service life of the unit.

The use of oil has a positive effect on fuel consumption. It contains an anti-friction modifier that meets the API SM/ILSAC GF-4 standard. The increase in engine life when using the product is due to the low content of phosphorus and sulfur. This also increases the replacement interval.

How to distinguish

There are several distinctive features of Zic factory oil that help you understand how to distinguish a fake from the original. These include the shape of the lid, features of the container, labeling, physical characteristics and, of course, price.

Lids

If you constantly use the same oil, you can remember what the factory-made canister cap looks like. You should take it with you before going to the store. This area remains the only one in which counterfeiters have not yet succeeded. If there are even minor differences in the edges of the lid, its fastening or appearance, you should not buy such a product.

Important! Sometimes, to hide the absence of a seal, scammers simply glue the lid to the canister. If traces of glue are noticed, you should be wary. At best, such a canister contains cheaper mineral oil or a diluted original.

Not all suppliers can afford to buy original canisters. Factory-made containers are always made of metal. Many people try to fake it. Any nuances that indicate the difference between the container and the original (canister height, color, shape, dimensions) indicate a fake.

Label

Before purchasing oil, you should carefully study its label. Sometimes it doesn't even have an expiration date. They also often change one letter in the name of the manufacturer's company. This may not be obvious at first glance, but it is worth checking what is written carefully. Many sellers make a reservation that this is a new manufacturer. The quality of this oil most likely leaves much to be desired.

Smell and color

Good oil has a golden light yellow hue. If the color of the product is darker, you can confidently refuse to add such oil. In addition, the original has a subtle soft smell. A fake usually emits a strong, unpleasant aroma.

If you notice that the price of lubricants has decreased, you should not rejoice. Fake oil can be bottled in original containers, but to increase demand, its cost is significantly reduced. This is explained by the fact that store owners strive to sell such goods faster.

Freezing point

It is enough to leave the oil in a plastic bottle in the freezer for 5 hours to understand whether it is original or fake. The counterfeit product will lose transparency and freeze. This oil test allows you to clearly verify the difference in the properties of the original and the fake. Even if the product does not harden, it will be difficult to pour inside the bottle.

Real oil either darkens slightly or remains completely transparent. Thickening occurs much slower than in the case of fakes. According to this criterion, the selection of oil should be carried out first.

Viscosity

The counterfeit product contains much less thickener than the original. When such oil is poured into a car, the operating pressure will drop sharply. You can check the viscosity by shaking the canister. If the oil in it noticeably “flattens”, then you should look for another store.

Signs of original oil

Let's take a closer look at what features the manufacturer endowed with the original container.

Canister

Koreans began pouring oil into plastic canisters in 2016. Since then, the technology used to produce containers has not changed. Namely:

• Canister color is blue . Not dark blue, as happens in fakes.
• no plastic drips , color stains, crooked seams;
• There are relief patterns in the recesses on the surface of the canister. The relief is clearly visible; in fakes these areas are either smooth, like the main surface, or the relief is weakly expressed.

Label

The original label is sealed into the canister during its production process. The technology was used both in the days of iron containers and now.

Therefore, if in a store you manage to pry off the label on the canister with your finger, then the product is clearly counterfeit.

Other features of the original label:

1. The presence of a hologram on the letters ZIC. At a certain angle you can see the SC Lubricats logo. The logo is also visible on the fake label. But you can see it from any angle.
2. Run your fingers over the “10W-40” text. The letters should be felt under your fingers. On the back of the canister, the inscriptions on the label should also be raised , in particular, the barcode and the inscription “4 liters”. On fake stickers, all the letters are smooth.

Lid

The lid of the original canister is protected in the form of a transparent film . The signature butterfly and the letters SC are applied across its entire surface.

Differences between the original protective film and the fake one:

• all the details of the butterfly - four wings and the body - are separated from each other;
• the letters SC have no shadow;
• the color of the butterfly and letters is dark orange ;
• There is a section on the film with perforations and arrows. The arrows are short, 4-5 pieces .

In the fake, the butterfly is bright orange, the letters have a white shadow . The details of the butterfly are fused together. The arrows on the perforations are long, so a maximum of three of them can fit there.

Don't forget to also look at the measuring strip . Its production is a very labor-intensive process, even for a company with advanced equipment. What can we say about underground production? On canisters of this origin, the sulfur strip may be wider, curved, located higher or lower than in the original.

If possible, evaluate the quality of the oil itself. It should have a pleasant light yellow color . There should be no strong odors.

To protect your car from counterfeit products, it is better to buy it from official representatives of the company, who will always present the proper documents and offer another canister if you don’t like something in the one offered.

Review of ZIC X9 5W-40 oil

ZIC X9 5W-40 is an all-season motor oil from a Korean manufacturer, obtained by hydrocracking. The product combines high quality and affordable price. Suitable for both modern cars and used models.

About the manufacturer ZIC

A subsidiary of a large Korean holding company founded in 1965 – SK Lubricants. The ZIC brand itself began producing its products in 1995. Now this giant occupies half of the world market, is a leader in the synthesis of oils, the resulting raw materials are used to produce their own products or sell to other companies as the basis for their oils. Not so long ago, in 2015, the manufacturer’s line of oils was completely updated.

ZIC motor oils belong to group III, their carbon content is more than 90%, sulfur and sulfates are at the lowest possible level, the viscosity index exceeds 120. The base component of the oils is universal and works in any external conditions. In 2005, the European Union introduced new environmental regulations, and ZIC became the first to comply with them, introducing Lowsaps technology and reducing the sulfur content in its products. Maintaining the viscosity index also relies on innovative technology - branching of paraffin chains at the molecular level or the process of hydroisomerization. Expensive technology that pays for itself in the end result.

The range of goods is small, but this is due to the company’s work on quality, not quantity. Commercially available formulations are constantly being improved and improved, and have many approvals from car manufacturers. These are not the most elite types of oils, they do not contain expensive mineral elements, their bonus is chemical stability due to which some transport manufacturers allow an extended replacement interval for motor lubricants provided that ZIC oil is used.

basic information

ZIC X9 5W-40 is a synthetic oil created on the basis of the company’s own development – ​​Yubase+ oil.

The manufacturer recommends using this lubricant for passenger cars. The oil belongs to the universal category - it can be poured into gasoline and diesel engines of any design - turbocharged, multi-coupled, as well as units with direct injection. The exception is models equipped with particulate filters or catalytic converters. Personal experience has shown that the oil works quite well on light-duty trucks and vans.

Technical characteristics, tolerances, specifications

CF is a quality standard for diesel engines, introduced in 1994. Oils for off-road vehicles, engines with split injection, including those running on fuel with a sulfur content of 0.5% by weight and higher. Replaces CD oils.

Laboratory tests

Approvals ZIC X9 5W-40

• VW 502.00 / 505.00 / 503.01;
• MB-Approval 229.5, MB 226.5;
• BMW Longlife-01;
• Renault RN 0700 / 0710;
• PSA B71 2296;
• Porsche A-40.

Release form and articles

• 132613 ZIC X9 5W-40 1l / Replacement ZIC XQ
• 312613 ZIC X9 5W-40 1l / Replacement ZIC XQ
• 162613 ZIC X9 5W-40 4l / Replacement ZIC XQ
• 192613 ZIC X9 5W-40 20l / Replacement ZIC XQ
• 202613 ZIC X9 5W-40 200l / Replacement ZIC XQ

Range of ZIC motor oils

Zic motor oil is represented by four main lines: X5, X7, X9 and TOP. Let's talk about them in more detail.

ZIC X5

The lubricant is intended for modern gasoline engines. It copes excellently with daily overloads and provides the structural elements with the proper level of protection throughout their entire service life. ZIK X5 oils have a wide range of applications, because They meet many international standards and maintain stable properties over a wide temperature range.

The X5 series belongs to the category of semi-synthetic motor oils. They contain a small amount of phosphorus, sulfur and ash, which increases their environmental friendliness compared to the semi-natural products of competing companies, and also increases their useful life.

Semi-synthetics have a unique additive package, including a special anti-friction modifier.

It allows you to form a durable film on the elements of the load-bearing structure, resistant to any impact and providing reliable protection against friction.

For those cars whose engines run on propane-butane and methane, the manufacturer has developed a special oil - Zic X5 LPG; for diesel engines there is also a separate category - Zic X5 Diesel.

ZIC X7

The series motor oils, unlike ZIC X5, have a completely synthetic base. The Yubase technical fluid developed by the company is used as a base, which has increased resistance to temperature overloads and oxidation processes. X7 protects the engine compartment from overloads all year round, and also ensures easy starting in severe frosts and efficient distribution of the mixture among structural elements.

All Zik products contain a unique additive package that allows you to clean stubborn carbon deposits and soot, as well as remove dirt particles from the working area. In addition, ZIC motor oils prevent the formation of sludge, which allows you to keep the engine clean throughout the entire replacement interval.

The X7 series includes two more types of oils - FE and LS. The FE index indicates the ability of the oil to save fuel consumption very effectively. The prefix LS (LOW SAPS) indicates that the oil contains reduced levels of environmentally harmful impurities (ash compounds, phosphorus, sulfur), which has a beneficial effect not only on the purity of nature, but also on the condition of the vehicle’s exhaust gases.

Zik oils with a synthetic composition are suitable for Volkswagen, Mercedes, BMW, Nissan, Renault, etc. cars.

You can see the tolerances depending on the type of technical fluid in more detail in the following table.

ZIC X9

Zik X9 engine oil is 100% synthetic. The base oil is Yubase+, a liquid with stable viscosity properties, excellent fluidity and functional distribution throughout the internal components of the structure. Thanks to this base, Zik makes it easier to start a cold engine and protect power units even in the most severe frosts.

A distinctive feature of this oil is its low volatility, thanks to which the car owner does not waste personal savings on top-up material.

Throughout the entire operational period, X9 maintains the required level of lubricant fluidity, protects components from destruction and overheating, controls the consumption of the fuel mixture and removes residues of soot, sludge, and soot from the working area. Thus, the mechanism, with oil poured inside, will work like a clock - without breakdowns or failures.

The series is suitable for gasoline and diesel engines of Volkswagen, Opel, Jaguar, BMW, etc.

The line includes low-ash (LS) and economical (FE) oils.

ZIC TOP

The TOP series products are PAO synthetics: they are based on polyalphaolefins and Yubase+ base oil. The product also contains special additives that combat long-term deposits and provide reliable heat-resistant protection of the engine system mechanisms.

In the production of TOP, engineers managed to achieve high dispersing properties of motor lubricant: it dissolves soot deposits within itself, keeps pollutants in suspension and does not allow them to re-deposit throughout the entire service life. As a result, thanks to the action of a balanced additive package, the required level of cleanliness is maintained inside the structure.

The oil itself is environmentally friendly: it contains a minimum of substances harmful to nature - sulfate ash, sulfur and phosphorus.

This, in turn, increases the protection of additional exhaust treatment systems - catalytic converters in internal combustion engines running on gasoline, and particulate filters installed in diesel engines.

ZIC oil of this series is produced for cars operating in extreme conditions that involve severe engine overload.

Test results

As a result of testing by an independent laboratory, the product was found to comply with the SAE standard. The oil has a high alkaline number - 10.5. This indicates the excellent neutralizing properties of the material, operating throughout the entire operating interval. Evaporation by waste, carried out using the NOACK method, does not exceed 9.8%. A good result, indicating economical oil consumption even under extreme loads.

The oil hardens at a temperature of -42 Cº. The level of dynamic apparent viscosity at a temperature of -30 Cº was only 5100 mPa, with a maximum value of 6600 mPa, according to the requirements of the SAE J300 specification.

The oil viscosity index at a temperature of +100 Cº is within the normal range - 14.0 mm²/s (permissible range - from 12.5 to 16.3).

How to distinguish a fake ZIK oil using the example of ZIC X9 LS 5W30 (formerly XQ LS 5W30)

Hi all! In this article you will learn how to distinguish fake ZIK oil . In the fall of 2015, oils produced under the ZIC brand underwent a complete rebranding. We have already talked about this, so we will not focus on this point. You can read more about the design change in the article: New ZIC. I would just like to note that the company decided to completely abandon metal containers and use plastic instead. Of course, 20 liter buckets and 200 liter barrels will remain metal as before, but smaller containers will remain only plastic. This is far from the only change, but it is the most important. Along with the canister, methods of protection against counterfeiting have also changed. So we'll talk to them.

As usual, oil counterfeiters also took advantage of the change in design. And this is not surprising, because buyers are not yet at all familiar with the new product and will not be able to distinguish counterfeit ZIC oil from the original. Therefore, in this article we will try to tell you in as much detail as possible how to protect yourself from counterfeit goods.

External signs of counterfeit oil

The original ZIC canister has a “SK” hologram on the front side, which is visible when the container is tilted. On the fake container, the abbreviation is changed to “ZIC” and is visible without tilting. Moreover, the inscription is not a hologram, but an ordinary drawing.

· If the film with the inscription SK has white tones around the edges, this indicates counterfeit.

· The front side of the description label on the original is darker in color.

· On a fake, the letters and numbers have a larger font size with poor print quality.

A canister with fake liquid is translucent in bright light. In the original container, the lubricant should be practically invisible. The counterfeit product has a softer plastic composition in contrast to the original oil canister. The SK Lubricants company uses red, blue, gray and gold tones for the original plastic container.

Additional information indicated on the original ZIK:

· fuel efficiency decals;

· composition of the base lubricant;

When choosing lubricant products, pay special attention to protection systems. Using these recommendations, every car enthusiast will be able to protect themselves from purchasing low-quality compounds and fill only original ZIC lubricants into the engine.