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Help and support

Here you'll find the most frequently asked questions and our answers, details about our services, solutions and processes.

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    Most popular questions

    • Because brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, it needs to be changed in order to ensure that it retains its properties and to prevent mechanical parts from wearing out.

      motorcycle brake
      motorcycle brake

       

      Because brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, it needs to be changed in order to ensure that it retains its properties and to prevent mechanical parts from wearing out.

      Brake fluid types

      There are 3 main types of brake fluids: DOT3 and DOT4 (both absorbing water) and DOT5 (not absorbing water) Most brake fluid that comes in a new car will be rated DOT 3. A few will Use DOT 4, and very few will ever use DOT 5 which is a silicone based product.

      The manufacturer's service manual will tell you what type of brake fluid you should use and will show you where the container is located.

      When to change brake fluid?

      As a general rule, the brake fluid level should be checked every 100 km or every month or so, and it should be changed around every two years.

      How to change brake fluid on a motorcycle/scooter?

      Draining out brake fluid is a risky operation if not carried out properly – air bubbles can get into the circuit. Be careful – brake fluid is a hazardous fluid. It is therefore a good idea to protect the various components which may come into contact with it.

      Before changing brake fluid

      Make sure the engine has been switched off for 15 to 30 minutes so that the oil has returned to the bottom of the sump.
      Put your motorcycle on its stand so that it can be stood up and ensure that it is on a surface that is stable and horizontal. Tilt the handlebars so that the brake fluid container is as horizontal as possible

      Brake fluid change equipment:

      • obtain the recommended brake fluid
      • a container for the used oil
      • a standard set of tools

      Brake fluid change

      • First steps:

      1. Unscrew the screws in order to open the brake fluid container cap (also referred to as the master cylinder reservoir)
      2. Locate the receiver. The receiver has a drain in the high position in order to evacuate air bubbles
      3. Remove the drain’s cap and install a pipe on the drain's screw. Place this pipe in a container in order to retrieve the used liquid
      4. Remove some of the used braking liquid from the master cylinder's reservoir, but make sure that you leave a little so that air does not get into the circuit.

      • Add the oil

      1. Use a syringe to inject a little new liquid into the reservoir.
      2. Squeeze and then release the brake lever 3 consecutive times, then action the brake lever once again and hold it. Slightly unscrew the drain's screw.

      • How to flush brake fluid

      1. Slowly release the brake and watch the fluid leave the pipe.
      2. Then tighten the drain screw before releasing the handle.
      3. Replacing brake fluid - Repeat this action until new fluid appears in the pipe, without any air bubbles.
        Advice on How to drain brake fluid : each time you carry out the operation, remember to put new fluid into the reservoir to ensure that air does not get into it.
      4. Once the process is complete, tighten the drain screw, put new fluid into the master cylinder reservoir without exceeding the marker, then screw the lid back on.

    • It mainly depends on the vehicle. Some vehicles/drive cycles are harder on oils then others. We recommend you to check your service manual.

      oil flow
      oil flow

       

      When to change oil ?

      It mainly depends on the vehicle. Some vehicles/drive cycles are harder on oils then others. We recommend you to check your service manual.

      What is the oil change interval for synthetic oils vs regular oils?

      You can run a conventional oil 5K miles but you should be able to run a synthetic oil 7500 to 10000 miles (synthetic oil change intervals are longer).
      A tip on how often change synthetic oil? To help you know if it’s time for you to change your synthetic oil, you can have a look to the color of the oil: caramel or dark caramel looking is fine but if it is pretty dark to black, change it out.

       

    • If you want your car to last longer, learn how to change the anti-freeze coolant. Car owners should change their car antifreeze at least once a year. Changing antifreeze is not difficult.

      Antifreeze check
      Antifreeze check

       

      How to check antifreeze?

      Just check to see whether the liquid reaches the "Full" line on the side of the coolant reservoir. It's part of the coolant recovery system. If the liquid doesn't reach the "Full" line, open the bottle and add a 50/50 mix of water and coolant until it does. Some coolants are premixed, so check the bottle to see whether you need to add water or just use it as-is.

      How to change antifreeze for car?

      If you want your car to last longer, learn how to change the anti-freeze coolant. Car owners should change their car antifreeze at least once a year. Changing antifreeze is not difficult.

      Coolant change equipment:

      • Service Repair Manual
      • 2-3 Gallon Drain Pan
      • 50-50 Antifreeze Coolant
      • Pliers

      Step 1: Antifreeze car Safety Precautions

      Make sure you follow all the necessary safety precautions to prevent an accident. Avoid spilling the coolant and keep pets and children away from the work area. Make sure the engine is not running and wait until it is cool.

      Step 2: - How to drain antifreeze/ How to drain coolant

      Place the drain pan under the radiator petcock drain valve. Remove the petcock drain valve by hand or use a pair of pliers. Observe the anti-freeze leaving the recovery tank and the cooling system as it enters the drain pan

      Step 3: How to change engine coolant - Remove Engine Plugs

      Remove the radiator pressure cap to allow the rest of the coolant to leave the radiator. Use a wrench to remove the engine block drain plugs. Let the anti-freeze flow from the engine block into the drain pan. Make sure all the coolant has been drained from the radiator and the coolant recovery tank.

      Step 4: How to add antifreeze to car - Refilling Cooling System

      Reinstall the engine block drain plugs and the petcock. Find out how much anti-freeze your car is supposed to have by reading the service repair manual. For example, if the manual says four quarts of anti-freeze, add two quarts of coolant and two quarts of water. Pour the 50-50 mixture of anti-freeze and water slowly into the radiator's filler neck with a funnel.

      Step 5: Changing coolant - Start the Engine

      Turn the engine on and let it idle for a few minutes. Let the engine heat up without the radiator cap on. Turn on the car's heater to the high or hot position. Look into the radiator to see if the coolant is circulating. This means that the thermostat is open. Install the radiator cap and make sure the coolant recovery tank is full. Test the protection level of the coolant and you are done.

    • Trust us: it's worth checking your car oil is at an optimum level. If you do so, your car will thank you!

      man checking oil
      man checking oil

       

      Trust us: it's worth checking your car oil is at an optimum level. If you do so, your car will thank you!

      Why checking your oil?

      Oil check does not only help improving your engine's performance, it also increases your car's life expectancy.
      Remember to check the oil level and make it a habit before every long journey.
      By checking oil,
      Also be sure to choose the right oil, as this is important for your engine's resilience and performance.

      Benefits of maintaining an optimal oil level:

      • Increase your engine's efficiency and reduce the fuel consumption.
      • Reduce premature wear of engine components.
      • Prevent the formation of deposits and limit the development of corrosion.
      • Reduce harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

      Your car's oil consumption depends on many factors:

      • The type of vehicle you own.
      • Your driving style and where you usually drive (city, roads, highways).
      • The mechanical condition of your engine.
      • Weather conditions.

      To go further, you can have a look to the following advice per type of oil:

      • How to check engine oil?
      • How to check transmission fluid?
      • How to check manual transmission fluid?
      • How to check automatic transmission fluid?
      • How to check brake fluid?

       

    • Over time, radiator coolant loses its properties. As a general rule, it should be changed every 60,000 km or every 2 to 4 years (refer to your service manual for the manufacturer's recommendations). Please note: radiator fluid is toxic.

      coolant tank
      coolant tank

       

      When to flush coolant?

      Over time, radiator coolant loses its properties. As a general rule, it should be changed every 60,000 km or every 2 to 4 years (refer to your service manual for the manufacturer's recommendations). Please note: radiator fluid is toxic.

      Useful to know before adding coolant:

      Before carrying out any operations, make sure that you have an appropriate receptacle for recycling these liquids and a pair of gloves.

      What is a coolant flush ? It consists in changing the coolant in your cooling system; it is something that you can do yourself if you have a little technical expertise in automotive mechanics. We would recommend, however, that you have this done by your garage mechanic, but if you want to do it yourself, the flushing coolant procedure is as follows:

      How to flush coolant:

      • The coolant should only be changed when the engine is cool – i.e., when it has been switched off for several hours.
      • Refer to your service manual to find out where the cooling circuit and filling cap are located. Also find out where the radiator's drainage tap is. The radiator is usually near the front of the car next to the engine. Clean the metal slats on the front and back of the radiator that allow air to move throughout with soapy water and a nylon brush (brush in the direction of the radiator fins to remove dirt and grim)
      • Open the filling cap over a container in order to optimally drain the circuit.
      • Position a receptacle under the drainage tap at the bottom of the radiator, then open the valve so that all of the oil in radiator coolant can drain out.
      • We recommend that you wait 30 minutes for the circuit to drain completely.
      • How to add coolant ? Put the radiator drain cap back on and then start to pour coolant into the cooling circuit via the filling cap. You should use 5 L of fluid or more, depending on the vehicle.
      • There will be air in the circuit, so you will need to add the coolant gradually.
      • Carry on adding coolant until the level of fluid is just between the minimum and maximum markers.
      • Start the engine, leaving the vehicle in neutral. If you wish, you can turn the heating up to its maximum setting in order to get the new fluid to circulate around the whole circuit.
      • Switch off the engine and recheck the level of fluid. Add more if necessary and then repeat the previous operation until the level has stabilized.
      • A few days after you have filled it up, check the coolant level again.

      Warning: used coolant should not be disposed of down the drain or in the wastewater system: it should be taken to an appropriate place, such as a garage or a waste collection area.

       

    • Checking cars’ oil level helps prevent faults and most importantly avoids mechanical damage which may – in the short-or mid-term – prevent your vehicle from running smoothly.

      man checking oil
      man checking oil

       

      Checking cars’ oil level helps prevent faults and most importantly avoids mechanical damage which may – in the short-or mid-term – prevent your vehicle from running smoothly.

      Before you begin:

      • The manufacturer's service manual will tell you how often you should check your engine's oil level, as well as what type of oil you should use.
      • Caution! If you have to top up your engine's oil, it is very important that you use the product recommended in your user guide.
      • The vehicle's manual will show you where the oil gauge is on your engine.
      • Make sure the engine has been switched off for at least 2 minutes so that the oil is "resting" and at the bottom of the sump.
      • Check that your car is on a stable and horizontal surface in order to ensure that you get a good reading.
      • Get a cloth or a roll of paper towel.

      How to check the level:

      • Open the engine’s bonnet and locate the engine oil gauge or dipstick (this is usually a brightly-colored ring or hook).
      • Pull on this hook in order to remove the stem in its entirety. Then wipe it with the cloth and insert it back into the gauge.
      • Pull out the stem once again and look at where the mark left by the oil is. This is your engine's oil level. You should also see the two lines or marks for ensuring that oil levels are between the minimum and maximum levels.
      • Your engine's oil level should be between the "minimum" and the "maximum" lines on the gauge.

      How to put oil in your car?

      Never put more than the "maximum" quantity of oil – doing so may damage your engine and its oil-tight seal.
      Similarly, the level should never be below the "minimum" line so as to ensure optimum lubrication at all times and avoid engine wear.

      • If the level is below the "minimum" line, you must top up your oil immediately.
      • If you think that the level is too close to the "minimum" line, it is advisable (although not obligatory) to top up the oil.

      If you need to top up your oil, refer to your manufacturer's user manual or our website to find out which product is suitable for your engine.

      Discover in images how to check engine oil

       

    • Any waste oil storage tank, such as tanks containing heating oil, diesel and waste oil, should be routinely checked and maintained to avoid the risk of causing pollution, through leaks and spills. For larger oil storage solutions on commercial sites, the tank may also need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations.

      car smoke
      car smoke

       

      Discover how we can prevent pollution from a waste oil storage tank

      Any waste oil storage tank, such as tanks containing heating oil, diesel and waste oil, should be routinely checked and maintained to avoid the risk of causing pollution, through leaks and spills. For larger oil storage solutions on commercial sites, the tank may also need to comply with the Oil Storage Regulations.

      It is always a good idea to keep your domestic heating oil tank in good condition, and ideally it should be properly bunded (contained within a sealed area or unit), so that in the event of a leak, the oil will not soak away into the ground.

      This can cause a great deal of damage to your property and the wider environment and can be very costly to clean up.

       
      As the owner you may be liable and even face prosecution if the oil pollutes groundwater or a nearby river. You may wish to check your home or business insurance policy to make sure you are covered for such incidents.

    • Any vehicle owner knows that lubricants are vital to the correct operation of your engine; in particular they reduce wear.

      Oil role
      Oil role

       

      Any vehicle owner knows that lubricants are vital to the correct operation of your engine; in particular they reduce wear. But it also has other, less well-known functions:

      • Cools hot areas of an engine and moving parts
      • Reduces friction: A lubricant helps to improve engine efficiency and helps to reduce fuel consumption
      • Protects mechanical parts against wear and corrosion: guaranteeing long life and efficiency of the engine
      • Keeps the engine clean: it helps to guarantee long engine life and helps to keep all engine parts in a good and clean condition, while evacuating any impurities to the oil filter and through oil changes

       

    • Transmission oil is a mixture of base oil and additives with very good anti-wear and anti-scoring properties and good stability to thermal oxidation. Manual transmissions use a variety of oils: regular motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil or even automatic transmission fluid in some cases. Your owner's manual will tell you what your transmission calls for.

      manual transmission
      manual transmission

      What is manual transmission?

      Transmission oil is a mixture of base oil and additives with very good anti-wear and anti-scoring properties and good stability to thermal oxidation. Manual transmissions use a variety of oils: regular motor oil, heavyweight hypoid gear oil or even automatic transmission fluid in some cases. Your owner's manual will tell you what your transmission calls for.

      What does transmission fluid do?

      The key function of transmission oil is to lubricate hypoid gears in manual and automatic transmissions for cars and trucks.

      Did you know?

      When to check transmission fluid?

      It's important to regularly check the transmission fluid level between service intervals. Letting your car run low on transmission fluid can cause the transmission to shift improperly - or even not at all. It also can harm the internal parts of your transmission, which will not be properly lubricated. Unfortunately, you may not hear any noises or have other clues that your transmission is low on fluid, until it's too late.

      How to check the manual transmission fluid level?

      Checking transmission fluid is actually not so easy to do: indeed, the gearbox is not easily accessible without equipment and there is no straightforward system – such as an engine oil gauge – for determining oil levels.
      Checking the transmission fluid level requires working under the hood of your car with the engine running. This can be very dangerous if you aren’t careful. You should therefore contact your garage mechanic in order to have it checked. They will have equipment for checking oil levels and topping it up if necessary.
      If, however, you still wish to carry out this operation yourself, here is our advice:

      To be done before the beginning of your transmission fluid check:
      Get a cloth or a roll of paper towel.
      Refer to your service manual to find out what transmission fluid your gearbox requires and how frequently it should be changed. The manual will also tell you where the filling cap is located.

      Where is the transmission fluid dipstick?

      On some cars, it is easy to mistake the transmission dipstick for the crankcase oil dipstick, so make sure you are clear on the location of your transmission.Look towards the back of the engine, near the firewall. This is where the transmission is located on most cars with rear-wheel drive.On cars with front-wheel drive, the transmission dipstick is usually located in the front of the engine, connected to the transaxle.

       

       

      • How do you check transmission fluid – Step 1: 

        Park your car on a horizontal, stable surface. Disengage the clutch and apply the handbrake. Make sure the engine has been switched off for at least 2 minutes so that the oil is "resting" and at the bottom of the sump. If your car has been used for more than 30 minutes, allow the engine to rest for a few minutes so that the transmission fluid can cool down. This is important for your safety, as well as ensuring that the results are not biased.
         

      • How to check your transmission fluid – Step 2: 

        Refer to your service manual to in order to locate the gearbox's filling cap and find out what type of spanner you need in order to unscrew it.
         

      • How to check transmission oil – Step 3:

        Open the filling cap and check transmission fluid level: it should be just beneath the cap. Given that there is no gauge, you may use a metal stem or screwdriver in order to probe the oil level and find out how high it is in the sump.

        Note: the oil may also overflow. If this happens, then it is at the right level. Quickly replace the cap.

        You can use a syringe to take an oil sample for analysis. However, we recommend that you get a professional to carry this out. Remember to screw the filling cap back on in accordance with the instructions in the user manual.

      Manual transmission fluid top up

      In order to top up the oil, you have to locate and unscrew the filling cap.

      We recommend that you use a syringe or a special pump in order to gradually insert fresh oil into the gearbox sump.

      Keep checking the oil level as described above in order to ensure that it does not overflow.

       

    • It is advisable to check the state of the brake fluid every 10,000 km. As a general rule, brake fluid should be replaced every 50,000 km (or every 2 years).

      brake fluid change
      brake fluid change

       

      It is advisable to check the state of the brake fluid every 10,000 km. As a general rule, brake fluid should be replaced every 50,000 km (or every 2 years).
      Your vehicle's service manual will give you more precise information about how frequently the brake fluid should be checked and changed and what type of fluid should be used.
      If you find anything out of the ordinary, contact your usual garage.

      Checking brake fluid recommendations: as brake fluid is a hazardous fluid, we recommend you to bring the used cans to a toxic waste center for disposal.

      Before you begin:

      • Refer to your service manual in order to locate the brake fluid reservoir. Its location depends on the type of car you have. The brake booster is on the driver’s side of your vehicle, usually up near the firewall. Just in front of that, sitting on and connected to the brake master cylinder, is the brake fluid reservoir, usually a plastic canister like the one shown here. Older vehicles don’t have a plastic reservoir; instead, the master cylinder is a little metal box with a lid that you must remove to check the fluid level.
      • Make sure that your car is on a stable and horizontal surface.
      • Ensure that the engine is cold – i.e., switched off – before taking a reading.

      How to check the brake fluid level:

       

       

      • The brake fluid container is made of transparent plastic so you can directly check its level by looking at it.
      • Visually check the fluid's level. It should never be below the "minimum" level. Your brake fluid should not get used up when your vehicle is in use.
      • So if the level falls, it means that there is a leak in your circuit.
      • In this case, we recommend that you go to your garage mechanic immediately so that they can find the leak.
      • This will avoid problems braking and prevent serious risks for both you and other motorists.

      Now that you've seen your brake fluid container empty, here is ELF's brake fluids for your car!

    • Used oil does not belong in storm drains, on the ground or in the trash. Used oil can contain heavy metals and other toxic substances.

      green oil
      green oil

       

      When to recycle?

      Each time you have used oil. Indeed, you are not truly done with an oil change until you have properly recycled your used motor oil and oil filter. Used oil does not belong in storm drains, on the ground or in the trash. Used oil can contain heavy metals and other toxic substances.

      How do we recycle the oil?

      The process of restoring used oil to new oil (by removing chemical impurities, heavy metals and dirt) is complex.
      We have developed in partnership with Véolia a plant called Osilub which uses cutting-edge technology to regenerate used oils (we recycle many kinds of oils: we recycle motorcycle oils, we recycle transmission fluid, we recycle as well brake fluid, …)
      We have also developed a new service for waste oil collection* in the Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland and Iceland).
      This innovative system is designed to make recycling both an easy and profitable process for customers, as well as a marketable solution. TOTAL Nordic has recently partnered with the leading recycling company Stena Recycling. Together, the two groups have created a safe and efficient collection service for waste oil and oil filters. Through this cooperation, TOTAL customers have access to recycling services: a special service centre has been set up for them with a direct number and dedicated staff from Stena Recycling with the option to have waste oil picked up from their site.

       

    • Probably the most important property of oil lubricant is the absolute viscosity, which is a measure of the force required to move one layer of the oil film over the other. 

      motor oil change
      motor oil change

       

      Probably the most important property of oil lubricant is the absolute viscosity, which is a measure of the force required to move one layer of the oil film over the other. If the viscosity is too low, a protecting oil film is not formed between the parts. With high viscosity too much power is required to shear the oil film, and the flow of oil through the engine is retarded. Viscosity tends to decrease as temperature increases. Viscosity index (VI) is a number that indicates the resistance of an oil to changes in viscosity with temperature. The smaller the change in viscosity with temperature, the higher the viscosity index of the oil.

       

    • The manufacturer's service manual will tell you how often you should check your engine's oil level, what type of oil you should use and how frequently you should change it.

      motorcycle oil check
      motorcycle oil check

      When should I do a motorcycle oil change?

      The manufacturer's service manual will tell you how often you should check your engine's oil level, what type of oil you should use and how frequently you should change it.

      How to know when to change oil?

      As a general rule, engine oil should be changed every 3700 miles or so, as great demands are made of it. However, depending on your driving style, you may have to change it more or less often. For example, if you make lots of short journeys, engine oil performance will deteriorate, because condensed droplets of fuel will get into it. Similarly, if you do not use your motorcycle very often, or if you use it intensively, engine oil quality may be reduced depending on the types of lubricant that you use.

      How often to change synthetic oil ?

      The rule of thumb is 3000 miles between changes, but with synthetic oil you can go as far as 5000 miles.

       

    • An automatic transmission (also called auto, self-shifting transmission or A/T) is a type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually.
       

      automatic transmission
      automatic transmission

      What is an automatic transmission?

      An automatic transmission (also called auto, self-shifting transmission or A/T) is a type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually.

      What is automatic transmission fluid?

      In the past, most automatic transmissions had three gears (plus reverse) and if it had four gears, you had a real hot rod – or a luxury barge. Now, automatic transmissions have up to eight gears, either to placate performance drivers or to give cars optimal gearing for fuel efficiency – or both.

      There are 3 main types of fluids for automatic gearboxes:

      • The Automatic Transmission with Manual Controls
      • The Continuously Variable Transmission or CVT
      • The Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT)

      Did you know?

      • Our transmission range for automatic gearboxes is ELFMATIC
      • The best automatic transmission fluid for cars is ELFMATIC CVT MV
      • The best automatic transmission fluid for trucks and buses is ELFMATIC G3

      How to check automatic transmission fluid level?

      Refer to the vehicle's service manual before carrying out any operations.
      The vehicle must be on a level surface with the engine switched off for at least 5 minutes. The handbrake should be applied and the gearbox in neutral
      If you own a car with an automatic transmission, your car will have a dipstick for this purpose. Be careful not to make the common mistake of confusing the transmission dipstick with the crankcase dipstick. For most cars, checking the automatic transmission fluid consists of pulling the transmission dipstick out while the engine is warmed up and running and with the transmission in park. We suggest that you check your owner's manual, however, since some manufacturers may have a different procedure.

       

       

      • Automatic transmission check – Step 1: 
        Locate the gearbox' filler cap (located beneath the cap) and unscrew it
      • Automatic transmission check – Step 2:
        Remove the filler cap and check the level
      • Automatic transmission check – Step 3:
        If there is no gauge, you can use a metal rod or a screwdriver to find the oil level in the sump. You can use a syringe to take an oil sample for analysis. However, we recommend that you get a professional to carry this out.
      • Automatic transmission check – Step 4: 
        Remember to screw the filler cap back securely.

      Automatic transmission fluid top up

      If topping up is necessary, please follow these steps :

      • Locate and unscrew the filler cap.
      • Use a syringe or a special pump in order to gradually insert fresh oil.Pour the correct fluid slowly into the transmission. Add a little at a time so you do not overfill.
      • Keep checking the oil level

      How much transmission fluid do you add to your vehicle? It depends on what you're doing:

      • Are you doing a simple top-up? If you see that the transmission fluid is a little low on the dipstick, start with a half a quart to a quart of transmission fluid. Recheck the level and add 1/4 quart at a time till the level is up to the full or max mark.
      • Are you doing a transmission service, where you drop the pan and replace the filter? This kind of service regularly needs 4 to 5 quarts of transmission fluid in order to replace what was lost in the pan.
      • Are you replacing the entire transmission fluid? It could take anywhere from 9 to 13 quarts of transmission fluid to adequately replace the entire transmission fluid.

    • Standards and industrial organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute (API), the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), JASO (Japanese Automotive Standard Organization) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) establish specific norms to manage lubricant characteristics and performances.

      Professional car repair
      Professional car repair

       

      Standards and industrial organizations such as the American Petroleum Institute (API), the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), JASO (Japanese Automotive Standard Organization) and the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) establish specific norms to manage lubricant characteristics and performances. Each norm defines technical requirements, physical properties (such as viscosity), engine test results, and other criteria for the formulation of lubricants and oils. Our ELF lubricants comply with and follow all of the major norms, standards and classifications in effect.

       

    • Regularly changing your car's engine oil and filter is one of the most important things you can do to keep your car running well. Over time, your oil will break down and your filter will become clogged with contaminants.

      man in a garage

       

      Regularly changing your car's engine oil and filter is one of the most important things you can do to keep your car running well. Over time, your oil will break down and your filter will become clogged with contaminants. 

      Changing your oil is both easy and inexpensive, so the sooner you change the oil in your car if it needs it, the better.Changing your oil regularly helps to extend your engine and keep your car running smoothly.
       

    • If you notice a rapid fall in the quantity of this liquid, there is a leak in the circuit and we recommend that you go and see your garage mechanic quickly.

      coolant filling
      coolant filling

       

      If you notice a rapid fall in the quantity of this liquid, there is a leak in the circuit and we recommend that you go and see your garage mechanic quickly.
      In order to check the level of this liquid, it is vital that your car be parked on a flat surface. The engine must be cold – i.e., it must have been switched off for several hours – so as not to skew the readings and avoid any risk of splashing or burns if you have to open the filling cap.
      Where is/ what is coolant in a car? Refer to your user manual in order to locate the coolant filling reservoir. It is made of transparent plastic and has 2 "Maximum" and "Minimum" markers. It is essential that the liquid’s level is between these two markers.

      If the level is below the "Minimum" marker, top it up with the coolant recommended in your service manual. Otherwise, you will risk your engine being insufficiently cooled – i.e., it may overheat, requiring you to switch off the engine immediately and resulting in damage to the various parts.
      If the level is above the "Maximum" marker, some of the coolant in car will need to be removed with a syringe or suitable pump. Otherwise the cooling circuit will be over-pressurised, which may result in hot fluid being splashed out while you are using your engine.

       

    • If you search the recommended oil for your vehicle, we'll recommend you thanks to our Lube Advisors, the best ELF oil lubricant adapted for your model of vehicle (either best oil for cars, best oil for motorcycles or best oil for trucks).

      Elf range

       

      If you search the recommended oil for your vehicle, we'll recommend you thanks to our Lube Advisors, the best ELF oil lubricant adapted for your model of vehicle (either best oil for cars, best oil for motorcycles or best oil for trucks).

      14 countries currently offer Lube advisors: you just have to enter the brand and model of vehicle and you'll discover the ELF lubricants specifically dedicated for your car, motorbike or truck. Our vehicle database is considerably more extensive than most of our competitors.

      If you look for a specific product according to its application, check http://catalog.elf.com/automotive

      You are probably looking for the best oil for your engine right? Elf has the perfect range for you: EVOLUTION FULL TECH engine oils. These engine oils are a guarantee of performance, made of last generation technology, dedicated for recent car models and for demanding technical requirements.

      We recommend you after the EVOLUTION FULL TECH oils as well as our EVOLUTION 900 engine oils: high protection and ultimate performance, dedicated for recent car models and for demanding technical requirements.

      If you are looking for where to buy oil or where can I buy motor oil, here is the place!

      You can have a look to our maps where you can find the nearest outlet. Because we know how important it is for you to know where you can purchase our products, we are providing you a solution to find a distributor.

      France

      Spain

       

      Morocco

       

      Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland

      UK

      Germany

      Netherlands

      Russia

       

    • Refer to your car's service manual to find out how often its oil should be changed – the interval varies from model to model.
      The oil can be replaced every 10,000 to 30,000 km, or every 12 to 24 months, depending on manufacturer's recommendations.

      change oil alert
      change oil alert

       

      When to change car oil?

      Refer to your car's service manual to find out how often its oil should be changed – the interval varies from model to model.
      The oil can be replaced every 10,000 to 30,000 km, or every 12 to 24 months, depending on manufacturer's recommendations.

      Make sure to change your engine oil with the range ELF is providing to you, discover the products here!

      How often should the oil in a car be changed?

      A number of criteria need to be taken into account when deciding how often it should be replaced:

      • Date first registered
      • Total distance driven since date first registered
      • Distance driven since last service
      • Engine type
      • Driving style

      Some vehicle models tell you how far you can drive before you next have to change the oil via a maintenance counter on your dashboard. Because this information is calculated in real time, it will vary depending on how far you have driven.

    • There are three types of engine oil/3 types of motor oil: minerals oils, semi-synthetic oils and synthetic oils.

      There are three types of engine oil/3 types of motor oil:

      Oil types - Mineral oils

      They are obtained from base oils directly extracted from crude oil and then enriched with chemical additives in order to improve their overall performance.
      They are perfectly well-suited to everyday trips or journeys outside of the urban environment at reasonable speeds.

      Motor types - Semi-synthetic oils

      They are a blend of mineral oils and synthetic-based oils. They are perfectly well-suited to normal usage in urban environments or high-speed driving for all types of vehicles.
      These oils are highly resistant to oxidation and can be recommended for extreme temperature conditions.

      Engine oil types - Synthetic oils

      They are obtained through numerous refining processes or in laboratories using high-quality additives. Synthesizing oils in this way has many benefits: the result is a high-performance lubricant that extends the life of your engine, improves engine protection, increases the intervals between oil changes and reduces friction – thus lowering fuel consumption. Sometimes, 4 types of car oil are mentioned: mineral, synthetic based or semi-synthetic, synthetic technology, and 100% synthetic.

       

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      Motorcycle back packshot

       

       

      Now you're an expert in motor oil label, check out our lubrication solutions for your vehicle!
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