If you are the proud owner of a vehicle with a heavy-duty diesel engine under the hood, you already know about Shell’s Rotella series of lubrication products. Today, we’ll be taking a look at two best sellers of this range – the Rotella T4 and T6 engine oils.
Despite both lubricants being aimed at heavy-duty diesel powerplants, there are several differences that set them apart. Keep reading until the end to learn all of the differences between these two products.
The operating temperatures, consistency, types of additives present, and price are some of the most noticeable differences between Rotella T4 and T6 engine oils. Make sure to pay attention to these factors when choosing engine oil for your diesel truck or SUV.
Overview of the Shell Rotella Series
Before pitting the T4 and T6 engine oils against each other, we will give you an overview of the Shell Rotella lineup of products as a whole.
As you already know, the Rotella series is produced by the British Shell corporation. Several lubrication products come under this series, including;
- Gear oil
- Engine oil (Multigrade conventional, multigrade synthetic, synthetic blend, and single-grade conventional oils)
- Coolant
- Tractor Fluid
However, heavy-duty turbodiesels aren’t the only vehicles that use this highly versatile series of products. Classic cars without catalytic converters, turbocharged cars, and motorcycles are some other categories of vehicles that widely use Rotella oil due to some of its unique qualities.
With that out of the way, let us move on to our two main focal points for the day – the Rotella T4 and T6.
Shell Rotella T4 Oil
The Shell Rotella T4 is arguably the most popular product out of the whole range, despite being a more recent addition. It is a 15W-40 engine oil, designed to limit Carbon deposits, oil breakdown, and wear inside a diesel powerplant. This is what gives this oil its tagline of “Triple Protection”
Shell includes many advanced additive technologies in the formulation of the Rotella T4 Triple Protection oil. The inclusion of “Group II” base oils with high purity further increases the activity of the additives mentioned above.
Low ash formulation is another exclusive feature of the Rotella T4 engine oil. In the environmentally conscious world of today, most diesel vehicles come with particulate filters and exhaust catalysts. The low ash formulation helps to prolong the service life of these components.
Over time, aging engine oils can lead to acid formation inside the engine. The acid control qualities of the Rotella T4 diesel engine oil prevent this from taking place.
Shell Rotella T6 Oil
Frequently find yourself driving your vehicle in freezing temperatures? Then, the Shell Rotella T6 Synthetic Full Synthetic Heavy Duty Engine Oil is just the right product for you! It can withstand temperatures as low as -30°F, making it possible for your vehicle to travel to even the coldest corners of the globe.
This engine oil comes in a 5W-40 formula, offering 34% better wear performance than its major competitors. In addition, the low-viscosity synthetic base on which this oil is built upon helps with increasing engine longevity while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption.
Every diesel vehicle owner knows how annoying a blocked Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) can be. As it is made with lower sulfur, phosphorous, and ash levels than the competition, the Shell Rotella T6 provides an answer to this common issue.
Similar to the Rotella T4 oil we discussed above, the T6 comes with a multi-functional formula and additives, which makes it function with maximum performance in a whole host of extreme weather conditions.
Now that you have a clear understanding of the properties of both Shell Rotella T4 and T6 engine oils, it is time for us to compare and contrast these two products with each other.
Common Differences Between Rotella T4 and T6
Though both the Rotella T4 and T6 might look similar on the surface, there are some factors that set them apart. Some of the common differences between the two include,
- Operating Temperatures
- Mileage
- Consistency
- Additives
- Price
Operating Temperatures
When comparing the Rotella T4 with its T6 counterpart, we can spot a difference between the temperatures under which they can operate in.
The formulation of Rotella T4 is specifically designed to be used under extreme heat, aided by its “Triple Protection” technology. This makes it the diesel engine oil of choice for many industries, including public transport, agriculture, and construction.
On the other hand, Rotella T6 thrives in colder temperatures. When compared with the T4, it comes with improved temperature protection, enabling it to be responsive even under freezing cold conditions.
Mileage
Diesel engines are well renowned for their long service lives, and the same goes for the engine oils they use too. When it comes down to this aspect, the Rotella T6 has the edge over the T4 variant.
For starters, the Rotella T6 comes with an engine servicing range between 7500 – 15,000 miles, whereas the T4 only guarantees 3500 miles. Additionally, the Shell Rotella T6 comes with a manufacturer’s guarantee of 500,000 miles, whereas the warranty on the T4 runs out at just 300,000 miles.
If you want your diesel engine oil to last as long as possible, consider this factor before spending your hard-earned cash.
Consistency
One of the most significant differences between the Rotella T4 and T6 lies in their consistency. Shell uses a blend of conventional and synthetic oils in the creation of the Rotella T4. On the other hand, the T6 belongs to the fully synthetic variant. As a result, the T6 does not contain high-carbon petroleum products like the T4.
The viscosity grade is one of the main factors which deserve your attention when choosing an engine oil. The Rotella T6 (5W-40) has a lower viscosity index than the T4 (15W-40),
This makes the T4 more suitable for older engines that operate under higher temperatures. On the other hand, the better-flowing T6 reduces friction between engine components, resulting in more MPG.
The pour point of the Rotella T4 is also higher than that of the T6, while the T6 has a higher level of shear stability. All these factors affect how these two engine oils perform. Make sure to choose the best one according to your specific application.
Additives
As we have already mentioned several times, both the Rotella T4 and T6 diesel engine oils include additives that are designed to improve their performance. But that is not to say that both products contain the same additives.
It is safe to say that the Rotella T6 has the more advanced additives and is the product to go for if you want the best in performance and longevity.
Price
The final aspect which differentiates these two great diesel engine oils is their price. On most markets, the Shell Rotella T6 series is priced higher than the T4. This is mainly due to the T6 being the higher-end product with all the latest and greatest additives and formulas.
However, both these engine oils are more affordable than almost all competitors, making them an attractive choice for most diesel vehicle owners.
With the main differences out of the way, let us shift our attention toward some precautionary measures that you can take to extend the life of your diesel engine oil.
Preventative Maintenance Tips To Make Rotella T4 and T6 Last Longer
If you want to make the most of your Rotella T4 or T6 diesel engine oil and use it as long as possible, here are some tips you should follow.
Check The Oil Levels Often
Regular oil level checks are essential if you want to prolong the lifespan of your engine. Not only does this show the amount of oil in the engine, but it gives you an idea about oil health as well.
Ideally, you should take an engine oil level reading at least once a month. But we recommend doing so more frequently just to be safe. After all, reading the dipstick is not rocket science! Some modern vehicles come with automatic oil level readings, making this task even simpler.
When reading the dipstick, pay attention to the color of the oil. If it appears light brown, you are good to go. However, if the engine oil appears to be too dark, it is time to drain it out.
Perform Oil Changes At Scheduled Intervals
Though frequent oil changes are not required, it is still a good idea to stick to the manufacturer-recommended intervals. You can find this easily by referring to your vehicle owner’s manual.
Shell claims that the Rotella T4 is good for 3500 miles, while the T6 lasts longer than 7500 miles.
At the end of the day, it is safe to say that diesel truck owners can find great value for money in both the Rotella T4 and T6 diesel engine oils. Yet, if you want the best of the best, consider spending the extra cash on the Shell Rotella T6 Full Synthetic Heavy Duty engine oil.
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Great job thanks for clearing this up the difference between T4 and T5