Lukoil Ecto or Euro fuel: what are the differences and what to choose

4K 10 min.

Each new generation of cars emits less and less harmful substances into the atmosphere in general and carbon dioxide in particular. But for them to succeed, the fuel must also improve. To achieve this, the standards for its composition are constantly being tightened. And manufacturers are trying to respond to these requirements in a timely manner - although environmental class 5 fuel became the only acceptable fuel in Russia only in July 2016; for example, it completely switched to its production back in June 2012. Other major manufacturers followed suit. These are very significant costs: switching to the new standard requires significant modernization of oil refineries. Did everyone succeed?

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Valery Chusov

“Autopilot” decided to check whether the gasoline from our gas stations meets the composition requirements. With a dozen and a half metal cans - as you know, they don’t fill “plastic” cans - we went to the gas stations of five leading Russian gasoline sellers. Five canisters carried AI-92, the same number - AI-95, and the remaining five were entrusted with carrying samples of high-octane AI-98 and AI-100 from LUKOIL. The final point of our “test purchase” was the testing laboratory of Mosekomonitoring.

They say about people: “You are what you eat.” But engine fuel is a slightly different story. Unlike human food, it is not used to form body parts. At best, it lubricates some parts and forms a not very useful carbon deposit.

Basically, the fuel turns into useful work and not very useful exhaust gases. Therefore, its composition directly affects the composition of the car’s exhaust. And the requirements for gasoline are now aimed primarily at reducing the content of harmful substances in exhaust gases.

What do the standards standardize and why?

Sulfur

This element is found in our body and in many foods. It is actively used in industry - mainly for the production of sulfuric acid. Sulfur has long been used to make gunpowder and matches. And, according to some authorities, it is sulfur that the fire of hell smells like. But excess sulfur in fuel can seriously harm both the engine and the atmosphere. During the combustion process, completely unhelpful sulfur oxides are formed, as well as sulfuric and sulfurous acids, which contribute to corrosion and wear. Therefore, they began to limit the sulfur content a long time ago, and these restrictions have noticeably increased over several decades. Compared to gasoline twenty years ago, the current one contains one hundred times less sulfur!

Sulfur is harmful to modern gasoline direct injection systems and catalytic converters.

Getting rid of sulfur is greatly simplified by its initially low content, as in oil from the Volga region, on which the Volgograd Oil Refinery LUKOIL operates, for example.

But all refineries have learned to extract excess sulfur, judging by the results of our audit. In all the samples we took, the sulfur content was within the acceptable range - from 4.4 to 8.2 milligrams per kilogram of fuel, the norm is no more than 10.

Advantages of Ecto-92

conducted tests of a new brand of gasoline, the results of which showed that after 500 km of driving on ECTO, fuel savings will be 3.5%. And if you drive it 2 thousand km, then this figure will reach 5%.

The injector after driving on EKTO looks much cleaner than after using regular gasoline, and the deposits on the intake valves are several times smaller. Engine corrosion after refueling Ecto-92 slows down significantly.

Benzene

This colorless liquid with a specific odor is a valuable raw material for the chemical industry. It is found in oil and is found in almost any gasoline. Benzene was once even used to increase octane number. But for humans it is toxic and has carcinogenic properties. Therefore, starting from the third environmental class, the standard for benzene content was cut fivefold - from 5 percent by volume to one. Let us recall that the production of gasoline in this class was allowed until the end of 2010.

According to the results of the research, all samples met the standard; they contained from 0.31 to 0.8 percent benzene.

Implementation of requirements

sales of ecological class 5 automobile fuels at gas stations, measures to relieve the city from traffic jams, modernization of the bus fleet... Thanks to these measures, the air quality in the capital has not deteriorated, but has noticeably improved in certain indicators: there is a trend towards a decrease in nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide.

Possible disadvantages of use

In the end, according to modern road rules and the requirements of various regulatory organizations, all cars will have to switch to such fuel that meets environmental standards. Well, in the meantime, what are we seeing in this context? The popular opinion about ECTO gasoline is very ambiguous.

Among users of elderly “classics” VAZ or other brands of the domestic automobile industry, which have traveled more than one thousand kilometers, there are generally horror stories about this fuel. Like, I filled it in to try it, but in general I barely made it home: all the dirt went into the filter and further, the engine began to actively sneeze, and the pipes were cracked. And some even use old engines, but they say that nothing special has changed in the character of the car, and the traction is even worse than on an ordinary TNK-92, only the spark plugs are clean (this, by the way, says a lot).

Some advise pouring EKTO periodically, in bursts, to clean the entire system, and then use regular gasoline. People who have bought new modern cars are quite satisfied with the quality and fuel consumption.

Saturated steam pressure

This parameter shows how easily gasoline evaporates. The higher the pressure, the easier the gasoline turns into vapor and the better for starting. But if gasoline evaporates too much, then at high temperatures it can form vapor-air plugs in the fuel lines. The lightest fractions evaporate first, and because of this, the properties of gasoline will change during long-term storage. Therefore, a range is usually specified within which this pressure should lie. All tested samples fall within the requirements for the winter period (for gasoline it ends on April 30) - the pressure must be no less than 35 and no more than 100, the range of results is from 62.5 to 99.3. As you can see, the results are generally closer to the upper threshold, and this is good - the engines will start more easily.

Results

Despite the approximate similarity of the characteristics of EKTO and Euro, the first type of fuel proved to be better in operation. Its use has made it possible to reduce noise levels and fuel consumption, eliminate problems with spark plug contamination, improve vehicle dynamics, and so on. This effect is primarily achieved through the high-quality selection of additives that have a positive effect on the power unit of the car.

At the same time, we should not forget about another important point - price, which for many car enthusiasts is a key factor. ECTO will cost more, but here everyone makes a decision personally.

Octane number

The main parameter of gasoline from a technical point of view. Characterizes resistance to detonation and, in general, the higher the better - it allows you to increase the compression ratio of the engine and make its operation more efficient. However, in order to take full advantage of the high octane number, the engine must be ready for it. Almost all modern engines have a computer control system that automatically changes the ignition timing when detonation is detected. With high-octane fuel, the engine power will be slightly higher and its consumption will be lower. Until last year, the highest octane gasoline in Russia was AI-98. Now we also have gasoline with an octane rating of 100 - LUKOIL began producing fuel under the ECTO 100 brand less than a year ago, and it gradually replaced the previous “flagship”, 98, at gas stations of this brand. Other manufacturers are now trying to master this technology. Ignition adjustment during engine operation occurs only after detonation occurs. Therefore, refueling with fuel with too low an octane rating may still make the engine noticeably unstable.

The octane number is often increased with additives with high volatility, so it is better to use such gasoline as quickly as possible - over time, the octane number may gradually decrease. Octane number requirements are set for each gasoline separately; the standards only require that the octane number be no less than the declared one.

All samples we took meet these standards.

Automobile transport

remains the most significant source of air pollution in Moscow - according to various estimates, the contribution of cars here ranges from 65 to 85 percent. Of the approximately 4.6 million cars registered in Moscow, more than 90 percent are passenger cars. It is gratifying that approximately a fifth of them belong to environmental class 5, and the share of such cars is growing. But for now, class 4 cars still dominate, almost 40 percent of them.

What is Euro fuel?

We continue to find out how EKTO gasoline differs from Euro gasoline, using the example of the Lukoil brand (they were the first to produce environmentally friendly fuel).

Euro labeled petrol means it meets European pollution standards. It provides low exhaust toxicity and reduced carbon deposits in the engine. However, in terms of environmental friendliness, for example, AI gasoline 92 Euro is inferior to 92 EKTO and is considered less clean. True, the service for flashing Euro-0 firmware is becoming increasingly popular among drivers, but that’s another story.

Instead of a name - a number

According to Alexander Gorshkov, head of the testing department, in recent years the situation with fuel in Moscow has improved markedly: “If ten years ago the non-compliances we identified with the requirements of regulatory documents reached 30 percent, recently they have not exceeded an average of five to seven. A certain “spike” in detection of substandard conditions was observed during the expansion of the city, due to the gas stations located on the territory of New Moscow, which were not accustomed to such control.”

The testing center is a state enterprise and works primarily on orders from the Moscow Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection (DPPiOOS), constantly monitoring the quality of fuel from all gas stations in the city. Moreover, for maximum objectivity, employees never know where a particular sample came from, only the parameters are known. This is what we did when we handed in our samples: we marked them with numbers. True, the origin of one gasoline had to be revealed. To check the octane number, you need to tell us what is declared, and only LUKOIL sells gasoline with an octane number of 100 in Moscow. But we are sure that this did not affect the objectivity of the measurements.

By the way, any company or even an individual can contact the Test Center. Typically, “private owners” do this when they believe that a car breakdown was caused by poor-quality fuel, and arguments are needed in court, where a case of material damage is being heard. However, if you, for example, constantly refuel at the same gas station near your home, work or dacha and want to make sure that your choice is correct, then you can also resort to the services of a laboratory. Studying one fuel sample according to the four main parameters that we have already mentioned will take a week and will lighten your wallet by approximately 7,000 rubles.

Healthy Supplements

To optimize its characteristics, gasoline today is produced using complex technology and enriched with special additives. For example, the composition of ECTO fuel includes a whole complex: additives prevent the formation of an emulsion with water, remove deposits in the fuel system and carbon deposits in the cylinder and, by cleaning the injectors, improve mixture formation. According to LUKOIL, when switching to ECTO fuel at the same octane number, the increase in power reaches 7.5 percent, and fuel consumption decreases by approximately the same amount.

A little history

Lukoil is a brand that is so loved by car owners around the world. It has existed in our country since 1991. There is a branded gas station in every city. Lukoil engineers annually introduce innovative developments in fuel production. Gasoline from Lukoil has always been considered the standard of quality. It is chosen by owners of expensive cars, and it fully complies with the requirements of the European standard.

EKTO 95 gasoline went on sale in April 2006. At first, car owners were afraid to purchase a new, previously unknown product. However, the price of 95 Lukoil gasoline did not differ from regular gasoline, and buyers began to buy it more and more often. Very soon people appreciated the quality of the new fuel and switched to it.

In Russia as a whole: rating of large gas stations by gasoline quality in the central part of the Russian Federation

Our area of ​​interest is heavyweight wrestling. Interregional giants Rosneft, Lukoil, Gazprom with their oil refining plants are actively competing with the “outbidders” - Tatneft and Shell. Small networks are out of review. Guests prefer to avoid intra-regional LLCs.

Based on surveys of drivers in the Central Federal District, we determined which gas station has the highest quality AI-95 gasoline. This is a semi-state Gazprom. The remaining networks are popular in descending order:

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There is only one clear outsider - completely private Lukoil. 95 EURO from time to time does not exactly meet the points of the Technical Regulations of the Customs Union on fuel. In fact, the car either drives or doesn’t drive, giving a Check Engine light. There have been complaints about Tatneft gasoline regarding poor starting and stalling when cold in the cold, which indicates problems with volatility. In the diesel fuel category, they mostly deviate from winter standards. There are no malicious violators. There are gas stations that neglect incoming controls, and production facilities sometimes fail. In the winter, the semi-state Rosneft and its BP network were caught in this situation more than once.

Under the guise of Arctic diesel with a waxing temperature of -27°C, summer diesel fuel was poured into the tank, from which paraffins precipitated at -5°C. You can insure yourself - for example, by heating the fuel tank or installing a fuel filter heater.

The main flaw of foreign Shell is franchisors, who sometimes let the quality down. Officials are only in Moscow and the region, and in the regions they are simply purchased signs. Hence all the complaints. Some do not feel the difference between V-Power and a regular “fifth”, others – between 92 and 95. The winter washer is of high quality, but you shouldn’t neglect how much anti-freeze you pour into the tank.

Reviews

Artem: “I have a Ford Fusion, which has driven 140 thousand km on 92 AI. In this situation, I felt that problems with the injector would soon begin: the car was gradually losing dynamics. I decided to try ECTO to clean the engine a little, as the advertisement promised. To be honest, I expected a lot. I thought I’d fill the engine with new gasoline and solve all the problems. But no. After a month of driving only 92 Ecto Lukoil, consumption dropped slightly - from 8.8 to 8.3. It seems that the engine is pulling better. But this still did not save me from flushing the injector. Now I try to fill up a full tank of 92 ecto once a month for preventive purposes. And the rest of the time I drive a simple AI 92.”

Evgeniy: “In my 2010 Kia Rio with automatic transmission, I drove both the Ecto and the Euro for comparison. What can I say? The move on the ect is definitely smoother, and immediately after the transition. My “automatic” said “yes” to this fuel. On old gasoline it worked hard, but on Ecto 92 Lukoil there were no jerks, jolts, etc. And on the highway the car became noticeably faster. Then again I switched to a simple Euro and vibrations began when changing gears, roaring and so on.”

Vitaly Petrovich: “I was strongly advised to try improved gasoline, and I switched to Ecto 92 from Lukoil. It is said to clean the system, allow easy starting in cold weather and increase power. What can I say: I only drive good cars for many years, and I don’t experience any problems with starting. Also, I didn’t notice any special improvements in dynamics. Perhaps the reason is that the car’s electronics adapt to the quality of gasoline. A plus is that consumption has decreased. I can say this for sure, because I always fill up with the same amount.”

On the way to the South: which gas station on the M4 highway is better to refuel in the summer

To meet the sea you have to pass through the Tula, Voronezh, Rostov regions and Krasnodar region. In the vicinity of Tula, the situation with gasoline and diesel fuel is absolutely similar to Moscow. When climbing closer to the South, follow the all-Russian guideline for AI-95:

1. Voronezh region: Gazprom (Astrakhan plant) and Rosneft (Ryazan oil refinery).
2. Rostov outskirts: Gazprom (Astrakhan oil refinery), Shell franchise (purchases from the Saratov oil refining company), Bashneft (Ufa oil refinery).
3. Krasnodar region: Gazprom (Astrakhan facilities) and Rosneft (Saratov plant).

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Based on the stories of travelers, we found out which gas station is best to refuel within the transit areas. This is Gazprom. Although they are quite underfilled, the car drives as expected.

Advice. When leaving Moscow, plan to refuel after about 200 km. Gas stations 300-400 km from the capital are often overcrowded with cars, since the tank is empty by this mileage.

Where they underfill: rating of gas stations by underfilling

Keeping a paid liter or two on the balance sheet of a gas station is a completely familiar goal that is usually set for gas stations. If you don’t want to be deceived, demand that there is no human contact with the gun while pouring fuel into the tank. Another option is to avoid visiting gas stations with dishonest intentions.

The black list includes those who like to add extra 0.5 liters or more:

• Gazprom and Gazpromneft.
• Route.
• Neftmagistral.
• Tatneft.
• Rosneft.
• B.P.

Any of the ESA gas stations is distinguished by transparent accounting of the displacement count in Moscow. Shell and Lukoil also do not suffer from dependence on black money - even in the regions the counter counts what it has.