Popular products sooner or later begin to be counterfeited. It can be anything — sunglasses, streetwear, electronic devices or, in our case, motor oils. A fake thing is often bought deliberately in order to save money. But not in the case of oil — it is impossible to imagine that someone purposefully goes for counterfeit goods. A fake is always sold under the guise of the original. As a result, the buyer repairs the engine, and the manufacturer, whose honest name flaunts on counterfeit packaging, loses its reputation and customers. We at Castrol have once again improved the protection system. In this article, we will tell you how it helps to avoid buying fake Castrol oil.
New protection system — sticker with a secret code
Recently, we have introduced a new system protection — a sticker with a secret code. This will be found on every package produced after September 5, 2020. Here is a list of products it works for:
Castrol EDGE in 4L, 60L, 208L;
Castrol EDGE Professional in 60L, 208L;
Castrol MAGNATEC in packages 4/5l, 60l, 208l;
Castrol MAGNATEC Professional in packs of 60L, 208L;
Ford Castrol MAGNATEC Professional in packs of 5L, 208L;
Castrol GTX in packs of 4L, 60L, 208L;
Castrol Vecton in packs of 20L, 208L;
Castrol CRB in packs of 20L, 208L;
Ford Formula in packs of 5L, 208L.
New sticker design with a secret code on the top side of the canister. The code is hidden under the scratch layer. Nearby is a QR code that can be scanned and checked automatically. Photo: Castrol
Distinctive features of the new security system:
—New sticker design;
—The security sticker has a QR code, when you point the camera at which the user goes to the Castrol page .ru/check, where you can check the code by typing it in a specially designed field;
— The unique code of the canister is now hidden and located under the scratch layer, which must be erased after purchasing the product;
— The authenticity of a product can only be verified once. Except for checking the code via SMS from the same mobile device, in this case the system will duplicate the answer to the first request;
— Under the scratch code there is also another QR code, when the user points the camera at it goes to the Castrol.ru/check page, where the code from the sticker will be automatically inserted into the appropriate field;
— The unique code of the canister consists of 12 characters;
— The protective sticker is uniform for Castrol products in small packages and in barrels;
— The protective sticker is applied on a special layer that self-destructs when you try to peel off the sticker.
You can check the code not only on the site, but also in other ways:
✉️ Send SMS with the code to number 2420
📞 Dictate the code by calling the hotline +7 (800) 770-08-10
At the same time, for packages produced from 2016 to September 5, 2020, the previous authentication system will continue to operate — by the code from the hologram. In production, we no longer use such codes, but the inventory is still sold. Until they are implemented, the old verification mechanism will also work.
Degrees of protection on a can
Packaging still has several degrees of protection. We have already said about the protective sticker, let's move on. Here's what to look for when buying Castrol oil.
In the lower right corner of the back of the canister, the manufacturer's code, production date and batch number are indicated. Photo: Castrol On the original packaging, the Castrol logo is embossed on the top side of the lid. Another logo is applied with a laser printer on the border of the lid and the protective ring. Photo: CastroThe neck is always sealed with silver protective foil. Photo: Castrol
The shiny padlock on the back label is branded with the color Castrol logo. Photo: Castrol
If something is missing, or it looks different — apparently, you have a fake in front of you. Contact the contact center by phone +7 (800) 770-08-10 for clarification and do not fill such oil into the engine until you are sure of the authenticity of the oil.
Products should be bought only in trusted places
By the word «verified» we certainly mean the sellers we have verified — our reliable partners. In addition to addresses, phone numbers and marks on the map in a special section on the official website.
We value our partners and know that this is mutual: therefore, in these stores you will never buy fake Castrol engine oil.
Our database includes everyone who has the right and opportunity to trade in our original products. Otherwise, it will be either an intermediary who takes the goods from a certified supplier, or a counterfeit seller. In the first case, overpay, in the second, buy a fake.
Sellers of original Castrol oil in Norilsk. Screenshot from castrol.com
Each authorized partner on the site has a certificate with a unique number
How to choose the right oil
Use Castrol's quick and easy oil selection tool. This service allows you to choose the right oil for any car online.
You can check whether a particular oil is suitable for your car in one of the following ways: it is convenient to use a special section on the official website from a computer, and there is a special one for smartphones application — «Castrol — oil selection» on iOS and Android.
Example of oil selection for ix35. The system offers three oil options for the engine to choose from, and also tells you how much to buy. On the right are oils for other vehicle components. Screenshot from castrol.com
How to buy original Castrol:
1. Select an authorized point of sale on the Castrol website under «Where to buy?»
2. Go to an authorized Castrol oil sales point
3. Inspect the canister for important distinguishing features of the original packaging.
4. Buy oil
5. Check the secret code on the sticker — on the website, via SMS, in the application or by calling the hotline.