1TEC Partner Spotlight: Shell

As part of Meadowfield Auto Centre joining the 1TEC Auto Hub network, we're taking a closer look at some of the technical partners behind the network – who they are, what they bring to 1TEC and, most importantly, why that matters when we're looking after your car.

We're starting with a name almost everyone will recognise: Shell.

More than just engine oil

Shell is one of 1TEC Auto Hub's key technical partners, bringing its experience in lubricants, relationships with vehicle manufacturers and technical resources to independent garages within the network.

1TEC describes Shell as the world's number one global lubricant supplier and highlights the company's role in developing lubricants for modern vehicles.

For Meadowfield, however, the important part isn't simply the size of the Shell name.

It's the technical expertise behind it.

Why the correct oil matters

Engine oil has changed enormously.

There was a time when choosing oil could largely be viewed as a question of viscosity – something like 5W-30 or 10W-40.

Modern vehicles are considerably more complicated.

Two oils can have exactly the same viscosity on the bottle but meet completely different manufacturer specifications and performance requirements.

Modern oils can be required to work with increasingly sophisticated engine designs, turbochargers, petrol and diesel particulate filters, emissions systems, variable valve timing and manufacturer-specific servicing requirements.

That's why, at Meadowfield, we don't believe that simply being the right viscosity makes an oil the right oil.

The specification matters.

Shell's own Helix range demonstrates just how specific modern lubricants have become. Different products carry approvals or meet requirements from manufacturers including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen Group, Ford, Jaguar Land Rover, Renault, Stellantis and others.

Shell and 1TEC Auto Hub

This technical complexity is one of the reasons Shell's involvement with 1TEC makes sense.

Shell says its partnership with 1TEC is intended to help forward-thinking independent workshops navigate the increasingly complicated world of current and future lubricants.

As part of that relationship, 1TEC workshops can access Shell technical resources including technical support, LubeMatch, technical and safety data, workshop resources and direct support from Shell representatives.

That's considerably more valuable to us than simply having a recognisable oil brand in the workshop.

It gives our technicians another source of technical information when determining what a vehicle actually requires.

Why we choose Shell at Meadowfield

Shell lubricants are already an important part of the way we service vehicles at Meadowfield Auto Centre.

Our 12-Month Annual Inspection uses Shell Helix engine oil, with the appropriate oil selected according to the requirements of the vehicle we're servicing.

That choice reflects the same philosophy that attracted us to the wider 1TEC network.

We want to use quality products, backed by proper technical information, from manufacturers that are investing in the future of vehicle technology.

Shell fits that philosophy extremely well.

Modern engines are making this even more important

The importance of using the correct lubricant isn't going away.

If anything, it's increasing.

Modern engines are being asked to produce more power, improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, often from smaller capacities and under increasingly demanding operating conditions.

Lubricants have had to develop alongside them.

Shell's current Helix portfolio includes products designed around modern manufacturer requirements, emissions-system compatibility, turbocharger protection and issues such as low-speed pre-ignition in modern turbocharged direct-injection petrol engines. Shell also offers dedicated products for hybrid applications.

For an independent garage servicing vehicles from many different manufacturers, having access to that breadth of lubricant technology and technical information is important.

The right product for the right vehicle

There's a wider principle here that you'll see throughout our 1TEC Partner Spotlight series.

At Meadowfield, we don't want to choose products simply because they're the cheapest option available.

Whether we're talking about engine oil, brakes, batteries, clutches, timing components or transmission fluids, our starting point is the same:

What is the right product for this vehicle?

Shell's involvement with 1TEC gives us access not only to its lubricant range, but to some of the knowledge and technical resources behind it.

And that's exactly the sort of partnership we wanted when we chose to become part of 1TEC Auto Hub.

Stronger partnerships. Better information. Still independent.

One of the reasons we've joined 1TEC is the quality of the organisations involved.

The network allows Meadowfield to remain a completely independent local garage while strengthening our relationships with major automotive brands and accessing additional training, products and technical support. 1TEC itself describes the model as combining locally owned workshops with the strength and support of a national network.

Shell is a great example of what that means in practice.

Our customers will still bring their cars to the same Meadowfield Auto Centre in Ponteland and they'll still be looked after by the same team.

Behind that team, however, we're continuing to build stronger technical relationships and better access to information.

For us, that's what being part of 1TEC is all about.

Still independent. Still Meadowfield. Just stronger.