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Maintaining the cleanliness of the engine’s interior is one of the key factors affecting its durability and efficiency. TotalEnergies develops oil technologies that not only lubricate but also actively protect the engine from deposits—one example is the Clean-Shield solution used in select oils from the brand.
TotalEnergies engine oils equipped with Clean-Shield technology are marked with a corresponding symbol on the packaging. This serves as a practical guide for users and workshops, indicating that the product is designed to minimize deposit formation and protect critical engine components.
Clean-Shield technology was developed as a solution that actively protects the engine against the accumulation of contaminants in areas that come into contact with oil. Its action is based on a precisely selected blend of additives introduced into the oil during the production process. Advanced detergent molecules form a barrier between oxidized oil compounds and metal surfaces, effectively limiting the formation of deposits.
As a result, TotalEnergies Quartz oils featuring Clean-Shield technology help keep the engine clean after every oil change, which directly translates to its durability and stable operation. In practical tests, engines running on oils with Clean-Shield technology demonstrated up to 64% higher cleanliness levels than industry standards require. This result was confirmed in the API Sequence IIIF test, using Quartz 5000 15W-40 mineral oil as an example, in relation to the standards set by the American Petroleum Institute (API). This demonstrates just how effective this technology is, even when used in mineral oils.
Where do contaminants go?
Contaminants and deposits that do not settle on the engine’s metal surfaces remain suspended in the oil. The largest particles are captured by the oil filter, while finer ones circulate in the lubrication system without impairing the oil’s lubricating properties. This is precisely why regular oil changes are crucial. Along with the used lubricant, the accumulated contaminants are also removed. Arbitrarily extending oil change intervals can lead to a situation where the amount of contaminants exceeds the oil’s absorption capacity. As a result, its lubricating properties deteriorate or deposits begin to build up inside the engine.
Effective soot dispersion
One of the key features of oils utilizing Clean-Shield technology is their ability to disperse soot. This means that the oil captures soot particles generated during combustion and keeps them in suspension, preventing them from settling on engine components.
Until recently, the soot problem mainly affected diesel engines. Today, with the development of downsizing technology, this phenomenon is also increasingly common in modern gasoline engines equipped with GPF particulate filters. In such engines, oils with high dispersant properties are essential for maintaining proper engine operation.
Protecting the most critical areas
Engine cleanliness is often associated with components visible after removing the valve cover, such as camshafts. These are, of course, important areas, but it is equally important to protect those components that remain hidden from view on a daily basis.
A good example is the timing chain. Contaminants and deposits accumulating on its links can cause them to rub against each other, resulting in chain elongation. In this case, Clean-Shield technology effectively contributes to extending the system’s lifespan, and the additive composition plays a key role here—often more important than the oil’s viscosity grade itself.
Another critical area is the vicinity of the piston rings. Deposits accumulating in this area can eventually lead to their “seizing,” resulting in reduced compression and increased oil consumption. Furthermore, deposits in the ring area—along with carbon deposits on the piston crowns can contribute to knocking. Using oils that keep the engine clean is one of the most effective forms of prevention.
Approval is key
Clean-Shield technology is the result of years of research conducted jointly by TotalEnergies and engine manufacturers. However, it is important to remember that the vehicle manufacturer’s approvals remain the key criterion for selecting the right oil for a specific engine.
The specifications and approvals listed in the owner’s manual must match those on the oil label. These ensure the product’s full compatibility with the engine’s design. As one of the world’s leading engine oil manufacturers, TotalEnergies offers a wide range of products approved by virtually all engine manufacturers.