A campaign to encourage drivers to 'top-up' their engine oil has been launched by Shell. The campaign follows reports of increased engine failures on company cars as a result of low oil levels.

Drivers whose cars are serviced at workshops stocking Shell Helix motor oils are being offered a 1-litre Top-Up pack to take away with them and carry in the boot. The pack includes 1-litre of Shell Helix plus gloves, a funnel and oil wipes to encourage drivers to check their oil level on a regular basis.

Increased service intervals on modern cars and new high performance engines have made the traditional engine oil 'top-up' more critical than ever, warns Shell Oil Products. There is evidence many drivers are failing to check oil levels between scheduled services.

"Our research suggests around 1 in 2 motorists who are having their car serviced in franchised dealer workshops need to top-up at least once a year," said Tony Short, Automotive Lubricants Manager, Shell UK. "For high mileage company car drivers that need is far greater. Some manufacturers are recommending that motorists check their oil every 1,000 miles.

"Shell recognised the problem some time ago and created the Top-Up pack as a convenient way of reminding drivers to make regular checks. It is sitting there every time they open the boot and proves far more effective than a warning in a handbook that is rarely looked at," he explained.

The company car industry is calling for more cars to be fitted with engine oil level indicator lights, now standard on some prestige models. But carrying a Shell Helix Top-Up pack is a more cost effective and immediate solution, available to all motorists.

"The Top-Up pack is available from participating dealerships using Shell Helix in their workshops. If you aren't offered it, ask for it," advised Tony Short.

Shell Oil Products continues to work with car manufacturers to minimise the potential problems caused by longer service intervals. Shell has one of the broadest ranges of high performance manufacturer approved engine oils on the market and Shell Helix exceeds all current industry specifications.