A local Russian producer rolled out a new engine oil marketed as a product for women. The oil is essentially the same as standard engine oil, but it comes with a set of humorous and provocative usage instructions that many readers found demeaning. Automotive expert Alexey Kubasov criticized the move in an interview with a national TV channel, calling the approach disrespectful and arguing that such tactics deserve punishment in a public sense and perhaps even legally, depending on the jurisdiction.
The usage notes reportedly instruct women to locate the car hood and distinguish it from the trunk. They further guide readers to identify where the engine sits and suggest ways to avoid mixing up the engine with the windshield washer system. A comparison is made between the engine oil level detector and a pregnancy test, a parallel many found to be in poor taste and inappropriate for a serious product.
Kubasov described the marketing as an object lesson in bad taste. He said he would oppose such products and rejected the notion that they address a real consumer need. In his view, the marketplace has many capable female drivers who handle vehicles with competence, including a friend who has earned awards in both international and national competitions and who operates her own driving school as an instructor.
Amid the discussion, lawmakers weighed responses as well. In the national parliament, there were calls to craft a punishment for insulting women’s feelings, with a bill in development from a political group advocating penalties up to a certain monetary amount. The conversation reflects broader concerns about gender stereotypes in advertising and consumer goods.
It was noted by a former automotive lawyer that buyers can protect themselves against fraud when purchasing engine oil. Practical guidance focuses on verifying product specifications, confirming the reputation of the brand, and checking for transparent labeling that avoids sneaky claims or gendered stereotypes. Marked guidance emphasizes consulting independent reviews and industry standards to ensure compatibility with a vehicle’s requirements.