How to read engine oil viscosity
Discussions about engine oil viscosity have become a hot topic in the car maintenance community recently. Many car owners are confused about how to choose the right oil viscosity for their car. This article will combine the hot content on the entire Internet in the past 10 days to provide you with a detailed analysis of the meaning and classification of engine oil viscosity and how to choose a suitable engine oil viscosity.
1. What is engine oil viscosity?
Oil viscosity refers to the flow properties of engine oil at different temperatures. It is usually represented by two numbers, such as 5W-30. The first number (such as 5W) indicates the fluidity at low temperature, and W represents winter. The smaller the number, the better the low-temperature fluidity. The second number (such as 30) represents the viscosity at high temperatures. The larger the number, the better the protective performance at high temperatures.
2. Classification of engine oil viscosity
According to SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standards, engine oil viscosity is divided into two types: single-stage viscosity and multi-stage viscosity. The following are common engine oil viscosity classifications:
| Viscosity type | Example | Applicable scenarios |
|---|---|---|
| Single stage viscosity | SAE 30 | Suitable for environments with small temperature changes |
| multi-level viscosity | 5W-30 | Suitable for environments with large temperature changes |
3. How to choose the appropriate engine oil viscosity?
When selecting engine oil viscosity, consider the following factors:
1.vehicle manual: First refer to the engine oil viscosity recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, which is the most reliable basis for selection.
2.climatic conditions: In cold areas, it is recommended to choose engine oil with good low-temperature fluidity (such as 0W or 5W), while in hot areas, you need to choose oil with higher high-temperature viscosity (such as 40 or 50).
3.vehicle age:Older vehicles may require higher viscosity oil to compensate for engine wear.
The following are engine oil viscosity recommendations for different climate conditions:
| climate type | Recommended viscosity |
|---|---|
| cold areas | 0W-20, 5W-30 |
| Mild area | 5W-30, 10W-40 |
| hot areas | 10W-40, 15W-50 |
4. Common misunderstandings about engine oil viscosity
1.The higher the viscosity, the better: Not so. Engine oil with too high viscosity may cause difficulty in cold starting and increase fuel consumption.
2.All vehicles use the same viscosity: Different engine designs have different requirements for oil viscosity, which need to be selected according to the vehicle manual.
3.New cars use the same oil as old cars: Older car engines have greater wear and tear and may require higher viscosity oil.
5. Recently popular topics of engine oil viscosity
1.Do electric vehicles need engine oil?: Although electric vehicles do not have internal combustion engines, some models still require lubricating oil, and the viscosity selection is different from traditional vehicles.
2.Energy saving effect of low viscosity engine oil: Many car owners discuss whether low-viscosity engine oil (such as 0W-16) can significantly reduce fuel consumption.
3.Differences in viscosity between synthetic motor oil and mineral oil: Synthetic motor oils generally maintain a stable viscosity over a wider temperature range.
6. Summary
Selecting engine oil viscosity requires comprehensive consideration of vehicle model, climatic conditions and age. Choosing the right oil viscosity not only protects your engine, it also improves fuel economy. It is recommended that car owners regularly check the status of the engine oil and adjust the oil viscosity according to seasonal changes.
Through the above analysis, I hope it can help you better understand engine oil viscosity and choose the most suitable engine oil for your car.
check the details
check the details
en
