Synthetic oils generally do not contain additives and can maintain the correct viscosity at various temperatures. ![]() This is one of the reasons why it is so important to change your oil regularly. However, there is a downside: over time, the additives are depleted, causing the oil to become too thin to protect the engine. The presence of these additives reduces engine wear and improves engine performance. At the same time, they dilute it enough that it almost instantly protects against starting. Multigrade oils often contain viscosity index improvers to keep the oil from becoming too thin as the engine warms up. One indicates viscosity at low temperatures (referred to as W for winter) and the other indicates viscosity at warm temperatures. This eliminates the need to change oil when temperatures change and provides adequate protection from cold start to hot engine.įor all-season oils, two numbers are indicated. Today, manufacturers have created multigrade oils that can be used year-round. However, temperature fluctuations occur constantly because the engine starts cold and heats up during operation. In the past, people used one type of oil for fall and winter and another for spring and summer because the same oil didn't work in both extreme temperatures. When the letter W is placed after the numbers, it refers to winter and indicates the winter viscosity of the oil. They let you know how thick the oil is and at what temperature it is best suited. The Society of American Engineers (SAE) has developed a classification system that defines oil viscosity. It must be able to flow in the cold winter while maintaining the correct thickness in the heat of summer, all while changing temperatures during normal engine operation. The oil also needs to work at different temperatures. Thick or thin oil may be required depending on your engine. Vinegar is runny and flows quickly when poured. The honey is thick and flows very slowly when poured. An example of the difference in viscosity is comparing honey and vinegar. An oil is measured by its viscosity, or how thick or thin the oil is. The engine oil must be sufficiently viscous to pass through the system and return to the oil pan where it is when the engine is turned off. Both of these components must be changed periodically in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, typically between 3,000 and 5,000 miles. The oil becomes dirty over time and becomes less viscous, and the oil filter becomes clogged with dirt and debris. As a result, 0W-20 and 5W-30 oils have been developed for colder climates while 15W-40 and 20W-50 oils have been developed with hotter climates in mind.Engine oil passes through the engine system and components, lubricating them and collecting contaminants that can damage the engine. Thin oils that are less prone to thickening in low temperatures will help you start your engine more quickly in winter while thick oils that are less prone to thinning in hot temperatures will help your engine perform better in summer. When comparing oils, it is important to take into account the location in which the car will be used. During summer and in hotter regions, your engine will benefit more from oil with higher viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius. ![]() Oil with a 5W-30 grade thins out more quickly at high temperatures as compared to oils with a 5W-40 grade.ĭuring winter and for cars used in cooler regions, your engine will benefit from using oil with low winter viscosity. The numbers after the “XW” indicate viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius and represent the oil’s resistance to thinning at high temperatures.įor instance, oil with a 5W-30 grade thickens less than oil with a 10W-30 grade in cold weather. The lower the number, the less the oil thickens in cold weather. The number preceding the “W” (winter) rates the oil’s flow (viscosity) at zero degrees Fahrenheit (-17.8 degrees Celsius). Viscosity is notated using the common classification “XW-XX”. The Society of Automotive Engineers developed a scale for both engine (motor oil grades) and transmission oils. Thick oils are better at maintaining film strength and oil pressure at high temperatures and loads. Thin oils reduce friction in engines and help engines start quickly during cold weather. Thin oils have lower viscosity and pour more easily at low temperatures than thicker oils that have a higher viscosity. Electric vehicles don't need engine oilĮngine oil viscosity refers to how easily oil pours at a specified temperature.Hybrid vehicles still need efficient lubrication.TotalEnergies Automotive Repair & Maintenance Workshops.Agricultural machinery engine oil e-brochure.
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