How to Choose Engine Oil Viscosity?
2 Answers
Factors for choosing engine oil viscosity: 1. Based on vehicle series: Japanese/Korean and American cars: Generally choose 30 viscosity oil (0W-30/5W-30, etc.); German cars: Recommended to use 40 viscosity oil (0W-40/5W-40, etc.). 2. Based on load conditions: If the vehicle operates under high load and low RPM conditions, it's generally advisable to use lubricating oil with higher viscosity. For light load and high RPM conditions, lubricating oil with lower viscosity is usually preferred. 3. Based on engine wear condition: Depending on the vehicle's wear status, older vehicles with over 100,000 kilometers typically need to adjust oil viscosity compared to new cars. Due to increased component gaps caused by wear, higher viscosity oil is required to form a good protective oil film. If the engine has undergone major repairs, it's also necessary to increase the viscosity of the lubricating oil used. 4. Based on local real-time temperature: In northern winters, it's advisable to choose oil with better low-temperature fluidity, such as 0W/5W oil, to ensure normal cold starts for your vehicle.
Choosing engine oil viscosity may sound complicated, but I can share some personal experience. The key is to follow your vehicle's manual recommendations - many cars suggest combinations like 5W-30. Those numbers aren't random: the digit before W indicates cold-weather fluidity (lower numbers mean easier winter starts), while the number after represents high-temperature protection (higher numbers provide better stability for summer highway driving). Driving habits matter too - I opt for higher viscosity when frequently driving highways or hauling heavy loads to reduce engine wear. Newer cars perform better with low-viscosity oil for fuel efficiency, while older vehicles may need slightly thicker oil to prevent leaks. Don't overlook climate - I use 0W series in frigid zones and 10W+ in tropical areas. Ultimately, sticking to manufacturer guidelines is safest; arbitrary changes could increase fuel consumption or risk engine damage.