How to Choose the Right Engine Oil Viscosity Grade?

[LaStephen]

Methods for selecting engine oil viscosity grade: 1. Choose based on driving habits: For aggressive driving, frequent traffic jams, or extensive highway driving, select higher viscosity grades; for gentle driving and stable urban commuting, opt for lower viscosity grades. 2. Consider mileage: When a vehicle reaches certain mileage, normal engine wear increases component clearances, requiring a switch to one viscosity grade higher. 3. Select according to vehicle type: Japanese and Korean cars with relatively precise engines typically use 20-grade viscosity; German vehicles (especially Volkswagen) demand higher viscosity - 40-grade oils meet required high-temperature shear values and kinematic viscosity standards; Chinese and American cars generally use 30-grade viscosity oils.

[NathanLee]

Choosing the right motor oil grade depends on several key factors. As a new driver, I consider the owner's manual the ultimate guide—it specifies recommended grades like 5W-30. The '5W' indicates winter low-temperature fluidity (lower numbers mean easier cold starts), while '30' represents high-temperature viscosity (higher for hot summers). I once bought random oil during northern winters and experienced engine stuttering until switching to 0W-20. Driving habits matter too: use standard grades for city stop-and-go traffic, higher viscosity for highway speeding to reduce wear. Don't overlook base oil types—synthetics cost more but handle heat better. Always prioritize the manual to avoid costly repairs. Newbies often pick oil by instinct, but testing oil quality first is smarter.

[MacArthur]

With over 20 years of driving experience, changing engine oil is routine for me. Choosing the right viscosity grade requires considering both climate and vehicle condition. When cold waves hit northern regions, 5W-20 or 0W-20 ensures one-touch engine starts; in southern heatwaves, 30 or 40 grades provide overheating protection. For older vehicles or frequent long-distance driving, higher viscosity oils better seal gaps to reduce leaks - I've tested 10W-30 in high-temperature areas with noticeably improved engine stability. Driving style matters significantly: standard viscosity for smooth driving, while synthetic oils above 40 grade suit aggressive driving. The owner's manual is the gold standard - don't blindly follow repair shop recommendations. Regularly check oil level and color to detect carbon buildup early. Changing oil before major seasonal shifts, like switching from low W to higher numbers in spring, improves fuel efficiency and durability.

[DelEliana]

Engine oil grades depend on viscosity index. SAE standards like 10W-40: the 10 indicates cold-start temperature performance, while 40 represents high-temperature protection. Choose based on ambient temperature—cold regions like Northeast China should use lower W numbers like 5W-20 or 0W-20 for quick starts; hot areas like Hainan require higher grades like 30 or 50 for wear protection. Driving habits also matter: city driving or gentle operation favors low viscosity for fuel efficiency, while aggressive highway driving needs high viscosity for engine protection. Synthetic oils outperform mineral oils in extreme conditions. Always prioritize the vehicle manual's recommended grade—wrong choices cause engine wear. Regular oil changes extend engine life—simple yet effective.