How to Choose the Viscosity of Motor Oil?
2 Answers
New cars can use motor oil with lower viscosity, while as mileage increases and mechanical wear and aging occur, higher viscosity oil should be gradually selected. Below is a related introduction to motor oil: 1. Introduction: The engine is the heart of a car, and there are many metal surfaces inside the engine that move against each other with friction. These components operate at high speeds and in harsh environments. 2. Requirements: As a type of machinery, engines have requirements for lubricating oil that share common aspects with general machinery, such as requiring appropriate viscosity, certain anti-oxidation, anti-wear, anti-corrosion, and viscosity-temperature performance requirements.
Choosing the right oil viscosity is actually quite nuanced and depends on your driving environment and vehicle condition. For example, when I drive my Corolla in Northeast China where winter temperatures drop below -20°C, I must use 0W-grade oil; otherwise, the oil would freeze during cold starts, making the engine impossible to crank. Switching to 5W-30 viscosity in summer is just right for city commuting—it keeps fuel consumption low without harming the engine. On the other hand, if you're driving a turbocharged car in southern coastal cities, a 40-grade oil is better for enhanced protection under high temperatures. For older cars with over 100,000 kilometers, a 40-grade oil is recommended to fill engine gaps, but don’t blindly opt for higher viscosity—it could increase fuel consumption by 1L/100km and reduce power output. The simplest way to choose is to check the label on your fuel filler cap, as manufacturers specify it clearly.
