Is it better to use higher or lower viscosity oil for burning oil?
4 Answers
Whether it's better to use higher viscosity oil for burning oil in cars depends on specific situations. Here's a detailed explanation: 1. Burning oil is also a lubricant. The viscosity grade of the lubricant is crucial for the normal operation of the engine. To prevent wear on the contact surfaces between moving parts of the engine, the lubricant must have sufficient viscosity to form an oil film between moving parts under various operating temperatures, ensuring smooth operation of the truck engine. However, using lubricants with excessively high viscosity can also have some drawbacks. The methods for selecting the appropriate lubricant are as follows: 2. For heavy loads, choose oil with higher viscosity and good oiliness or extreme pressure properties; for light loads, choose oil with lower viscosity; in situations with significant impact, also choose oil with higher viscosity and good extreme pressure properties. 3. For high-speed movements, choose low-viscosity oil; for low-speed components, oil with slightly higher viscosity can be selected, but for oils with anti-wear additives, excessive emphasis on high viscosity is unnecessary. 4. Temperature is divided into ambient temperature and operating temperature. For low ambient temperatures, choose lubricants with lower viscosity and pour point (or freezing point), and vice versa; for high operating temperatures, choose lubricants with higher viscosity, flash point, and good oxidation stability, or even solid lubricants; for large temperature variations, choose lubricants with good viscosity-temperature characteristics (high viscosity index). 5. For environments with high humidity and frequent contact with water, choose lubricants with strong anti-emulsification properties and good oiliness and rust prevention. 6. For car engines with significant wear, generally, the viscosity index of the oil at 100°C should be selected one level higher to thicken the oil film, which can help reduce noise to some extent.
I've dealt with oil burning issues many times. As a veteran driver with twenty years of experience, I believe higher viscosity oil is more suitable. Oil burning mainly occurs due to internal engine wear, such as poor piston ring sealing, which allows oil to seep into the combustion chamber. Higher viscosity oil is thicker and can better seal those gaps, reducing oil consumption. My old sedan used to burn oil, but after switching to higher viscosity oil, the oil level dropped much more slowly. However, don't just choose any oil randomly—it depends on the specific car model and manufacturer recommendations. For example, German cars often use 40-grade viscosity oil. Regular maintenance is also crucial; check the engine condition periodically. If the wear is severe, oil alone won't solve the root problem. Avoid frequent short trips and try to drive on highways more often to let the engine warm up properly.
Having worked in the auto repair industry for several years, we often recommend car owners experiencing oil burning to prioritize using higher viscosity motor oil. Simply put, higher viscosity oil is thicker and can form a more robust oil film, compensating for gaps in worn components and reducing the amount of oil that seeps into the combustion chamber and burns off. For instance, using oils like 5W-40 or 10W-40 is generally better than the manufacturer-recommended lower viscosity options such as 5W-30, as lower viscosity oils flow more easily and are more prone to leakage. However, this is just a temporary solution. It's crucial to first diagnose the root cause—whether it's worn piston rings or cylinder issues. I suggest conducting a simple test before making any decisions: try running the engine with slightly higher viscosity oil for 1,000–2,000 kilometers. If the oil level drops less, it may be a suitable choice. But never rely on this as a long-term fix. It's best to have a professional mechanic perform a thorough inspection to avoid severe engine damage. Regular maintenance, such as timely oil changes and air filter replacements, can also help prevent oil burning issues.
Our old family car has started burning oil, and after some research, I think using a higher viscosity oil would be better. Thicker high-viscosity oil can better seal small gaps and reduce oil consumption. Last time I switched to a thicker oil, I noticed the oil level dropped more slowly, saving me the hassle of frequent top-ups. Always check the owner's manual before selecting oil – don't blindly use excessively high viscosity as it might affect engine starting or fuel consumption. Also inspect seals like valve stem seals, as aging can cause issues. Drive gently, avoid sudden acceleration to minimize wear. Regular maintenance can slow down oil burning – safety first.
