What are the classifications of motor oil grades?
3 Answers
According to the SAE viscosity grade classification, there are 6 types of winter motor oil, 5 types of summer motor oil, and 16 types of all-season motor oil. The relevant information is as follows: Winter motor oil: There are 6 types of winter motor oil, which are 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, and 25W. The "W" stands for "Winter," and the smaller the number before it, the greater the fluidity of the oil and the lower the applicable temperature. Summer motor oil: There are 5 types of summer motor oil, which are 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60. The larger the number, the higher the viscosity of the oil, the stronger the high-temperature protection performance, and the higher the applicable temperature environment. All-season motor oil: There are 16 types of all-season motor oil, which are 5W20, 5W30, 5W40, 5W50, 10W20, 10W30, 10W40, 10W50, 15W30, 15W40, 15W50, 20W20, 20W30, 20W40, and 20W50.
I've driven quite a few cars over the years and have gained considerable experience with motor oil grades. The oil grade reference chart mainly follows API standards like SG or SP, which are alphanumeric codes indicating the oil's quality level—SP being the latest, offering enhanced cleaning and fuel economy. Another standard is the SAE viscosity grade, such as 5W-30. The number before the 'W' indicates how well the oil flows at low temperatures (the smaller the number, the easier cold starts are), while the number after represents the oil's viscosity at high temperatures. I recommend checking your vehicle's manual for the right match. For regular family cars, 5W-30 is usually sufficient, but in colder regions, 0W-20 can be more fuel-efficient. Using the wrong oil can harm the engine, accelerate wear, or increase noise, so I've made it a habit to change the oil and check every 5,000 kilometers. Understanding these details gives me more confidence in maintaining my car and ensures worry-free driving, even at high speeds.
As a young enthusiast, I love delving into automotive details. The engine oil classification system consists of two main parts: API ratings like SN or SP, where higher grades indicate better performance; and SAE viscosity such as 10W-40, where these numbers guide you in choosing oil thickness. The API rating determines the oil's cleaning capability and compatibility with new engine technologies, with SP grade being more suitable for modern vehicles. Viscosity affects cold-start smoothness and high-temperature protection. My car uses the SP 0W-20 recommended in the manual – thinner oil saves fuel and is more environmentally friendly. Using the wrong grade may increase fuel consumption or cause engine vibrations, so I always cross-check the chart against my vehicle's condition before each service. To elaborate, oil types like synthetic last longer than mineral oils, but the key lies in selecting the correct classification grade from the chart to ensure long-term engine smoothness.
