What are the summer engine oil grades?
3 Answers
Summer engine oil grades include 20, 30, 40, and 50. The higher the number, the greater the viscosity, and the higher the applicable temperature. Engine oil grades consist of classification and viscosity specifications. The classification is represented by letter combinations: 1. The S series represents oil for gasoline engines, ranging from SA to SN. Each subsequent letter indicates better performance than the previous one. 2. The C series represents oil for diesel engines. The viscosity specification is identified by the SAE grade. The functions of engine oil are: 1. Lubrication and wear reduction; 2. Auxiliary cooling; 3. Sealing and leakage prevention; 4. Rust and corrosion prevention; 5. Shock absorption and buffering.
When it comes to summer oil grades, I’ve been driving for many years and found that SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 works particularly well in summer. In hot weather, engine oil tends to thin out, and these higher viscosity grades help prevent engine overheating and protect components. I make it a habit to check the oil level during maintenance, especially before long trips—changing it once gives me peace of mind. Don’t underestimate these grades: the 'W' stands for Winter (low-temperature performance), while the numbers 40 or 50 indicate high-temperature viscosity. In summer heat, oil with too low viscosity provides poor lubrication and accelerates engine wear. I also prefer using full synthetic oil for its better high-temperature resistance. Remember to change it every 5,000 kilometers or so to avoid carbon buildup and drive with confidence.
As someone who frequently drives long distances, I've tried several oil grades. For summer, I recommend SAE 15W-40 or 10W-50—higher viscosity to combat hot weather. Choosing the right oil is cost-effective; I've compared prices online and suggest buying API-certified brands for reliability and savings. Higher viscosity oil maintains lubrication in high temperatures, reducing engine friction and saving some fuel. Personally, I advise checking your owner's manual for the matching grade and regularly inspecting the dipstick—change it if it looks cloudy. With this simple maintenance, you'll have fewer issues driving in summer.
