What are the summer engine oil grades?
2 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.