What do the markings on engine oil represent?
1 Answers
Engine oil has two types of markings: SAE and API, each with different meanings. SAE Marking: "5W-30" is an example of an SAE marking. The "W" stands for Winter. The number before the W indicates the oil's fluidity at low temperatures—the smaller the number, the better the fluidity in cold conditions. The number after the W represents the oil's viscosity at 100 degrees; a higher number means the oil maintains better viscosity at high temperatures. API Marking: "SN" and "SL" are examples of API markings. The "S" stands for gasoline engines. Generally, the letter following the S indicates the oil's grade—the further the letter is in the alphabet, the higher the grade, meaning the oil performs better.