What do the parameters of engine oil mean?
2 Answers
Engine oil parameters refer to classification, viscosity, and specifications. The quality grade of engine oil ranges from SA to SN, with each incremental letter indicating superior performance compared to the previous one. Taking 10W30 as an example, W stands for winter, 10 represents the oil viscosity under low-temperature conditions, and the last number 30 indicates the viscosity index at high temperatures. Engine oil, which is the lubricant for engines, consists of base oil and additives. It serves multiple functions including lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, cleaning, and shock absorption.
The parameters of engine oil are those numbers and letters on the bottle, like 5W-30 or SN, which tell you what driving conditions the oil is suitable for. When I first didn't understand, the engine would always make noise endlessly. The 'W' stands for winter, and a smaller number means smoother cold starts; a larger number like 30 indicates viscosity at high temperatures, ensuring good flow to protect the engine. API ratings such as SN prevent wear and clean the engine internally. Choosing the wrong oil can increase fuel consumption and accelerate engine wear, so I always refer to the vehicle manual and opt for synthetic oil for better durability and longer life. Regularly changing the oil and keeping the parameters stable ensures a smooth engine with fewer problems.
