What does 0W30 engine oil mean?
1 Answers
The number 0 before the W represents the viscosity at low temperatures. The smaller the number, the better the fluidity at low temperatures and the stronger the cold resistance. The number 30 refers to the viscosity at 100°C. The larger the number, the higher the viscosity and the better the high-temperature resistance. 0W30 engine oil means that the oil can flow normally at -35 degrees Celsius. The viscosity of engine oil should not be too high or too low. If the viscosity is too low, it will increase engine wear. If the viscosity is too high, it will affect the increase in resistance during engine operation, leading to reduced engine power and increased fuel consumption. When the engine is running, the oil forms a film on the surfaces of various engine components, which can reduce friction between them and lower the operating resistance within the engine. If the oil viscosity is too low, the oil cannot form a stable film, which will exacerbate engine wear. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity. 5W means it can withstand low temperatures of -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity. 0W is -35°C; 5W is -30°C; 10W is -25°C; 15W is -20°C; 20W is -15°C; 25W is -10°C. The lower the number, the smoother the cold start of the vehicle. The second number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. The higher the number, the better the oil can maintain its viscosity at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. Relatively speaking, the better the low-temperature fluidity, the smoother the cold start for the vehicle, and the better the protection for the engine. For fully synthetic oil, the recommended replacement interval is one year or 10,000 kilometers. For semi-synthetic oil, the replacement interval is slightly shorter, requiring replacement every 7,000 kilometers or six months. When choosing engine oil, the following points should be noted: Engine oil should be selected according to the engine's requirements. It is unnecessary to use overly advanced oil in engines with lower requirements, nor should lower-grade oil be used in engines with higher requirements. Multi-grade oil should be preferred. Multi-grade oil is economical, long-lasting, and efficient, providing better protection for the engine. Due to its characteristics, multi-grade oil may appear darker and have lower oil pressure than conventional oil during use, which is normal. Since engine oil significantly affects the performance and lifespan of the engine, it should be strictly selected according to the specifications in the vehicle's manual, including the same series, service grade, and viscosity grade. The oil recommended in the vehicle's manual is based on the engine's performance and the temperature conditions of the sales region, providing certain guidance and leaving a considerable safety margin.
