What does 0W40 engine oil mean?
4 Answers
0W40 engine oil indicates: 1. W stands for Winter, representing the winter season; 2. The 0 before W indicates a freezing point of minus 35 degrees Celsius, with smaller numbers before W indicating better low-temperature fluidity; 3. The 40 after W represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100 degrees Celsius, with larger numbers indicating better high-temperature resistance and stronger protective performance. The functions of engine oil are: 1. The oil film separates the surfaces of relatively sliding parts, reducing wear; 2. Forms a seal between the piston rings and the piston, reducing gas leakage and preventing external contaminants from entering; 3. Adsorbs on the surface of parts to prevent contact with water, air, acidic substances, and harmful gases.
Having worked on cars for so many years, reading oil labels like 0W40 feels like calling an old friend by name. 0W40 is the viscosity grade of the oil, where 0W indicates good low-temperature fluidity in winter, flowing smoothly even at around -35°C, ensuring the engine starts without hesitation; 40 represents high viscosity at high temperatures, maintaining a thick oil film when the car is hot to prevent wear. I always remind car owners that choosing the wrong viscosity, like 5W30 in cold regions, can make the engine struggle to start and increase wear. Opting for 0W40 offers many benefits: easy one-touch starts in winter and high engine protection for quiet long-distance drives in summer. Remember to change the oil as per the manual during each service without delay—it greatly benefits engine longevity. Don’t skimp by switching to different grades randomly.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the meaning of 0W40 motor oil is quite straightforward. It's about viscosity grades: 0W indicates better flow at low temperatures for easier starts, ensuring no freezing issues in winter; while 40 means slightly thicker at high temperatures for stable lubrication. Since switching to 0W40, my engine starts much smoother, especially on cold northern winter mornings—just turn the key and go. This oil performs well across various temperatures. Using the wrong grade, like 10W in cold regions, can cause problems. I recommend checking your vehicle's manual for the right grade and changing oil before exceeding 10,000 km to prevent engine wear or oil burning. By the way, the engine sounds more composed at high temperatures too. A little tip: it's more reliable for performance cars.
Simply put, 0W40 engine oil is easy to understand. 0W indicates excellent low-temperature fluidity, ensuring smoother engine starts in cold weather; 40 represents high high-temperature viscosity, protecting engine components from friction damage during operation. This grade suits most climates and vehicle types. Choosing it over 5W or 10W during oil changes offers more versatility, especially enhancing responsiveness and smoothness in older cars or high-performance models. Regularly checking oil levels and maintaining cleanliness is also crucial—don't overlook it.
