What does 0w40 mean for engine oil?
2 Answers
0W40 is the SAE viscosity grade of engine oil, where 0W indicates the oil can be used at temperatures as low as -35 degrees Celsius, and 40 represents the kinematic viscosity standard at 100 degrees Celsius. Below is some information about engine oil: 1. Types: Engine oil is divided into three categories: full synthetic oil, semi-synthetic oil, and mineral oil. 2. Oil grades: The packaging of engine oil typically displays codes like 5w30, 0w20, 5w40, etc., which indicate the oil's grade. The 'W' stands for 'Winter,' meaning the oil can be used in winter conditions if it has the letter 'W' in its grade.
Last time in the garage, I overheard the technician talking about motor oil viscosity ratings. The 0W40 is actually the oil's viscosity grade. You see, it's divided into two parts: the '0W' - the 'W' stands for winter, and the '0' represents low-temperature fluidity. The smaller the number, the better it resists freezing, maintaining smooth flow even at -35°C. The '40' at the end is the high-temperature viscosity, meaning the oil film stays thicker when the engine is running at high speeds. My neighbor's older BMW has been using 0W40 year-round, and he says it offers excellent protection at high temperatures and smooth cold starts. However, using this in a new car might actually increase fuel consumption, so it's really important to check the vehicle's manual for the right grade. Choosing the correct oil viscosity is like dressing the engine in a custom-tailored suit - it fits just right.