What does 5w-30 mean in engine oil?
2 Answers
5W-30 engine oil model meaning: In "5W30", the "5" indicates the low-temperature fluidity of the oil—the smaller the number, the lower the ambient temperature it can be used in; "W" stands for winter, and "30" represents the kinematic viscosity standard at 100 degrees Celsius, which is 30. This number indicates the oil's high-temperature resistance—the higher the number, the better the oil's protective performance at high temperatures. Here are the relevant details: 1. Classification of engine oil: SAE lubricant viscosity classifications for winter oils are: 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W. The symbol "W" stands for winter, and the smaller the number before "W", the lower the low-temperature viscosity, the better the low-temperature fluidity, and the lower the minimum applicable temperature. SAE lubricant viscosity classifications for summer oils are: 20, 30, 40, 50. The larger the number, the higher the viscosity and the higher the maximum applicable temperature. 2. Selection of engine oil: The viscosity of the engine oil should be selected based on the recommendations in the manufacturer's "Vehicle Maintenance Manual". The oil grade can be chosen according to personal needs, vehicle model, and budget. 3. Regular oil changes: It is generally recommended to change the oil every 5,000 kilometers or six months, with adjustments made based on usage conditions and environment.
Oh, this question is frequently asked. 5W-30 is one of the oil viscosity grades, simply put, it tells you how the oil performs under different temperatures. The '5W' at the beginning, where 'W' stands for Winter, indicates that the lower the number (like 5), the thinner the oil is in cold weather, ensuring better fluidity. This means the oil can quickly lubricate the engine even at sub-zero temperatures, preventing hard starts. The '30' refers to the oil's viscosity at high temperatures—the higher the number, the thicker the oil film, which protects the engine from wear under high-temperature operation. Using the wrong grade, like 10W-40 in a cold northern region, might cause the car to struggle during startup, wasting fuel and damaging the engine. I recommend checking the owner's manual and using the manufacturer-recommended grade, such as 5W-30, which suits most regular family cars. Don’t just save money by buying random oil—regular oil changes extend your car's lifespan. Oh, and regions with significant temperature changes should pay extra attention to matching the right oil.
