What does SN0W20 engine oil mean?
1 Answers
SN represents the API of the engine oil; 0W20 represents the SAE standard viscosity value of the engine oil. Additional information is as follows: 1. API represents the quality grade of engine oil. API is the abbreviation of the American Petroleum Institute, generally consisting of two letters. The first letter is S, indicating gasoline engines; if it is C, it indicates diesel engines; if both S and C are marked, it means the oil is suitable for both gasoline and diesel engines. The second letter, from A to N (excluding I and K for gasoline), is arranged in alphabetical order. Each subsequent letter indicates better performance than the previous one, with more additives in the oil to protect the engine. The further back the second letter is, the higher the quality grade. Correspondingly, the price will also be higher. SN indicates that this oil is of the highest grade. 2. SAE standard viscosity value: W stands for winter. The number before W represents the lowest temperature at which the oil can be used. 0W is -35°C; 5W is -30°C; 10W is -25°C; 15W is -20°C; 20W is -15°C. The number after W represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. The higher the number, the higher the viscosity, indicating better protection and stability at high temperatures. The larger the number after W, the higher the viscosity, the better the sealing, and the better the protection for the engine, making it more suitable for older cars. The smaller the number, the lower the viscosity, which saves fuel and reduces noise, making it suitable for new cars or naturally aspirated engines.
