What does synthetic oil 5w30 mean?
2 Answers
Synthetic oil 5w30 meaning: W stands for winter, the number before W represents the freezing point temperature, 5W oil corresponds to a freezing point temperature of -30 degrees Celsius. The number after W represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100 degrees Celsius, with higher values indicating higher viscosity. Simply put, oil viscosity refers to whether the oil is thin or thick. Low viscosity means the oil is thinner, offering less resistance to relative motion under external forces; high viscosity means the oil is thicker, with greater motion resistance but better lubrication effects. Most vehicles today use multi-viscosity oil, which contains various special additives that allow the oil to flow easily in low temperatures without solidifying, while maintaining appropriate viscosity and good lubrication performance in high-temperature environments.
As a technician at the car dealership, I often explain the meaning of motor oil grades to customers. Synthetic oil 5w30 is a common grade, where '5w' represents the low-temperature viscosity rating, with the number 5 indicating good fluidity at -30 degrees Celsius, ensuring smooth cold starts; '30' is the high-temperature viscosity, maintaining moderate thickness to protect the engine even at around 100 degrees. Synthetic oil means it is artificially synthesized, with high purity and fewer impurities, offering better durability and lubrication compared to mineral oil. This type of oil is suitable for year-round use, especially in regions with significant temperature variations. I recommend checking the vehicle manual to confirm the appropriate grade, as different engines have varying requirements. Its biggest advantage is extending engine life, reducing wear, and saving on maintenance costs. Additionally, an oil change interval of every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers is generally reasonable.
