What does the '5' in 5W30 on the engine oil container represent?
3 Answers
The '5' in 5W30 on the engine oil container indicates its resistance to external low temperatures of -30°C. Below is an introduction to engine oil grading: 1. Meaning of 'W': 'W' stands for WINTER. The number before 'W' represents the oil's flow viscosity under low-temperature conditions. A smaller number indicates better low-temperature fluidity of the oil, providing superior engine protection during cold starts. The number after 'W' denotes the oil's viscosity at 100°C, with higher numbers indicating higher viscosity and better engine protection under high temperatures. 2. Meaning of '30': 30 signifies that the kinematic viscosity standard at 100 degrees Celsius is 30. This number represents the oil's high-temperature resistance, with larger values indicating better protective performance under high temperatures.
I've been driving for over 20 years and am very familiar with motor oil. The '5' in 5W30 represents the viscosity rating at low temperatures. Simply put, the smaller the number (like 5), the better the oil flows in cold weather. The 'W' stands for winter, so 5W means excellent performance at low temperatures, typically flowing smoothly around -25°C. This significantly reduces engine wear during cold starts, especially important in northern frigid regions. Having used many oils, I find 5W30 to be highly versatile, suitable for most vehicles. Don't just focus on the numbers – always check your owner's manual recommendations too, as some older cars might perform better with 10W40. Regular oil condition checks are crucial for maintenance; I recommend changing it every 5,000 km or six months to prevent contaminant buildup. Understanding this helps you choose the right oil to protect your car's engine.
I'm an ordinary office worker who often changes my own oil. The 5 represents low-temperature fluidity. W stands for Winter, and 5 is the viscosity grade - the smaller the number, the smoother the cold starts. For example, when starting the car in severe winter, 5W30 oil flows quickly to lubricate engine components rapidly, preventing hard wear damage. From my experience, this grade works well in warmer southern regions too, but northern areas must pay attention to low-temperature performance. Choose oil based on temperature ranges - 5W suits most Chinese regions in winter. By the way, when changing oil, pay attention to brand and quality - don't cheap out on counterfeit products. Good full synthetic oil lasts longer. Also, oil grades affect fuel consumption - better low-temperature fluidity can slightly improve fuel efficiency. Personally, I prefer using 5W30 - it's economical and safe.
