What Does the Engine Oil Symbol Represent?
3 Answers
Engine oil grades typically indicate viscosity and quality. The specific interpretation is as follows: The viscosity of lubricating oil is often labeled using the SAE grade, where SAE stands for the "Society of Automotive Engineers" in English. Taking 10W-40 as an example, "W" represents winter, the number 10 indicates that this oil is suitable for an external minimum temperature of -25°C, and the number 40 denotes its resistance to external high temperatures up to 40°C. Automotive engine oils are specifically categorized into 4 types for summer use, 6 types for winter use, and 16 types for all-season use. Below is a detailed introduction: 1. Summer oil grades: 20, 30, 40, 50, where a higher number indicates greater viscosity and suitability for higher maximum temperatures. 2. Winter oil grades: 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W, with the symbol W representing the abbreviation for Winter.
After driving for so many years, my heart skips a beat whenever I see the oil symbol light up on the dashboard—it indicates that the oil pressure is too low, possibly due to insufficient oil level, oil pump failure, or a clogged oil filter. Engine oil is like the lifeblood of an engine; inadequate pressure means poor lubrication, increased friction between components, and the engine can quickly overheat or even be ruined. The last time this happened, I immediately pulled over, popped the hood to check the dipstick, and sure enough, the oil level was below the minimum mark. Adding some quality oil promptly solved the issue—had I kept driving, repairs would have cost at least a few thousand dollars. That’s why I make it a habit to check the oil level and condition during every maintenance session. Good habits save big money. With cars, if you don’t take care of them meticulously, they’ll teach you a lesson. Remember, a warning light is a life-or-death alert—don’t push your luck; safety first!
As a newly licensed driver, I always panic when the oil symbol lights up. It actually indicates an oil pressure warning, meaning the oil might be running low or there's an issue with the circulation system, preventing the engine from running properly. If not addressed immediately, increased engine friction and overheating can lead to reduced performance or even a complete breakdown, resulting in costly and time-consuming repairs. Last time I drove a friend's car, this light came on, and he taught me to pull over immediately and check the dipstick. We found the oil was too dirty and degraded, causing low pressure. Changing to fresh oil fixed the issue. Now, I always glance at the dashboard before driving to avoid surprises. Routine maintenance shouldn’t be neglected—choose a good oil brand, change it regularly, and keep the oil level adequate. These small steps make trips much safer. Unexpected issues often stem from neglect, so paying attention to warning symbols is driving wisdom!
