What is SAE 10W-30 engine oil?
3 Answers
Engine oil SAE 10W-30 is referred to as a "multi-grade" oil. The smaller the number in SAE 10W (such as 10 in this example), the less likely the oil is to become viscous at low temperatures. Here is an introduction to engine oil: Introduction to engine oil: Engine oil, also known as engine lubricating oil, is called Engine-oil in English. It has a density of approximately 0.91×10 (kg/m³) and serves functions such as lubrication and wear reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion protection, and shock absorption. It is hailed as the "blood" of a car. Composition of engine oil: Engine oil consists of two parts: base oil and additives. The base oil is the main component of lubricating oil, determining its basic properties. Additives can compensate for and improve the shortcomings of the base oil's performance, imparting certain new properties, making them an important part of lubricating oil.
SAE 10W-30 is a multi-grade engine oil, indicating a winter viscosity of 10 and a summer viscosity of 30. I use it in my old pickup truck. Simply put, it flows quickly when starting the engine in cold weather, reducing wear, and maintains stable viscosity in hot weather to provide protection. This oil is suitable for various climates, especially performing much better than 15W grades in winter. I always choose 10W-30 for every oil change because it balances performance and longevity, maintaining the engine without costing a fortune. It's recommended to check the oil level around every 5,000 kilometers to ensure cleanliness. For regular family cars, this oil can make driving smoother and reduce fuel consumption issues. Always pay attention to oil grade selection to avoid using the wrong viscosity and causing cylinder scoring.
In my daily car maintenance work, SAE 10W-30 is a standard engine oil classification. SAE represents the industrial viscosity standard, where 10W indicates cold-temperature fluidity (lower numbers mean better cold starts), and 30 refers to the high-temperature viscosity grade, protecting the engine from thinning under heat. I often see customers using it in sedans and SUVs, suitable for moderate-temperature regions. The benefits include reduced engine wear and slightly better fuel efficiency. The recommended oil change interval is 5,000-8,000 kilometers, and remember to replace the oil filter simultaneously. Choosing the right oil helps prevent carbon buildup issues, such as avoiding oil degradation during high-temperature driving. Overall, 10W-30 offers good cost-performance and is easy to work with.
