What is the Difference Between Summer Oil and Winter Oil?
2 Answers
Summer oil is thicker with better adhesion, which is beneficial for lubrication; winter oil is easier to start and has better fluidity. The specific differences are as follows: 1. Winter oil grades are distinguished as: 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W. The symbol 'W' stands for winter. The smaller the number before 'W', the lower the low-temperature viscosity, the better the low-temperature fluidity, and the lower the applicable minimum temperature. 2. Summer oil grades are distinguished as: 20, 30, 40, 50. The larger the number, the higher the viscosity and the higher the applicable maximum temperature. 3. All-season oil grades are distinguished as: 5W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50, 10W-20, 10W-30, 10W-40, 10W-50, 15W-20, 15W-30, 15W-40, 15W-50, 20W-20, 20W-30, 20W-40, 20W-50. The smaller the number representing the winter part, the lower the applicable minimum temperature; the larger the number representing the summer part, the higher the applicable maximum temperature.
I've been driving for several years, and the main differences between summer and winter engine oils lie in their viscosity and operating temperatures. Summer oils are typically thicker, with numbers like SAE 40 or 50, designed to maintain thickness in high-temperature environments to prevent thinning and loss of lubrication when the engine overheats, which could lead to wear or oil leaks. In contrast, winter oils are much thinner, commonly seen as SAE 10W or 5W, where 'W' stands for winter. They flow more quickly in sub-zero temperatures, ensuring that internal engine components are lubricated immediately upon cold starts to avoid dry friction damage. I remember last winter when I switched to winter oil, my car started much faster, and using summer oil in the heat reduced noise, making it feel more protective. Nowadays, multi-grade oils like 5W-30 are a one-size-fits-all solution, suitable for all seasons, reducing the hassle of frequent oil changes. Climate change has also altered needs; in areas with significant temperature variations, choosing the right oil directly impacts engine longevity and fuel consumption.
