What is the Engine Oil Viscosity Grade Chart?
4 Answers
The viscosity grade of engine oil is closely related to the vehicle model and local temperature, indicating the ambient temperature. Below is an introduction to vehicle models and grades: 1. Vehicle models: Japanese cars primarily use low-viscosity oil, while German cars primarily use high-viscosity oil. 2. Grades: (1) 0W suitable temperature: -35°C (polar regions). (2) 5W suitable temperature: -30°C (northeast and northwest regions). (3) 10W suitable temperature: -25°C (north-central and southwest regions). (4) 15W suitable temperature: -20°C (north-central and southwest regions). (5) 20W suitable temperature: -15°C (areas south of the Yellow River and north of the Yangtze River). (6) 25W suitable temperature: -10°C (subtropical regions).
As a seasoned driver with over 20 years of experience, I consider the engine oil viscosity grade chart a treasure—it shows how oil flows at different temperatures. Take the common SAE 5W-30 as an example: the 'W' stands for winter, and the '5' indicates its flowability in cold weather—the lower the number, the easier the engine starts. The '30' represents its thickness in hot weather; if it's too high, the engine struggles. Choosing the right oil is crucial—easy cold starts in winter and high-temperature protection against engine wear in summer. When I was younger, I didn’t understand and carelessly used high-viscosity oil, which led to higher fuel consumption and engine knocking. Manufacturer manuals always specify recommended grades—modern cars often use 0W-20 for better fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. Always check the chart before an oil change—don’t just pick cheap options randomly, as the right oil extends engine life. If the grade is wrong, you might end up with a car that won’t start in cold weather, which is a real hassle.
As a hands-on young car enthusiast, I often study the engine oil viscosity grade chart, which is essentially a guide for selecting the right oil. The SAE standard's number combinations are like codes—the smaller number before the 'W' indicates better cold-start performance, like the 5W-30 I use, which ensures quick starts in winter; the higher number after denotes stronger protection at high temperatures. This chart helps you avoid mistakes—choosing oil with too high viscosity may increase fuel consumption, while too low viscosity can accelerate engine wear. When changing oil myself, I always cross-check this chart with the owner's manual and even download generic versions online for backup. The key takeaway is practical application: check oil levels during hot summers to ensure it doesn't thicken excessively at high temperatures. Never overlook it—regular reference during maintenance saves hassle and keeps engine performance consistently stable.
I don't drive much, but I know the basics of motor oil viscosity grade charts. Simply put, it's a table showing how oil thickness changes at different temperatures. For example, in 5W-40, the 5 indicates cold-weather flowability, while 40 represents hot-weather viscosity. Choosing the right grade makes winter starts easier and provides summer engine protection against wear. When I first started, I used the wrong oil and ended up with a noisy engine. Now I always check manufacturer recommendations before changing oil - this chart has been really helpful.
