What is the significance of engine oil grades?
4 Answers
The significance of engine oil grades is to indicate the viscosity and quality of the oil. The functions of engine oil include: lubrication and anti-wear, auxiliary cooling, cleaning, sealing and leak prevention, rust and corrosion prevention, and shock absorption. Engine oil can be classified into: 1. Conventional mineral oil; 2. Semi-synthetic oil; 3. Full synthetic oil. The method for changing engine oil is: 1. Lift the vehicle, remove the undercover, and place a container of about 10 liters under the oil drain plug; 2. Loosen the oil drain plug, use an air gun to blow for two minutes at the oil filler port, tighten the oil drain plug after draining, and wipe it with a tissue to check for leaks; 3. Reinstall the undercover and lower the vehicle, then use a funnel to add oil through the filler port.
I've been driving for decades and am quite familiar with engine oil ratings. Numbers like 5W-30 simply indicate the oil's viscosity grade. The 'W' stands for Winter, showing cold-weather performance - the lower the first number (e.g. 5), the easier the oil flows in cold temperatures, preventing engine seizure during cold starts. The latter number (30) represents high-temperature viscosity - higher numbers mean better engine protection against wear in hot conditions. I remember one winter when using 10W oil made starting difficult; switching to 5W solved it. The rating must match manufacturer recommendations (found in manuals) - wrong choices may damage engines or increase fuel consumption. Regular oil changes are crucial, with level checks to prevent shortages. Proper oil selection extends engine life, saves fuel costs, and provides peace of mind while driving.
I'm a car enthusiast who loves tinkering with my vehicle, and engine oil viscosity grades are quite fascinating. A grade like 0W-20 has two parts: the first number indicates cold viscosity, with 0 being the smoothest for quicker cold starts, while the second number represents hot viscosity, where 20 is the fuel-efficient type. Why does it matter? It affects fuel economy and engine protection. I always choose API-certified oils, like SN-grade, which indicates high-performance additives. Picking the wrong one could lead to increased noise or premature oil changes. Ambient temperature is also crucial—use 30-40 in summer and 5W or 0W in winter. The maintenance manual is a big help; check the correct grade instead of guessing. I've also studied oil quality and grade changes, which helps my car run longer and smoother, saves on repair costs, and adds more fun to DIY maintenance.
Over the years of driving, I've learned the basics of oil viscosity ratings. Ratings starting with 'W' indicate winter viscosity, where a lower number like 5W means better flow in cold temperatures. The following number, such as 30, represents high-temperature protection—higher numbers offer better wear resistance but may slightly increase fuel consumption. Always use the oil grade specified in your vehicle's manual; using the wrong type can accelerate engine wear. I recommend both new and experienced drivers pay attention to seasonal temperature changes and switch oils between winter and summer. The rating also correlates with oil quality grades, like API classifications—higher grades mean fewer impurities. Don’t just focus on price; matching the correct viscosity is true engine protection. Regularly check oil quality to prevent oxidation and ensure driving safety.
