What is the viscosity grade of multi-grade engine oil?
3 Answers
There are 16 types of multi-grade oil viscosity grades, which are: 5W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40, 5W-50, 10W-20, etc. The W stands for Winter. Here is some information about multi-grade engine oil: 1. Performance: The W stands for Winter. The smaller the number before the W, the better the oil's low-temperature fluidity, indicating that it can be used in lower environmental temperatures and provides better protection for the engine during cold starts. The number after the W indicates the oil's high-temperature resistance. The larger the number, the better the oil's protective performance at high temperatures. 2. Oil classification: Oil classification is represented by a combination of two letters. The "S" series represents oil for gasoline engines. The general specifications range from SA to SN (in alphabetical order, but there is no SI). Each subsequent letter indicates better performance than the previous one, with more additives in the oil to protect the engine.
The grade of all-season engine oil generally refers to the combination of numbers on multi-grade oils, such as 5W-30 or 10W-40, which I've figured out through maintaining my own car. Back in the day, we only used single-season oils, which made winter starts difficult and caused the oil to thin out in summer, damaging the engine. Nowadays, with all-season oils, a smaller number before the W, like 5, indicates better low-temperature flow, making cold starts easier, while the number after the W, like 30, represents strong high-temperature protection, handling summer heat well. I always recommend friends to choose 5W-30 because it's widely applicable and can handle temperature variations across China's north and south. Using the wrong grade leads to faster engine wear, increased fuel consumption, and damage to the car. Regular oil changes are crucial—I check my car's oil level every 5,000 kilometers to ensure longevity.
Changing engine oil is something I often do myself, and it's really not complicated. The four-season oil grade is those number combinations on the bottle, like 5W-30, which represent a wide viscosity range and can be used year-round. I've tried different brands and found that 5W-30 starts up quickly in snowy northern conditions and remains stable during high-speed driving in southern summers. When doing it yourself, always check the manual to match your vehicle model—don't randomly switch grades, or carbon buildup may increase and affect performance. While changing the oil, take the opportunity to inspect the air filter—it's a cost-effective and reassuring way to maintain your car overall. Park in shaded or sheltered areas to avoid extreme heat or cold, which helps prolong oil effectiveness and can slightly reduce fuel consumption. Simply put, choosing the right grade ensures worry-free driving for your trips.
