Reading your engine oil grades can be a little confusing, especially if you’re not familiar with the terminologies. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this post, we’ll explain what each of those numbers and letters means, so you can make sure to use the right kind of oil for your car.
What is the Society of Automated Engineers, and What Does it do?
This organization is responsible for determining the specifications of motor oil and testing it. They work with other groups like ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials), API (American Petroleum Institute), and SAE International to ensure that you meet all their standards.
What is Viscosity Rating?
Viscosity rating refers to how thick or thin the oil is. The higher the number, the thicker the oil will be. This rating is critical because it affects how well the oil can flow and lubricate your engine.
Oil grades are mentioned in the format.
xx-w-yy
xx refers to viscosity during cold, and yy refers to viscosity during warmer temperatures. The w stands for winter.
The most common oils are 0W-20, 0W-30, and 05W-30. The “0” means that the oil has a low viscosity when cold, and the “20” or “30” means that it has a high viscosity when hot.
You can also find oils with ratings like 20V-50 or 30V-70, which means they have a higher viscosity when cold than normal operating temperatures. Oils with these ratings are used in more extreme conditions where the engine is subject to colder temperatures or more severe loads.
What Engine Oil Should I Choose for my Vehicle?
This will depend on the type of vehicle, driving habits, and climate.
- Thinner oils are best for high-performance cars that frequently drive in warm weather conditions.
- Thicker oils are better suited for vehicles that spend most of their time idle or operate in cold climates where temperatures regularly fall below freezing.
You can also consult your car’s owner’s manual to see what viscosity is recommended. Many automakers have oil specifications listed in the maintenance section. If you don’t have an owner’s manual, many automotive websites list this information.
How Frequently Should I Change my Engine Oil?
This answer varies depending on the type of engine oil, driving habits, and climate.
- Many carmakers have oil-change intervals at every 5000 miles or every six months.
- If you drive in a high-performance car that frequently races or drives in warm weather conditions, you may need to change your engine oil more often than the average driver.
- If your car spends most of its time idle or operating in cold climates where temperatures regularly fall below freezing, you may need to change your engine oil less often than the average driver.
So now that you know a little more about engine oil grades, what are you waiting for? Schedule a service at Feldman CDJR of Woodhaven. serving Monroe, MI, today and enhance your vehicle’s performance. We’ll make sure your car is running smoothly – no matter what kind of motor oil you choose!
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