Engine oils grades can be confusing, and it can take time to fully understand what each oil is for and how they work. It’s important to remember that engine oils are expensive, and you should not buy a cheaper oil just because it has the same grade as a more expensive one.
In this blog post by The Key Online, you will learn how to read engine oil and what each grade means so that you understand which one is right for your car.
What is Engine Oil Used For?
Engine oil protects the motor from wear and tear by keeping metal parts from touching each other. Engine oil is used to make sure all parts work together. It is also what cools the motor and keeps it clean. Engine oil improves gas mileage, reduces the risk of engine damage, and lowers emissions.
How Can You Tell Which Grade to Buy?
When buying oil, look at the API (American Petroleum Institute) star rating. The higher the number, the better quality motor oil is. For example, if your car takes SAE 30 or SAE 10W-30 motor oil, be sure to buy SAE 30. Engine oil grades help to improve gas mileage and reduce emissions.
The different numbers of motor oil have to do with cold and hot weather. In the winter, you want a more slippery oil so that parts don’t stick together as much. In the summer, it’s the opposite, so that more of what little water there is from condensation doesn’t evaporate into the air.
What is The Difference Between Synthetic And Conventional Oils?
Both types do the same thing – protect your engine. However, they are made differently. Conventional oil is made in factories with chemicals added to control viscosity. Synthetic oil is made in factories using spherification.
A blend of synthetic and conventional oils is used to balance moderate climates.
People who live in the South might want a lightweight oil that flows better when it’s cold outside but is still capable of keeping the engine lubricated, protected, and smothered in Vaseline when it’s 100 degrees.
How to Read Engine Oil Grade?
- Motor oil is rated by viscosity or thickness. The lower the number, the thinner the oil. If you live in an area where it’s cold outside (sub-may be), go for a 0W (meaning zero degrees). A lighter-weight oil will flow better when it’s cold outside.
- To read the grade of engine oil, look at the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) classification. The “30” in a 10W-30 oil, for example, refers to its viscosity: it has a thickness of 10 when cold and 30 when hot. It’s thin enough to flow well in most conditions but thick enough to protect your engine at high temperatures.
- If you live in a state where extreme temperature swings occur, you might want to consider 10w-40 because it helps preserve engine condition.
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