The "W" stands for Winter, indicating the oil’s cold-weather performance, while the number preceding it shows how the fluid behaves when cold. How to Choose the Correct SAE Rating Selecting the proper SAE grade is not a matter of preference but of adherence to engineering specifications.
Understanding SAE Oil Ratings and Viscosity Numbers
Upon the next ignition, the oil must circulate immediately to prevent metal-on-metal contact. The second number in the sequence—such as the 30 in 10W-30—indicates the oil’s viscosity at high temperatures.
The oil must be thick enough to maintain a strong oil film to prevent metal contact, yet thin enough to flow efficiently through the engine’s intricate passages and oil filter. The Origin and Purpose of the SAE Rating System The SAE rating system originated to create a uniform language for describing oil viscosity.
Understanding SAE Oil Ratings and Viscosity Numbers
A 0W or 5W oil flows more readily in extreme cold than a 15W oil, reducing the time the engine spends without protection. Before this standard existed, manufacturers used inconsistent methods to describe how thick or thin their oils were, leading to confusion and improper selection.
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