High-Temperature Protection The primary role of the higher number in multi-grade oils is to ensure stability at elevated temperatures. A higher grade number means the oil is formulated to resist this thinning process, known as shearing, thereby maintaining a consistent and effective protective layer even when the engine is working hard.
Understanding the SAE Rating for Oil Thickness
Using oil that is too thick for your engine can lead to poor fuel economy and reduced efficiency, as the engine must work harder to pump the lubricant. The number after the "W" is the high-temperature grade you are asking about.
For example, in a 10W-40, the "40" tells you that at 212°F (100°C), the oil will flow like a 40-grade single-weight oil. This number, often referred to as the SAE rating, quantifies the viscosity, or thickness, of the oil once it has reached its operating temperature.
Understanding the SAE Rating for Oil Thickness
Choosing the Right Grade for Your Engine Selecting the correct oil grade is not a matter of choosing the highest number available, but rather matching the oil to your vehicle’s specific engineering requirements. If the oil is too thin, it will lose its lubricating properties, leading to increased friction, wear, and potential engine damage.
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