Low viscosity oil meaning full#
Low viscosity oil meaning code#

Whereas the higher the second part of the code (number), the better it is for higher temperatures. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each can help end-users decide. The first part of the numerical code (5W) tells you the lower the number, the better it will perform in low temperatures. Polyalkylene glycol (PAG) and polyalphaolefin (PAO) are two synthetic lubricant options for industrial applications. It is represented by a number followed by the letter ‘W’ (WINTER) and a number again. The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) have a standard for indicating low and high viscosity engine oils for the right temperature.

At low temperatures, synthetic oils flow easily and maintain viscosity at high temperatures. But synthetic oils are able to do the same without the incorporation of additives. Conventional mineral oils are mixed with various additives to help change the viscosity index. These viscosity changes are related to engine-protection and efficient-operation in all conditions.Ī lubricant’s resistance to thinning at higher temperatures is known as viscosity index. A higher viscosity lubricant will be less fluid and thicker in nature whereas oils with low viscosity are thinner and flow freely. The oil becomes thin at high temperatures and thick at low temperatures. They lubricate the engine responsibly and accordingly, hence considered more dependable.Įngine oils are affected by changes in temperatures. At high temperatures, multigrade oils oppose thinning out and in colder conditions, they remain fluid. They show oils that have two viscosity grades are since, indicated the same as monograde oils are but adding another number. They flow smoothly without thinning out and are most useable for present-day vehicles. viscosity, resistance of a fluid (liquid or gas) to a change in shape, or movement of neighbouring portions relative to one another. These contain the best of both worlds and are not affected by both low and high temperature. For eg SAE International engine oils 8, 12, 16, 20 and so on. If your diesel-powered engine requires an oil meeting the CK-4 specification. They can be used in either gasoline- or diesel-powered engines. In this viscosity, we offer Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 or Mobil 1 ESP Formula 0W-40. High engine viscosity grades use only numbers to indicate and are most suited to higher temperatures. The viscosity is gaining popularity with American automakers for high performance engines in both cars and pickup trucks. The viscosity changes with temperature to. A higher viscosity implies a slower flow and a thicker fluid. These are more fit for engine-use in colder temperatures. Viscosity is simply the resistance of a fluid to flow. According to SAE International standards, they are 0W, 5W, 10W, and so on. The symbol of low engine viscosity grades is with a ‘W’ at the end. These engine oils are more suited to low temperatures and cater more to older vehicles. Based on the types of viscosity grades or standards, We can differentiate them into monograde and multigrade oils. That value has the letter W after the number and has a dash after the W. This will avoid wear and tear in the engine parts and act as a layer of protection. The low temperature viscosity of the oil is a measurement that simulates starting a car on a cold winter day. As the lubricants will be thicker and highly viscous, the flow of the oil through the engine will be slower. On the contrary, engine oils with a high viscosity grade are best in hotter temperatures. This helps in preventing a cold engine start in chillier conditions. It will not be thinning out and have better fluidity because the oil has low viscosity. Engine oils have viscosity grades to show the engine oil’s adapting to varying high and low temperatures.įor example, a low engine oil viscosity will perform better in colder temperatures.

The first number indicates the viscosity of the oil at a cold temperature, and the second number indicates the viscosity at operating temperatures.Ĭompare to see different levels of protection these products offer and choose the one that meets your needs.The viscosity grade of an engine tells you how smoothly or easily the oil flows in your engine at different temperatures. Motor oil gets thicker when it’s cold and thinner when it heats up.

What do the numbers in 0W-20 mean? The numbers refer to the weight and thickness, or viscosity, of the oil. *The dexos® specification and trademark are exclusive to General Motors, LLC. Mobil 1™ ESP X2 0W-20 carries the dexosD™ approval for diesel engines. Many of our 0W-20 oils carry the dexos®1 approval* specified for General Motors vehicles.

Low viscosity oil meaning full#

The low‐viscosity, advanced full synthetic formulation of Mobil 1 0W-20 oils can help to increase engine efficiency and improve fuel economy versus higher viscosity oils. Likewise, the Mobil 1™, Mobil™ and Mobil Super™ lineup of 0W-20 oils has expanded to include choices for high mileage vehicles, trucks and SUVs, and coverage for those of you interested in extended drain oils.ĠW-20 motor oils can also be used where 5W-20 is recommended. A growing list of automakers recommend 0W-20 low viscosity oils for their vehicles in an effort to optimize fuel economy.