OK, I'm not sure if I understand completely as to what the 0w-, 5w-, 10w-, 15w-, and 20w- ratings mean. Would someone please help me?
Thanks,
Michael
Thanks,
Michael
0w-, 5w-, 10w-, 15w-, 20w-
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Most of the charts are rather confusing to me as well, but to my understanding its a viscosity at a certain temperature. Best I can explain it.
I don't have a SAE J300 spec sheet handy right now, but the Xw in a multi-grade oil indicates that the oil meets certain cold temp flow and pumping requirements at certain temps. 0w is tested at much lower temps (-35 I believe) than is 20w, thus it must have better low temp flow and pumping properties than a 20w.
Here's the SAE J300 Viscosity Grade spec:
I don't think the "Average JOE" is looking for any technical spec. sheet **.quote:
Originally posted by G-Man II:
Boy, do you need to spend more time learning about oil.
http://www.advanceautoparts.com/english/youcan/html/ccr/ccr20040601ov.html
Perhaps not. But one should assume that he is looking for accurate answers to his questions, which yours was not.quote:
Originally posted by Warstud:
I don't think the "Average JOE" is looking for any technical spec. sheet **.quote:
Originally posted by G-Man II:
Boy, do you need to spend more time learning about oil.
http://www.advanceautoparts.com/english/youcan/html/ccr/ccr20040601ov.html
The number is the viscosity, or resistance to flow at a given temp. The "W" means the oil is suitable for winter use. It does not mean "weight" which it is commonly used for.
If an oil is 10w-40, it means the oil acts like a 10w at cold temps and a SAE 40 at high temps. This is accomplished by means of viscosity index improvers in the oil.
Generally speaking, the closer the numbers, the fewer index improvers are required, thus more lubricating properties in the oil (as index improvers dont lubricate). In addition the closer the numbers typically will result in the oil staying "in grade" longer and better.
Which one is right for your car? Look at the owners manual. If you dont have one, go to www.castrol.com and they have a nice "oil calculator" which will tell you which oil is suitable for your car for your climate.
As important as your choice of oil is, your choice of oil filter is also important. I would stick with either OEM from the dealer or a quality aftermarket filter like WIX or MANN. I think Purolator makes acceptable products, but i've never been happy with Fram products.
If an oil is 10w-40, it means the oil acts like a 10w at cold temps and a SAE 40 at high temps. This is accomplished by means of viscosity index improvers in the oil.
Generally speaking, the closer the numbers, the fewer index improvers are required, thus more lubricating properties in the oil (as index improvers dont lubricate). In addition the closer the numbers typically will result in the oil staying "in grade" longer and better.
Which one is right for your car? Look at the owners manual. If you dont have one, go to www.castrol.com and they have a nice "oil calculator" which will tell you which oil is suitable for your car for your climate.
As important as your choice of oil is, your choice of oil filter is also important. I would stick with either OEM from the dealer or a quality aftermarket filter like WIX or MANN. I think Purolator makes acceptable products, but i've never been happy with Fram products.
Simplistic by design. The original poster seemed to need a brief overview on what the numbers mean, which i attempted to give instead of an overcomplicated dive into something too complex.
There is some wacked info in this thread. Just look at the engine oil chart. Simple and easy (and correc!).
Wow, I hope no one reads some of the recent posts as gospel.
Wow, I hope no one reads some of the recent posts as gospel.
The J300 sheet reads very well to me. How is it arrogant to be able to read a spec sheet?
I really think Michael Wan can understand the crankcase chart.
The way I personally use the "W" value is; the temperature at which the Low Temperature Pumping Viscosity spec applies to a given grade is the minimum temperature that the engine should be cold-started at using that grade of oil. Obviously some oils, especially synthetics, will work at lower temps, but the spec itself only guarantees it down to about that temperature.
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