What does 10w30 mean?

[George Farra]

Good Evening Everyone, This may seem like a dumb question.....but I never really understood what the first number and second number represent. I think one is the wieght or thickness...yes? Thanks, George

 

[arkainzeye]

http://www.howstuffworks.com/question164.htm

 

[CJH]

quote:

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Originally posted by George Farra: Good Evening Everyone, This may seem like a dumb question.....but I never really understood what the first number and second number represent. I think one is the wieght or thickness...yes? Thanks, George

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10 means the oil behaves as a 10 weight oil (thin) when it is cold. This makes it flow well when the cold engine is first started. W means Winter 30 means the oil will behave as a 30 weight after it is warm. This puts a thicker protective film on the metal parts than a 10 weight would. This "multi-weight" oil provides good starting capability and protection in cold weather and good protection for the engine after it is up to operating temperature.

 

[George Farra]

Thanks Guys This site rules! I've never been so concerned about motor oil in my life! George

 

[CJH]

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Originally posted by George Farra: Thanks Guys This site rules! I've never been so concerned about motor oil in my life! George

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yes, I never used to lay awake at night worrying about my engines until I found this site.

 

[George Farra]

CJH, Funny you mention that. I fond this site on Monday of this week. I've been reading posts till 1am and loosing sleep wondering if I chose the right oil! In fact right now I just came back from the garage to check the bottle of Havoline I just used. Whew....its from ChevronTexaco! Good night everyone, George

 

[jorton]

I'm not loosing any sleep, BUT.... wife is worried. grass is tall. have too many full jugs in the shed for recycling. truck is dirty. i'm confused. And I'm leaving on a 3000 mile cross country trip next week. I'm going to change my oil and filter saturday and I don't know what to get. Maybe 2 quarts 10/30, 2 quarts 30 hd and 2 quarts mobil 1. Joe

 

[csandste]

I enjoy this site because everyone needs a hobby, but most SL oils are plenty good to do 4000 miles. Don't worry-- cars seldom die from engine problems if decent (any SL) oil is used and oil levels or coolant levels are in range. It's usually a combination of other non-engine related hoo hah that makes the car too expensive to maintain. Im my car buying career, only about 4 cars out of almost 30 have died from engine related problems. One was a Corvair, one a Caravan with the infamous Mitsu valve guides and the transmission went out at the same time, and one was a Plymouth Arrow that I let over heat. The last was a Festiva that probably hadn't had its oil changed more than once or twice when I bought it at 28K. It lasted until 115 and I was able to get a used engine and clutch replacement with labor for about $600. The car was still going strong at 160K when I donated it because it needed a complete brake job and the synchros were starting to catch. As far as I know the car stayed in service as a errand car for a non-profit for well over a year. [ July 17, 2003, 10:01 PM: Message edited by: csandste ]

 

[goldfinger]

quote:

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Originally posted by CJH:

quote:

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Originally posted by George Farra: Thanks Guys This site rules! I've never been so concerned about motor oil in my life! George

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yes, I never used to lay awake at night worrying about my engines until I found this site.

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haha I can relate to that!

 

[Chris B.]

quote:

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Originally posted by CJH:

quote:

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Originally posted by George Farra: Thanks Guys This site rules! I've never been so concerned about motor oil in my life! George

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yes, I never used to lay awake at night worrying about my engines until I found this site.

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Holy cow! That is exactly what happened to me!!!!

 

[KCDoug]

quote:

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Originally posted by jorton: I'm not loosing any sleep, BUT.... wife is worried. grass is tall. have too many full jugs in the shed for recycling. truck is dirty. i'm confused. And I'm leaving on a 3000 mile cross country trip next week. I'm going to change my oil and filter saturday and I don't know what to get. Maybe 2 quarts 10/30, 2 quarts 30 hd and 2 quarts mobil 1. Joe

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Good 4 U! You have a life!! [ July 17, 2003, 11:50 PM: Message edited by: KCDoug ]

 

[Terry]

Each one of you poor disturbed people need to get yourselves over to the OAA, and check in on that thread. OAA = oil analyzers anonymous You all got it baaaaaad.