Code of Engine Oil

Dear Readers,

As you are aware, water is important to humans and their livelihoods; similarly, Engine oil is essential for an engine. Not only does it lubricate engine components, but it also cleans them and protects them from corrosion.

When purchasing engine oil, you will see numbers like 15W-40, 20W-40, and 5W-30 printed on the containers. This information is crucial for both two-wheeler and four-wheeler owners and drivers. Engine oil usage depends on vehicle operation and weather conditions, such as daytime or nighttime, summer (hot) or winter (cold), and flat or mountainous roads.

Therefore, the specifications of the oil are based on research findings related to these factors. This is why the engine and driving conditions are two crucial factors in determining the right engine oil for your car. Individual oil products are labeled with a range of temperatures indicated in degrees Celsius to specify their suitability for vehicle operation. For instance, oil marked as 15W-40 is ideal for vehicles operating in hot weather. Conversely, in colder climates, using oil with a rating of 5W-30 would lead to better engine performance.

SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) is a global standards organization that grades engine oils based on their viscosities for classification..

The engine oil grade is represented by an alphanumeric code, commonly formatted as XW-XX. Let us clarify what each character signifies.

The "W" stands for WINTER, and the number before the "W" indicates the oil's viscosity at low temperatures, or when the engine is cold. Generally, a lower viscosity means better pumping and flow capabilities in colder temperatures. The number following the hyphen (-) indicates the oil's viscosity at normal operating temperatures, which is approximately 100 degrees Celsius in an engine.

For example, 10W-30. The 'W' indicates winter, while the number 10 signifies the oil's thickness at lower temperatures or before starting the engine.

The lower the viscosity of an oil, the better it can be pumped and flow in cold temperatures. Therefore, in extremely cold conditions and during engine start-up, 0W oil flows more quickly than 5W oil, allowing it to reach crucial engine components such as pistons, valves, and cylinder walls more efficiently.

Whereas the number 30 after the hyphen indicates the oil thickness at normal engine running temperature.

Consider using oils with higher viscosity ratings (like 40 or 50) for better protection against high temperatures.

Next time you need to change your engine oil or are thinking about purchasing oil, make sure to check your vehicle's owner's manual for the recommended oil grade. I hope this article has been helpful to you. Having a basic understanding of this process can instill a sense of confidence.