How is oil rated

Your browser is outdated, this can have a negative effect on the user experience. Download Google Chrome. SAE 5W SAE 10W What do these numbers mean? Share me facebook-icon-boxed-yellow whatsapp-icon-boxed-yellow linkedin-icon-boxed-yellow. Whereas the labeling on the bottle of engine oil may suggest the product is a 5W, note, if there is no "W" between the 5 and the 30 it may not be a 5W As an example, a is not the same as an SAE 5W Although it might appear complicated to understand at the start, it is really a simple system to get your arms around.

So if you buy an engine oil meeting only API SA, it's an engine oil formulated for use in vehicles built in the s. And SA is not hard to find mixed in with SN on the shelves at c-stores and others. Also, don't let price guide you. The program certifies that an oil meets certain Original Equipment Manufacturer OEM quality and performance standards. The labels include two important pieces of information to determine if an engine oil is appropriate for use in your vehicle.

Today, the most common grades are 5W and 10W Although the majority of vehicles currently on the road in the US specific the use of motor oils meeting a specific API Service Category, some vehicle manufacturers require use of lubricants that meet the original equipment manufacturer's OEM specifications.

Click for more about the dexos specification. Always check the labels on the motor oils purchased to assure they include any OEM specifications required in your vehicle.

Read the labels on the oils you buy, ask questions when you have your oil changed and read your car owner's manual. The Petroleum Quality Institute of America is able to serve buyers and consumers of lubricants in part through the support of lubricant manufacturers, marketers, and others.

Please contact us at the link below if you too would like to sponsor PQIA's efforts to help assure the quality of lubricants in the marketplace.

Click here to contact us about how you can help supporter PQIA's efforts or call us at The Petroleum Quality Institute of America The independent resource for information and insights on the quality and integrity of lubricants in the marketplace. Cleans out Sludge Engine oil plays an important role in making sure the engine block is clean and free from residue. If the engine sludge is not properly removed, this could lead to blockage.

Inhibits corrosion and oxidation Another function of engine oil is preventing corrosion. Motor oil protects the cylinder blocks from rust. So now we know that the engine oil is essential for the smooth running of the engine. Yes, different engines require different engine oils to function and operate normally. The car manufacturer recommends the engine oil based on the parameters of your car.

You ought to know the grade of the engine oil your car needs as well. This will help you get the best performance from your motor. A good oil will also increase the lifespan of the engine. Know This! Engine oils have got different grades. SAE has graded them based on their viscosities. Viscosity is the quantity expressing the internal friction of the fluid. Different engine oils have different viscosities at room temperature. They also react differently to temperature changes. The engine oil grade is in the form of an alpha-numeric code.

Engine Oil Grading The 10W engine oil will have a better flow than the 10W engine oil at normal operating temperature. Before you go ahead and purchase any engine oil, know what type of oil your hatchback, sedan or SUV requires.

It is essential to understand what goes into your car. This is after all the deciding factor that ensures that the engine runs smooth, slick and efficient. This is the crudest kind of engine oil. Mineral Engine oil is considered as the genesis that paved the way for modern engine oils. Mineral oil is essentially refined petroleum oils which undergo treatment to function under a wide range of temperatures. Besides, mineral oil is cheaper in the market compared to the other two varieties.

Nowadays, we use mineral oils in older vehicles and motorcycles. The biggest problem with mineral oil is that they offer little to no lubrication and protection against friction-induced heat. Also, they perform very inefficiently in colder temperatures. They are also much susceptible to breakdown during high-temperature uses. Mineral oil requires more frequent replacement as well.

This positions itself right in between the territory of Mineral and Full Synthetic oil. Semi-Synthetic oil offers the affordability of mineral and the performance of synthetic. This kind of engine oil provides as much as three times the protection compared to mineral oils. Semi-synthetic oil is also known as synthetic blend oil.