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What does the lubricants viscosity class mean? eg.: 5W-40
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These are SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) viscosity grades that class four-stroke engine oils in relation to their hot and cold viscosity characteristics. These grades are defined as follows: ˇ a winter grade, followed by the letter W, 15W for example ˇ a summer grade, this figure comes after the winter grade, 40 for example The smaller the winter grade number (0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W) the more the oil remains fluid at low temperatures, and therefore the easier it is to start the engine in very cold weather. The higher the summer grade number (20, 30, 40, 50, 60 the more the oil remains viscous at high temperatures (100°C), and therefore the more protection it provides to the motor during strenuous use. Present day engines are designed to operate with a hot oil viscosity of SAE 40. In winter, a cold grade of SAE 15W is ample to provide starting without problems. An oil of SAE 15W-40 is therefore suitable for temperatures ranging from -10°C to +40°C. (refer to the vehicle manufacturer's exact recommendations). The smaller the winter grade number (0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W) the more the oil remains fluid at low temperatures, and therefore the easier it is to start the engine in very cold weather. The higher the summer grade number (20, 30, 40, 50, 60 the more the oil remains viscous at high temperatures (100°C), and therefore the more protection it provides to the motor during strenuous use. Present day engines are designed to operate with a hot oil viscosity of SAE 40. In winter, a cold grade of SAE 15W is ample to provide starting without problems. An oil of SAE 15W-40 is therefore suitable for temperatures ranging from -10°C to +40°C. (refer to the vehicle manufacturer's exact recommendations). |