Engine Oil Grades: Uncovering the Different Types and Their Role in Performance
If you think all engine oils work the same way and can be used in any vehicle, you are mistaken. The reality is that each vehicle needs the right and specific engine oil to work at its best. There are many grades of engine oil used for different cars. But why, and what are engine oil grades? Here is a simple guide on engine oil grades. In this blog, we will shed light on this topic and learn about the different types of engine oil grades and their role in performance. You will also learn the smart ways to help you select the best engine oil to maximize performance.
What Are Engine Oil Grades?
Engine oil grades explain the extent of their viscosity at different temperatures. If you drive your car early in the morning when it is cold, you require oil with high flow capacity. However, the oil must still be thick enough to lubricate engine parts under high-temperature or high-speed conditions.
Various engine oils are manufactured by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). If you work in the automotive industry, you might have seen numbers such as 5W-30 or 10W-40 oil on the packaging. These figures indicate how the oil performs at varying temperatures. The first figure with the "W" represents winter. It indicates how the oil runs in freezing temperatures. The second figure indicates how thick the oil remains when the engine warms up.
Engine Oil Grades List
There are different grades of engine oil. They all do their best in the given weather and with the given engines. Some of the most popular grades are:
The second number, without any alphabet, indicates the viscosity of oil. An oil with 10W-40 is more likely to offer better protection at higher temperatures than 10W-30.
5W 30 Oil
One of the most common oils is 5W-30 oil. The oil is a good performer in cold and warm conditions. It flows nicely when you are starting the car on a chilly morning. It thickens well enough to lubricate your vehicle as the temperature rises. Most automobile brands suggest using this oil in new engines as it provides satisfactory flow and protection. 5W-30 oil starts the engine quickly and protects it from wear. It also plays an important role in the conservation of fuel. This grade is optimal for most cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks.
10W-40 Oil
10W-40 oil is thicker than 5W 30 oil. It is optimal for older engines or for engines that operate at high temperatures. The 10W is that it operates slightly slower in cold temperatures. But it operates well in cold places. The 40 means it has high viscosity at high temperatures, which helps keep engines from being used too hard. Many use it on trucks that tow trailers or travel long distances. If your engine leaks or burns oil, a thicker variety like 10W-40 oil can be helpful.
How to Understand Engine Oil Grades
You may ask yourself, how can one understand engine oil grades when you are not a car enthusiast? The trick is to consider your needs, such as the vehicle, as well as the driving conditions. If you live in a cold climate, select a grade with a low W number like 0W or 5W. If you live in a hot environment or have an older engine, choose one with a higher last digit, like 40 or 50.
Your owner's manual is the best guide; it suggests the best engine oil grades for your vehicle. Read carefully if you want the best engine life and fuel mileage. These numbers aren't random; instead, they're tried and tested by professionals. They tell us about the oil's flow when it's -30°C and its weight when it's 100°C. So when you hear someone say 10W-40 oil, you know it flows as a 10-grade oil in cold temperatures and protects as a 40-grade oil when it's warm.
Can You Mix Different Grades of Engine Oil?
One of the most common questions people ask is, "Can I blend various grades of engine oil?" The short answer is yes, but it is usually not ideal. If you're low on oil and have no other option, you can do this because mixed oil is obviously better than no oil. But long-term, always use one grade.
Mixing oils changes the way they flow and lubricate. If you cross-mix 5W-30 and 10W-40 oil, you can get something in between that may or may not be what your engine needs. Always use the grade listed in your car manual. In addition, oil manufacturers add different additives to boost their performance. Combining different oil brands might result in blending with the wrong additives, which might do more harm than good. If a mix is unavoidable, ensure both oils are of the same standard, like API SN or ACEA A3/B4. This minimizes damage potential.
Why do Oil Grades Matter?
Engine oil grades are not just numbers; they matter a lot, especially when it comes to the performance of your car's engine. When the oil is too thin, it cannot protect the engine as it does not flow at all; similarly, when the oil is too thick, it can result in blocking the engine. Lack of proper oil grades is essential as the oils are vital for optimal performance. A person without any knowledge of these grades often ends up choosing the wrong oil, which can even render the warranty invalid.
Modern engines are made with careful attention to detail. They often have strict specifications and considerations, especially when it comes to oils. The right grade assures your engine will start quickly, drive smoothly, and last long. It also keeps the engine clean by trapping dirt and cooling elements.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Car
To find the proper oil, look in your car manual first. It will tell you what grade your engine was designed for. Depending on where you are located and where there are large weather changes, you may need to change engine oil grades seasonally. Viscosity is a key factor in selecting the right oil. In colder regions, oils with low viscosity usually perform better.
At high temperatures, one must pick oils that are thicker and have high viscosity to resist changes in temperature. You can also use regular oil or synthetic oil. Synthetic oil can be designed to work in both hot and cold weather, which is why most modern vehicles require it. Although it is expensive, stats show that it may be worth the price.
The Role of Additives in Engine Oil
Oil grades for engines also contain additives. These unique chemicals clean the engine and prevent rust and oil breakdown. A high-quality lubricant has a balanced ratio of these additives. Additives support the engine grade to the absolute safety level. They have chemicals that prevent foaming, reduce wear, and improve viscosity. Ensure the oil you buy has the proper additives depending on your vehicle's age and mileage.
Why Choose Atlantic Grease and Lubricants
Among the high-quality engine oil manufacturers in the market, Atlantic Grease and Lubricants stand out at the top. Atlantic gives you the best oil for all engine applications with a complete range of Global standard products. Be it 5W-30 oil, 10W-40 oil, or one of the variable engine oil grades, Atlantic provides you with silky-smooth operation, a long life for your engine, and good value.
Their advanced formulas were designed to protect your engine regardless of weather or road conditions. If you're looking for the best engine oil grades, trust the professionals at Atlantic to steer you with proven solutions. Drive confidently with Atlantic Grease and Lubricants!
