Why does oil have different weights?
For example, a 5W- motor oil will flow better at lower temperatures than a 15W- motor oil. The higher number, following the “w” refers to hot weather viscosity, or how fluid your oil is at hot temperatures. The higher the number, the thicker the oil at a specified temperature.
Why does motor oil come in different viscosities?
Engine oil viscosity refers to how easily oil pours at a specified temperature. Thin oils have lower viscosity and pour more easily at low temperatures than thicker oils that have a higher viscosity. Thin oils reduce friction in engines and help engines start quickly during cold weather.
Is mixing 5W30 with 10W30 bad?
Can you mix 5W30 and 10W30? The simple answer is YES; you can mix the two oils; not just because they have the same weight, but because it is safe to mix two different engine oils. However, we do not encourage the mixing of motor oils. Because the act does not guarantee any advantage over using one type of oil.
Why do you put weight on motor oil?
Explain Motor Oil Weights. by Sam Adams. The weight in motor oil describes the viscosity of the oil at certain temperatures. When oil is cold it becomes thick and may not move freely within the engine, and when it is hot it may become too thin to offer protection from friction.
What’s the difference between high and low viscosity motor oil?
A liquid with low viscosity flows easily, while a high viscosity liquid resists flowing. The Society for Automotive Engineers (SAE) has developed a system for rating motor oil viscosity. The SAE viscosity scale runs from 5 to 50, with larger numbers indicating higher viscosity. For example, SAE 10 motor oil is runnier than SAE 20.
What happens when you mix two engine oil?
While the viscosity of the mixture may result in an engine oil somewhere in the SAE 40 range, where the “W” (winter viscosity) will end up is anyone’s guess. Again, different chemistry can be used to “build up” the viscosity of an engine oil, so mixing two from different viscosity ranges is not likely going to deliver the result that you desire.
Can you mix two different motor oil weights?
Answer: Mixing two different motor oil weights to make your own custom viscosity does not work quite as simply as it sounds. There a couple of unknowns and even some potential complications that have to be considered.
When to use heavier or lighter motor oil?
A higher number denotes a thicker oil. Before the 1950s, single-grade engine oils were used. Drivers would use a lighter weight during the summer and a heavier one during the winter. But as cars evolved, got more powerful and ran hotter, single-grade oils were no longer adequate.
Answer: Mixing two different motor oil weights to make your own custom viscosity does not work quite as simply as it sounds. There a couple of unknowns and even some potential complications that have to be considered.
What happens if I use the wrong weight of oil?
Not only that, but the engine will waste energy pumping the thicker motor oil, reducing fuel economy. Since thicker oils don’t transfer heat as well as thinner oils, operating temperatures will increase, too, possibly leading to accelerated chemical break down and harmful sludge and deposits.
Why do they call it the oil weight?
Oil weight can be a confusing term. This is partly because “weight” doesn’t actually refer to how a particular lubricant tips the scales.