Is thicker motor oil better?
Within reason, thicker oil maintains a better lubricant film between moving parts. Some have even used thicker oil in a leaky engine to prevent oil from seeping out. But really, thicker oil is not good for your engine. The best grade of oil for your engine is the grade recommended by the manufacturer.
Why is oil viscosity important to a motor?
Viscosity, or the thickness of the oil, is important because it determines the lubricant’s film strength and efficiency in preventing friction between moving parts. Conversely, if a lubricant is too thin, the film may not be thick enough to prevent friction.
What liquid has the highest viscosity?
One of the most viscous liquids known is pitch, also known as bitumen, asphalt, or tar. Demonstrating its flow and measuring its viscosity is the subject of the longest continuously running scientific experiment, begun in 1927 at the University of Queensland in Australia.
When to use higher or lower viscosity motor oil?
For engines that do not have a recommended weight – winter and colder temperatures, you should use a lower viscosity oil for cold start up. For warmer temperatures, you should use a higher viscosity oil. In addition, motor oil not only lubricates engine parts, but it also cleans acids and silicon oxide from engine parts.
What does the viscosity number mean on an engine?
The term “viscosity” refers to the thickness of the oil and its resistance to flow. A higher oil viscosity number indicates a thicker oil. Where this is vitally important is in an engine’s bearing clearances.
Why are low viscosity lubricants used in cars?
Lower-viscosity oils reduce internal friction since they flow more easily than higher-viscosity oils, improving fuel economy. With fuel-economy standards growing more strict, automakers are leaning toward low-viscosity lubricants to help them meet the requirements.
What happens if I use the wrong viscosity rating?
Also, both oils are the same viscosity once the engine has reached operating temperature. He knows this because the second number in each oil’s viscosity rating (i.e. “30”) is the same. It describes the oil’s resistance to flow at 212ºF, or normal operating temperature. Using 10W-30 instead of 5W-30, however, could make cold starts more difficult.
For engines that do not have a recommended weight – winter and colder temperatures, you should use a lower viscosity oil for cold start up. For warmer temperatures, you should use a higher viscosity oil. In addition, motor oil not only lubricates engine parts, but it also cleans acids and silicon oxide from engine parts.
The term “viscosity” refers to the thickness of the oil and its resistance to flow. A higher oil viscosity number indicates a thicker oil. Where this is vitally important is in an engine’s bearing clearances.
Also, both oils are the same viscosity once the engine has reached operating temperature. He knows this because the second number in each oil’s viscosity rating (i.e. “30”) is the same. It describes the oil’s resistance to flow at 212ºF, or normal operating temperature. Using 10W-30 instead of 5W-30, however, could make cold starts more difficult.
Lower-viscosity oils reduce internal friction since they flow more easily than higher-viscosity oils, improving fuel economy. With fuel-economy standards growing more strict, automakers are leaning toward low-viscosity lubricants to help them meet the requirements.