Why is it important that motor oil have a very low viscosity?
A lower-viscosity oil that’s thinner and moves easier will create less drag on reciprocating parts as they travel. Reduced drag translates directly to higher fuel economy, and more power at the wheels. The right balance must exist between engine protection and friction reduction.
Would you use an oil with greater or less viscosity in the winter?
Viscosity refers to the oil’s resistance to flow and is its most important property. The lower the oil’s viscosity, the more readily it flows at cold winter temperatures. That means an 0W-20 oil will flow better when it’s cold than a 10W-30.
What causes low viscosity in oil?
Oils operating at extreme high temperatures can begin to crack thermally. The high temperatures can sheer/crack the oil molecules into smaller molecules, which causes a decrease in viscosity.
What does low viscosity oil mean?
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.
What problems can low viscosity cause?
Low viscosity causes wear and friction, which generate heat. Heat lowers oil viscosity, leading to more friction and wear as well as more heat. This is the thermal circle of despair. The accelerated wear shortens machine life, and the heat shortens the lubricant life.
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 kind of motor oil to use in the winter?
The lower the oil’s viscosity, the more readily it flows at cold winter temperatures. Of course, the opposite is true – the higher the oil’s viscosity, the more slowly it flows when cold. That means an 0W-20 oil will flow better when it’s cold than a 10W-30.
What does the viscosity of winter oil mean?
The viscosity of the winter number is tested at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The 30 refers to the viscosity at higher temperatures. This indicates that the oil is thicker at higher temperatures, so it adheres to the metal parts of the engine, protecting them as they operate. This number is tested at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can you use lighter viscosity motor oil in winter?
Motorists sometimes ask if they should use a lighter viscosity of motor oil once winter arrives. Yes – provided your vehicle manufacturer allows it. Run out to your vehicle and fish the owner’s manual from the glove box. Or open a digital copy on your phone. Somewhere in the back you should find the motor oil recommendations.
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 viscosity of the winter number is tested at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. The 30 refers to the viscosity at higher temperatures. This indicates that the oil is thicker at higher temperatures, so it adheres to the metal parts of the engine, protecting them as they operate. This number is tested at 212 degrees Fahrenheit.
The lower the oil’s viscosity, the more readily it flows at cold winter temperatures. Of course, the opposite is true – the higher the oil’s viscosity, the more slowly it flows when cold. That means an 0W-20 oil will flow better when it’s cold than a 10W-30.
Motorists sometimes ask if they should use a lighter viscosity of motor oil once winter arrives. Yes – provided your vehicle manufacturer allows it. Run out to your vehicle and fish the owner’s manual from the glove box. Or open a digital copy on your phone. Somewhere in the back you should find the motor oil recommendations.