What viscosity is BMW oil?
All newer model BMWs use synthetic motor oil as guided by the owner’s manual and BMW approved oils fall in the 5w40 and 5w30 viscosities.
What is the viscosity of motor oil?
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.
How do you choose the viscosity of engine oil?
Oil gets thinner as it gets hotter. To determine the correct viscosity for an application you need to know the operating temperature of the oil in that application. Engines that run high operating oil temperatures require higher viscosity oil. Engines that run low oil temps require lower viscosity oil.
Why does oil viscosity matter?
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 does oil viscosity numbers mean?
The number preceding the W designates the viscosity at a low temperature, and the number following represents viscosity when the engine is hot. For example, a 10W-30 motor oil means the viscosity is at 10W when the engine is cold and 30 when the engine is hot. Low viscosities are good for cold temperatures.
Which is the correct range for motor oil viscosity?
Motor oil viscosity is a common term we need to understand completely, and it refers to the ability of an oil to flow. The ability to flow is most often selected by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) numbers. The numbers are commonly assigned in ranges of 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50.
What happens if I use the wrong viscosity of oil?
Bottom line…. If you use a viscosity that’s one grade higher or lower than what’s recommended for your engine, it’s unlikely you’ll do any lasting harm. But, to alleviate any concerns about engine protection and your vehicle warranty, it’s best to use the viscosity recommended in your owner’s manual.
What’s the difference between single and multi viscosity oil?
A multi-graded oil is labeled with only the lowest W graded satisfied. The SAE classification for multi-viscosity oil consists of two viscosity grades, such as viscosity SAE 10W-30. The first part of the grade (10W) is the comparable grade of the single viscosity oil that features the oil’s weight at cold temperature.
When to use multi viscosity oil for winter driving?
In variable climate zones, drivers who use single viscosity oils generally change to a higher numbered grade for summer driving and a lower numbered grade for winter. The use of multi-viscosity oils can avoid seasonal oil changes.
What should motor oil viscosity be at 210 degrees?
For example; if you have a SAE 10 motor oil it will flow like a 10W at the colder temperature. But at 210 degrees it will be a SAE 10 giving us a 10W-10 or SAE 10 viscosity rating. Obviously this is good at cold start up, but terrible at engine operating temperature especially in warmer climates.
A multi-graded oil is labeled with only the lowest W graded satisfied. The SAE classification for multi-viscosity oil consists of two viscosity grades, such as viscosity SAE 10W-30. The first part of the grade (10W) is the comparable grade of the single viscosity oil that features the oil’s weight at cold temperature.
Why do you need viscosity in engine oil?
The main requirements for an engine oil are defined temperature-viscosity properties, protection against wear and corrosion, keeping the engine clean, holding particles like soot or abrasives in suspension, yield strength under compression and many more. Temperature impacts the flow properties of engine oil.
What does a W mean on an oil viscosity rating?
When you see a W on a viscosity rating it means that this oil viscosity has been tested at a Colder temperature. The numbers without the W are all tested at 210° F or 100° C which is considered an approximation of engine operating temperature.