Do you know how to read the grade of motor oil? If not, don’t worry! Mike Patton CDJR will explain everything you need to know in this blog post. The grade of motor oil is an essential factor in determining its quality and how well it will protect your engine. Different grades of motor oil are designed for different types of machines and driving conditions. It is essential to understand how to read the oil grade numbers to ensure you are using the right oil for your vehicle.
Reading the Oil Grade Like a Pro
The grade of motor oil is typically displayed on the container it is sold in. The grading system can be confusing, but we will break it down for you. The most common grades of motor oil are 0W-20, 0W-30, and 20W-50. The first number (0, 20, etc.) is the viscosity grade. The second letter (W) stands for winter and indicates that the oil has been formulated with special additives to help it flow more easily in cold temperatures.
Finally, the two numbers at the end of each grade designation indicate how much heat an engine can generate before its internal components start to wear out. The first of these two numbers, 20 or 30 in our examples above, is the viscosity grade at 212 degrees Fahrenheit. This number indicates how well the oil will protect engine components when hot and operating under load.
The second number at the end of each motor oil grade designation, 50 in our examples above, tells us how the oil will behave at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This number indicates how thick or thin the oil will be when it is cold and sitting still.
So, if you’re looking at a bottle of motor oil that reads “SAE 30,” you know that this particular oil has been designed to maintain its viscosity (flow) in temperatures up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit. In comparison, “SAE 50” oil is meant to stay thick and protect engine components in cold weather up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Which Oil Grade is the Best for Your Vehicle?
It’s important to note that motor oils vary in quality. You’ll generally want to use a higher oil viscosity grade in cold weather and a lower viscosity grade in hot weather.
But what if you’re caught in the middle of a sudden heatwave or unexpected cold weather? Luckily, most motor oils also come with a “multigrade” designation, which means you can use them across various temperatures.
Here’s How to Read a Multigrade Label:
“SAE 20W-50” oil is a great example, as it’s meant to stay thick enough (or “viscous”) in cold weather and thin out when the engine gets hot. This type of motor oil can be used across an expansive range of temperatures, from -30 degrees Fahrenheit to 300 degrees Fahrenheit! Multigrade oils have additives that help them maintain the desired viscosity when temperatures fluctuate.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post helped explain how to read the grade of motor oil. Now that you understand the basics, be sure to schedule a service with Mike Patton CDJR to help you select the right oil for your vehicle. We provide premium services and competitive rates in Oak Grove, GA, with a nationwide lifetime warranty. Thanks for reading!
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