How to check engine oil viscosity? ——Comprehensive analysis of engine oil labels and applicable scenarios
Recently, among the hot topics about car maintenance, engine oil selection has become the focus of attention of car owners. Especially when the seasons change, how to choose the appropriate engine oil viscosity based on vehicle needs and ambient temperature is directly related to engine performance and life. This article will combine hot discussion content across the Internet and use structured data to analyze the secrets of engine oil viscosity.
1. The meaning of engine oil viscosity label
Engine oil labels such as "5W-30" consist of two parts:
| Label part | meaning | temperature range |
|---|---|---|
| 5W | Low temperature fluidity (W=Winter) | -30℃ to -35℃ |
| 30 | high temperature viscosity | Kinematic viscosity at 100°C |
2. Comparison of common engine oil viscosity grades
| Viscosity label | Applicable temperature | Applicable models | Advantages and Disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0W-20 | -35℃ to 30℃ | Japanese new car/hybrid | Fuel efficient but weak high temperature protection |
| 5W-30 | -30℃ to 35℃ | most family cars | good balance |
| 10W-40 | -25℃ to 40℃ | German old car | Strong high temperature protection but consumes oil |
| 15W-50 | -20℃ to 50℃ | High-performance vehicles/off-road vehicles | Extreme protection but poor cold start |
3. Three key factors in choosing engine oil
1.climatic conditions: It is recommended to start with 0W or 5W in winter in the north, and above 10W can be used in the south.
2.vehicle age: New cars are recommended according to the manual, old cars can increase the high temperature viscosity (such as 30 → 40)
3.driving habits: For violent driving or long distances, a higher high temperature viscosity should be selected.
4. Recent hot topics of discussion
| Controversial topics | support point of view | Opposing views |
|---|---|---|
| Is fully synthetic engine oil necessary? | Long-term protection, long oil change intervals | Ordinary automotive mineral oil will suffice |
| Low viscosity oil damages engine | New engine with high precision adaptation | Old car oil film is prone to rupture |
| Feasibility of all-season oil | Labels such as 5W-30 have covered most climates | Extremely cold/hot areas require special formulas |
5. Practical suggestions
1.Check the manual: Prioritize following the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations (usually marked on the oil filler port or manual)
2.See certification: Choose the latest certification standards such as API SP/SN or ACEAC5
3.Test drive experience: Pay attention to feedback such as cold start noise and changes in fuel consumption after replacement.
6. New mainstream engine oil product trends in 2023
| brand | new product line | Technical Highlights | Recommended viscosity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mobil | Super gold series | Wear resistance increased by 25% | 0W-20/5W-30 |
| Shell | Pioneer Extraordinary | Cleaning factor upgrade | 0W-16/5W-40 |
| Castrol | Extreme protection DX | Titanium Fluid Reinforcement | 5W-30/10W-60 |
Summary: The selection of engine oil viscosity requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors such as climate, vehicle conditions, and driving habits. Recent industry data shows that the market share of low-viscosity engine oil has exceeded 40%, but experts advise not to blindly follow trends, and the most suitable ones are the best. Regularly checking the condition of the engine oil (color, viscosity, impurities) is more important than simply pursuing a high grade.
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