What does the W stand for in 5w40?

The “W” stands for “winter,” the number preceding it indicates the oil's viscosity (or thickness) at low temperatures (hence the W), and the number after it indicates viscosity at higher temperatures (150oC on average), when the engine is actually running.

What does W oil stand for?

The first number precedes the letter 'W' which stands for Winter. This measurement is related to how an oil flows when it is cold, such as at engine start-up. The second number is defined by how an oil flows at normal engine operating temperatures. The smaller the number, the better it will flow.

What is W and T in engine oil?

You might be familiar with terms such as “30-weight” or “10W-30” oil. Those numbers refer to the grade. The higher the number, the thicker the oil. The lower the number, the thinner. Thinner oils flow faster than thicker oils, and engineers design engines to work with a certain grade of oil.

What does 5 W oil mean?

The first number (5W) refers to the oil's viscosity when cold, measured at 40°C (104°F). “5W” refers to the oil's viscosity when cold, measured at 40°C (104°F).

What does the W in 5w30 mean?

5W-30 means that this is a multigrade oil. This is indicated by the two numbers separated by a "W" 5W - shows thickness/viscosity of the oil on a start-up - when you start the car (W - stands for Winter, this indicates oil performance under colder engine temperatures when the engine has not been running)

The importance of choosing the right engine oil quality and viscosity for your car or truck - VOTD

Is Thicker oil better for older engines?

A: Yes. This is a practical method to improve oil pressure in an older, high-mileage engine. The slightly thicker oil film from the heavier base weight oil - 10W - can help protect worn engine bearings as well.

What is thicker oil 5W or 10W?

A 10W or 5W is the index for how easily the oil flows in winter (hence the W). A 10W oil thickens more than a 5W. The other number indicates the oil's resistance to thinning at high temperatures.

What does the W after a rating in 5W 20 signify?

w: this stands for “winter,” and is part of the “5” rating. 20: this is the oil's viscosity rating at high temperatures. what this means is that the oil industry scientists, in their labs, have created lubricants that flow better at low temperatures than they do at high temperatures.

What is thicker 5W 20 or 5W 30?

So, due to viscosity, 5w20 is a thinner oil during operating temperatures, whereas 5w30 is thicker during operating temperatures. A majority of manufacturers are now producing engines that operate on 5w20 oil, to which it's important to stick to this viscosity and not substitute 5w30.

What is the meaning of 20 W 40?

The first number “20W” indicates the oil viscosity at a cold temperature, while the second number “40” means the oil viscosity at the operating temperature or hot weather. The “W” stands for winter.

What is 10W-40 oil?

10W-40 10W-40 is the engine oil which offers a 10 weight performance in the cold starting temperature. On the other hand, it provides a 40 weight performance at the normal operating temperature of the engine.

What is 5W 40 oil used for?

5W-40 motor oil

The 5W-40 viscosity is a prevalent recommendation for performance engines in European vehicles with gas-powered engines, and in American diesel pickup trucks. We offer 5W-40 oils for gasoline- and diesel-powered engines.

What does W stand for on SAE 10W grade?

The short answer:The numbers represent the viscosity of the oil and the W stands for WINTER. The long answer:The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has established a numerical code system for grading motor oils according to their viscosity characteristics.

What does the W stand for in 10W 30?

The “W” that you see on oil labels stands for the word "Winter" because this portion of the label shows the viscosity level of oil when an engine is cold. Motor oil that is thinner can flow more easily and faster. This is important because when you start a cold engine, the oil needs to lubricate the equipment quickly.

Is 5w 20 the same as 5w 30?

Key difference between 5w20 and 5w30

5w20 is an engine oil type characterized by its winter rating of 5 and an oil weight of 20 in warmer conditions. It is less viscous compared to 5w30. 5w30 has the same viscosity rating of 5 during winter but an oil weight of 30 during hotter conditions hence it is thicker.

Can you put 10W 30 in a 5W 20?

Notwithstanding the recommendations of the car manufacturer, mixing 10w30 and 5w20 will not cause any sort of harm to the engine. However, a few drivers claim that it is safer to combine two multi-grade or straight weight oils, rather than mixing multi-grade with straight weight oils.

Which is better 5w30 or 5w40?

5w30 can be used by different type of vehicles and in different range of temperatures, but is ideal for colder temperatures. 5w40 is often used in higher mileage engine sand performs better in warmer temperatures.

What's the difference between 10W 30 and 10W-40 oil?

10W40 oil has a higher viscosity, retaining more thickness than 10W30 as the temperature rises. In that case, 10W-40 motor oil would technically provide better protection against engine wear contact in higher temperatures.

What happens if you put 10w40 instead of 5w30?

Your vehicle does not use 5W-30 oil. The recommended oil viscosity for your vehicle, according to Kia documentation, is 10W-40. If you drive the vehicle in exceptionally cold weather, well below 32 degrees, you can use 5W-30 oil but even 10W-40 is still perfectly OK to use if outdoor temperatures are below freezing.

Will thicker oil damage my engine?

It's best to use the oil viscosity recommended in the owner's manual, but using a slightly thinner or thicker oil (lighter or heavier viscosity) generally poses no long-term harm.

What kind of oil is best for high mileage engines?

What oil should I use for high mileage?

Some mechanics recommend switching to a thicker (higher viscosity) oil — such as 10W-30 full synthetic oil instead of 5W-20 full synthetic — or using oil additives to stop leaks.

What oil does a high mileage car take?

If you know your vehicle has received regular oil changes at the manufacturer's Mobil 1™ High Mileage synthetic motor oil is the best choice. Why? This high mileage oil contains a higher base oil viscosity to help reduce leaks and provide better high temperature protection.