5W30: decoding of engine oil encoding

All automobile motor oils are divided into three categories: petrol, diesel and universal. They are also divided into all-weather, winter and summer. But to what class they belonged, the main characteristic for the oil remains one - viscosity. It is from this parameter that the level of distribution of a given fluid on the friction surface of engine parts depends. We can say that the resource of the engine's internal combustion depends more on the viscosity, so today we will devote a separate article to this point. Today you will learn what viscosity is, and get acquainted with a concept like decoding of engine oil 5w30.

What is viscosity?

The main function of this fluid is to prevent friction of the moving parts inside the motor "to dry". Also, the oil provides a minimum frictional force, while maintaining the maximum tightness of the working cylinders.

It is worth noting that the characteristics and lubricating properties of this fluid can vary significantly depending on the temperature of the engine itself. By the way, those motor temperature data, which are displayed on the instrument's scale, can significantly differ from the oil heating level. And it does not appear on the instrument panel in the cabin. Depending on the intensity of the ICE, this substance is capable of heating up to 140-150 degrees Celsius (and this despite the fact that the operating temperature of the engine will be 90 degrees!). But under such conditions the viscosity of the liquid can differ significantly from the initial one.

That is why, in order to ensure the longest service life and minimum friction on the walls of the cylinders, each car requires its own type of oil, recommended by the automaker.

The very parameter of viscosity is very important for the machine, because it depends on the ability of the liquid to remain on the surface of engine parts for a long time. But this parameter, as we noted earlier, can significantly differ for a different temperature range. But how then to understand what viscosity should the oil have in the ideal? Fortunately, a solution to this problem was found in the American Association of Automotive Engineers (SAE), which developed a classification of automotive oils for viscosity. In other words, this system gives us the range of temperatures at which the operation of the ICE is safe provided that the lubricant manufacturer has allowed it with such parameters to be used in this engine.

Explanation of the oil marking

5W30, 14W-40 - such ciphers are found absolutely on each label with a lubricant. What do they mean?

In fact, any labeling of such a product will include several numbers separated by the letter W and a dash. In our case, the interpretation of engine oil 5w30 indicates that this fluid is all-season - the most popular among motorists. Identify all the detailed characteristics is very simple. Consider this for the example of an oil 5w30.

Deciphering 5W tells us about the low-temperature viscosity of the product, which allows a cold start of the car at a temperature of minus 35 degrees Celsius. This is determined as follows - from the figure that stands before the value of W, we subtract 40. The resulting number and will be the minimum oil temperature at which the pump ICE can pump it through the system, not allowing dry friction of the parts inside.

Minimum engine start level

With such mathematical manipulations, it is possible to determine the minimum temperature of the motor's "rotatability". On the example of the 5w30 oil decoding tells us that this parameter is minus 30 degrees Celsius. And it is very simple: from the obtained value of the temperature of the cold start of the motor (in our case it is -35 ⁰ ) we subtract 35. It becomes obvious that with the cooling the oil becomes more dense, and it becomes more difficult for the starter to turn the motor "to cold".

So, we found out what kind of oil 5w30 decryption. Synthetics it or "mineral water" - will depend only on the age of the car. If this machine is older than 5 years, it is better for it to use "mineral water", if younger, then "synthetics".

Pay attention

It should be noted that all the parameters defined above are only averaged for the car. Deciphering (oil 5w30 including) gives approximate data. The actual values depend on the characteristics of the engine itself, so when choosing the oil, do not turn a blind eye to the manufacturer's recommendations.

Temperature features

In most cases, modern manufacturers of motor oils allow their operation at a temperature of no more than minus 20 degrees Celsius. If you live in this climate, it is not for you to make a choice between 15W-40 and 5W-30 oils. The decoding of both allows operation even in the harshest winter. However, if your starter / battery is badly worn / discharged, it is better to give preference to oil 5W-30 or 0W-30. The lower the viscosity, the greater the chances that your starter will crank the engine and run it "into the cold."

High Temperature Viscosity

Another important parameter is indicated after the letter W. These figures indicate the high-temperature viscosity of the oil. In our case for a liquid 5w30 this parameter is equal to 30. This value indicates a minimum and maximum viscosity at an operating temperature of 100-150 degrees Celsius. Unlike previous cases, there is nothing to take away. Note that the higher this parameter, the higher the viscosity of the oil at high temperatures. But in choosing not to be guided by the principle "the more, the better." Again, the optimum parameters are chosen by the automaker itself, and therefore the viscosity index should not deviate significantly from the standard rate. You can find out all the recommendations in the instruction manual.

In what cases does the car require high viscosity?

Many motorists believe that the higher this parameter, the better the engine will behave. In part this is true. Why partly? Yes, because oils with high viscosity are recommended to fill only in sports cars. But this absolutely does not mean that if you pour such a substance into the VAZ, in terms of the dynamics of acceleration, it will behave like "Lamborghini". Moreover, by purchasing oils with high viscosity (one that the manufacturer does not recommend), you only aggravate the work of the engine and increase its load. As a result, the car loses its power, and if the liquid is poured repeatedly, it is possible that soon your motor will be subject only to major repairs.

How often should I change the oil?

Finally, we note the most optimal replacement interval. It is generally believed that the oil exhausts its resource already after 10 thousand kilometers of run. It is at such a time interval that it is best to change the fluid in the car. More lucky owners of cars with HBO: thanks to a more environmentally friendly combustion of gas (no matter whether it is propane or methane), the oil is practically not clogged and maintains its transparency even on 20 thousand miles. Also, you should regularly check the level of its residue in the engine. Do this at least once every 2 weeks. Otherwise, you will not know if it remains at all in the motor, and starting "on dry" can lead to serious consequences, up to a major repair. So take care of your car and pick up the oils correctly, following the recommendations of the manufacturers.

So, we found out which SAE 5w30 decoding, and learned all the nuances of viscosity, as well as the optimal interval for replacing this fluid.