Mike Patton Auto Family

Feb 17, 2022
How Do You Read Engine Oil Grades?

Did you know that the grade of your car’s oil may tell you a lot about its condition? If your car’s oil is nasty and gunky, it’s in poor condition. Similarly, a low oil reading indicates that your engine isn’t getting the lubrication required to perform correctly.

 

Motor oil grades are commonly one of the lesser-delved-into details that car owners bother about. Many individuals cannot read them, and even fewer understand their significance.

 

This blog post by Mike Patton Auto Group, serving Glenn, GA, will show you how to evaluate the grade of your motor oil so you can be aware of exactly what goes inside your engine. Motor oil grades are critical because they reveal a great deal about our vehicle and help you maintain your car better.

 

What do the Oil Grade Numbers Indicate?

 

To new car buyers, the oil grade numbers written on the bottle may appear to be a lot of mumbo jumbos.

 

The first digit (0w) denotes that the motor oil is classified as “winter” grade. It means it can survive cold weather conditions without becoming overly thick, allowing your engine to start fast in subzero temperatures. The lower the first number in colder climates, the faster your engine will start, and vice versa.

 

The second number (30) represents the viscosity of the motor oil at normal operating temperatures. 30 denotes a lighter or thinner grade of motor oil. It aids in the easy flow and lubrication even when your engine is running hot, which can reach temperatures of up to 200F degrees Celsius during the summer: the greater this number, the thicker and heavier the motor oil quality.

 

The 20W-50 has a much lower -20 rating, making it suited for cold starting, particularly in extreme weather situations such as 0F degrees Celsius below zero or even colder! However, because the other number, 50, is far greater than 30, it will be less effective when your engine is already hot.

 

Types of Motor Oil:

 

Motor oil comes in different varieties manufactured by multiple brands. Let’s take a look at the three main types of motor oil you’ll find in the market.

 

Conventional: This is the most basic form of motor oil, and it is recommended for vehicles with low to moderate mileage. It does not have the same resilience to wear and tear as other types of oil, but it is also less expensive.

 

Synthetic Blend: This combination of conventional and synthetic oils provides more excellent protection than ordinary traditional oil while being less expensive than full synthetic oil.

 

Full Synthetic: The most expensive but also the most protective type of motor oil, Full Synthetic oil is ideal for cars used for racing.

 

To sum it up, you can call or come to our dealership for an engine oil change or learn more about the type of motor oil your vehicle requires.

 

Our experts at Mike Patton Auto Group, serving Glenn, GA will gladly assist you in the choosing process and answer any questions you may have.

 

Schedule a service today!