What is the lubricant number 5W-30?
author: Ann
2024-08-07
When buying lubricants, have you noticed some numbers printed on the packaging, such as: 5W-30?
These numbers indicate the viscosity of the lubricant, which is called SAE viscosity grade. So how do you interpret the number "5W-30"?
Basically, it means that the efficiency of this lubricant is still good when it is cooled. In countries with four seasons, W means winter. In other words, when the engine is cooled, this lubricant can still achieve a certain efficiency, unlike ordinary lubricants, which need a period of time to "warm up".
Generally, when the engine is running at high temperature, the viscosity of the lubricant will decrease. The ability of the lubricant to maintain a high viscosity at high temperature means that it can better protect the engine.
For Shell Helix Ultra, it is a "40" lubricant, which means that it can maintain a high viscosity when the engine temperature is high, especially when driving a long distance.
It is worth noting that old engines are not suitable for lubricants with too low viscosity. For example, if you use 20-year-old lubricant in a 20-year-old car, due to some gaps in the engine parts, oil with too low a viscosity may not be able to "take" it, resulting in some places not being lubricated. In addition, oil that is too thin may leak into the combustion chamber through the interface, causing great damage to the engine.
On the other hand, too high a viscosity is not good either. Too thick a lubricant will reduce the power of the engine, easily overheat, and consume a lot of fuel?
To ensure that the lubricant you buy meets the needs of the car, it is best to tell the mechanic the age of your car, whether it has undergone major repairs recently, etc. before changing the lubricant, so as to choose the right lubricant and give the car the best maintenance.
These numbers indicate the viscosity of the lubricant, which is called SAE viscosity grade. So how do you interpret the number "5W-30"?
Basically, it means that the efficiency of this lubricant is still good when it is cooled. In countries with four seasons, W means winter. In other words, when the engine is cooled, this lubricant can still achieve a certain efficiency, unlike ordinary lubricants, which need a period of time to "warm up".
Generally, when the engine is running at high temperature, the viscosity of the lubricant will decrease. The ability of the lubricant to maintain a high viscosity at high temperature means that it can better protect the engine.
For Shell Helix Ultra, it is a "40" lubricant, which means that it can maintain a high viscosity when the engine temperature is high, especially when driving a long distance.
It is worth noting that old engines are not suitable for lubricants with too low viscosity. For example, if you use 20-year-old lubricant in a 20-year-old car, due to some gaps in the engine parts, oil with too low a viscosity may not be able to "take" it, resulting in some places not being lubricated. In addition, oil that is too thin may leak into the combustion chamber through the interface, causing great damage to the engine.
On the other hand, too high a viscosity is not good either. Too thick a lubricant will reduce the power of the engine, easily overheat, and consume a lot of fuel?
To ensure that the lubricant you buy meets the needs of the car, it is best to tell the mechanic the age of your car, whether it has undergone major repairs recently, etc. before changing the lubricant, so as to choose the right lubricant and give the car the best maintenance.
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