What does Engine oil viscosity Mean?
Oil viscosity is a term that refers to the thickness of an oil. The thicker an oil is, the higher its viscosity. This means that it takes longer for the oil to flow and it is more resistant to being forced through small spaces. Viscosity is important because it determines how well an engine runs. Thicker oils can cause an engine to run less efficiently, while thinner oils can cause an engine to overheat. The ideal oil viscosity for an engine depends on the make and model of the vehicle as well as the climate in which it will be driven.
There are two ways to measure oil viscosity, kinematic viscosity and dynamic viscosity. Kinematic viscosity is the most common way to measure oil viscosity. It is measured in centistokes (cSt). Dynamic viscosity is measured in poises (P) and is a more accurate measurement of an oil’s resistance to flow.
The ideal oil viscosity for an engine depends on the make and model of the vehicle as well as the climate in which it will be driven. In general, higher viscosity oils are better for cold weather and lower viscosity oils are better for warm weather.
If you’re not sure what oil viscosity is right for your car, consult your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic.
Viscosity tells how “viscous” the engine oil is at a given temperature. However, it initially says nothing about the quality of the engine oil.
- Low viscosity = low resistance to deformation
“Thin viscosity” (example: water) - High viscosity = high resistance to deformation
“viscous” (example: honey)
While engine oil with low viscosity flows more easily and is easier to transport through the engine, engine oil with high viscosity can withstand higher mechanical beslatings.
If you’re not sure what oil viscosity is right for your car, consult your owner’s manual or ask a mechanic.
