Motor oil is one of those items that most drivers take for granted. Everyone realizes that their cars need it to operate properly, but few know the differences between oil types. And fewer still understand viscosity ratings. The type you put into your car will have a long-term impact on the performance of the engine and can prevent it from experiencing excess wear and tear. In today's column, you'll learn about viscosity ratings, "straight weights," and synthetics. By the time you finish reading, you'll have a good understanding of which type of motor oil your car needs.
Viscosity Ratings
At its most basic level, viscosity means thickness. The higher the rating, the thicker the substance. For example, water is a low-viscous fluid while syrup is highly viscous. To understand what this means for your car and the engine, consider what happens when you start your car. The oil circulates through the parts, reaches the valvetrain, and lubricates everything. High-viscosities (for example, 20W-40) won't circulate as quickly as those with a lower rating (for example, 5W-30).
In cold weather, thinner solutions are more appropriate. They make starting your engine easier, causing less wear and tear. That said, thicker viscosities are usually better for engines that operate at higher temperatures. For example, a tow truck with a V-8 that operates in extremely hot weather will be better served with a thicker lubricant because it provides extra temperature protection.
What Are "Straight Weights?"
Straight weights are single-viscosity oils. They're not used very often in cars that are sold to consumers, but a lot of vintage car owners prefer them. Straight weights don't have the temperature range that multi-viscosities do. If you insist on using them (and there aren't many reasons why you should), keep a close watch on your engine's temperature. Straight weights include 10W, 20W, 30W, 40W, and 50W. The latter two are generally used for heavy equipment, so don't use them in your car.
Synthetics
The best type of motor oil to use are synthetics. They provide more protection from higher temperatures than straight weights or multi-viscosities and your engine will generally perform better. The only downside is the cost: synthetics are priced at nearly triple the cost of the others. But, if your budget can withstand the hit, they'll provide a significant advantage over straight and multi-weights.
So, which type should you use? 5W-30 is appropriate for most new cars because it's thin and circulates easier on a cold start. However, if you're doing a lot of your driving on the freeway (high speeds equal high temperatures), use a 10W-30. And if you're operating a performance car, synthetics are definitely the way to go.
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