Choosing the right oil viscosity is primarily about following the recommendations of your car manufacturer. These recommendations are listed in the operation manual (service book) and usually take into account the design features of the engine, its operating temperature conditions and the climatic conditions of the region.
The manufacturer specifies the optimal viscosity range, for example, “use 5W-30 or 10W-40 depending on the operating temperature.”
Key factors when choosing the viscosity of an automobile oil:
- Climate. In regions with harsh winters, it is better to choose oils with a lower first digit (0W or 5W) to ensure an easy start. For hot climates, an oil with a higher high-temperature viscosity may be preferable (for example, 10W-40 or 5W-40 instead of 5W-30).
- Age and condition of the engine. On engines with high mileage or wear (increased oil consumption), it is sometimes recommended to use oils with a higher high-temperature viscosity (for example, 10W-40 instead of 5W-30), as they form a denser oil film, which can reduce oil fumes.
- Engine type. Gasoline and diesel engines may have different viscosity requirements.
