What do SAE oil numbers mean?
the U.S. Society of Automotive Engineers
SAE number, code for specifying the viscosity of lubricating oil, established by the U.S. Society of Automotive Engineers. The numbers for crankcase lubricants range from 5 to 50, for transmission and axle lubricants they range from 75 to 250; the lower the number, the more readily the oil flows.
What is the kinematic viscosity of SAE 30 oil?
| Engine oil SAE 10W-30 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Mineral based multigrade diesel engine oil | ||
| Property | Value in metric unit | Value in US unit |
| Density at 60°F (15.6°C) | 0.875 *10³ | 54.6 |
| Kinematic viscosity at 104°F (40°C)/100°F (38°C) | 67.5 | 345 |
What is the viscosity of SAE 30 oil at 15.6 C?
6.74 Oil (SAE 30) at 15.6 °C flows steadily between fixed, horizontal, parallel plates.
What is good viscosity for oil?
The smaller the number, the better it will flow. So a 5W-30 will flow easier than a 10W-30 at start-up temperatures and a 10W-30 will flow easier than a 10W-40 at normal engine operating temperatures. This is important, as engine oils naturally thicken as they cool and thin as they are heated.
What is the grade of oil?
Oil grades relate to an oil product’s performance at operating temperature (about 212 degrees Fahrenheit in your engine). You might be familiar with terms such as “30-weight” or “10W-30” oil. Those numbers refer to the grade. The higher the number, the thicker the oil.
Can you mix synthetic oil with SAE oil?
Yes. There is no danger mixing synthetic and conventional motor oil. However, conventional oil will detract from the superior performance of synthetic oil and reduce its benefits.
Can you mix SAE and synthetic oil?
So, can you mix synthetic oil with regular oil? Yes. If it’s something you do only occasionally, mixing shouldn’t damage your engine.
How do I choose oil grade?
While there is a mountain of information about the various oil choices, the first step is honestly quite simple: Look in your car’s manual. The owner’s manual for your car will list its recommended oil weight, whether that’s a standard format like 10W-30 or something more unusual.