Oil's Well That Ends Well (Oil Change Grades and Weight)
July 7, 2024
Changing your oil regularly is one of the most important things you can do to keep your vehicle running well. And knowing the right type of oil to use is also very important.
Engine oil is classified by weight, but it doesn't refer to how much the oil would weigh if you put it on a scale. It refers to viscosity, or how easily the oil flows through the engine. Most engines operate normally at around 210°F/99°C. The viscosity, or weight, is assigned a number by how well it flows at that temperature. The lower the number, the more freely it flows.
Most vehicle engines use what's called a multigrade oil which behaves differently in different temperatures. Multigrade oils have a "W" in their viscosity number that you may have seen on a bottle of oil, something like 5W30. The W stands for winter and shows how freely it flows in colder temperatures.
That means a 5W30 oil will behave like a 5 weight oil in lower temperatures (less viscous or thinner) and a 30 weight oil in warmer temperatures (more viscous or thicker). That's important on a cold day because the oil needs to behave like a thinner oil when you start your engine since it need to lubricate engine components immediately to protect the metal components. Then as the engine warms up, it behaves like a thicker oil to prevent friction among those parts. Pretty neat trick, right?
The type of oil you use can differ depending on what type of climate you operate your vehicle in and how your vehicle is used (carrying big loads, towing, etc.). Your owner's manual contains several different recommendations based on these factors. Your service advisor can recommend the right oil for your needs. Like Shakespeare said, "Oil's well that ends well."
Elite Tire And Auto Care
33729 Plymouth Rd.
Livonia, Michigan 48150
734.427.3100
Need Service?
More articles from Elite Tire & Auto Care
![](/images/tuffy/default_news_imgs/5.jpg)
Getting Off to a Running Start (Starter Replacement)
September 1, 2024
When you start your vehicles engine, theres another motor that makes that whole process possible. Its called the starter, and its a small electric motor that gets your vehicle running. As you can imagine, its quite a chore for a little electric motor to turn over the big engine that powers you... More
![](/images/tuffy/default_news_imgs/1.jpg)
Your Vehicle's Other Power Plant (Alternator Replacement)
August 25, 2024
Your vehicle's engine is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of a power plant. But it has another power source that is vital as well: the alternator. The alternator is what puts out the electricity that powers such things as your lights, power windows, sound system, and na... More
![](/images/tuffy/default_news_imgs/7.jpg)
The Right Oil for the Season (Engine Oil Viscosity)
August 18, 2024
As the temperatures plunge, certain types of engine oil may not flow as easily as they did when it was warmer. Makes sense, doesn't it? Just like molasses gets thicker as the temperature goes down, engine oil does the same thing. So, maybe you're wondering if you have to change your oil as the s... More