What Do The Numbers On Your Oil Can Mean?

Have you ever been to the auto parts shop to get a bottle of motor oil and been overwhelmed by the many options? Don't worry, you're not alone! It might be challenging to decipher what all of those digits and characters on the label signify. But don't worry, we're here to help.

Cumberland CDJR, your friendly dealership in Rickman, TN, will explain what all of those motor oil grades mean and how to choose the right one for your car.

Motor Oil Grades - What do They Mean?

There are two different systems for rating motor oil: the old and the new ones. Fortunately, most of today's oils on the market follow the newer system.

The letters "W" and "S" stand for winter and summer, respectively, referring to how thick or thin an oil is at a specific temperature.

The lower viscosity means that it flows more easily when cold, while a higher number indicates thicker fluid that flows better in warmer temperatures.

Reading an Oil Number:

The number on your motor oil can tell you a lot about what it is and how it's made. Here's a breakdown:

API - The American Petroleum Institute (API) created a rating system that classifies oils into five categories according to their viscosity, resistance to heat, and other properties.

The first letter in the classification (e.g., S, C, and A) indicates whether an oil is suitable for gasoline or diesel engine service.

The second letter (a number between 0 and 40) shows the oil's viscosity grade at 100 degrees Celsius. Lower numbers indicate thinner oils that flow more easily at low temperatures but break down under higher heat. In contrast, higher numbers indicate thicker oils that stay viscous even when hot but don't work as well in cold weather.

The final letter, R, indicates how resistant the oil is to thermal degradation (breakdown).

Look for the following information on your vehicle's product label or owner's handbook.

Understand Motor Oil Reading:

So what do all these numbers mean?

S oils are designed for service in gasoline engines and have a viscosity grade of 0W-20 or lighter. They're perfect for cold weather because they flow more easily at low temperatures but break down under high heat.

C oils are also designed for service in gasoline engines but have a higher viscosity grade of 20W-50. They're better suited for use in moderate climates, ranging from cool to hot.

E oils are designed for service in diesel engines and have a viscosity grade of 0W-30 or lighter. These are ideal for cold weather since they flow freely in low temperatures.

HD oils are also designed for service in diesel engines but have a higher viscosity grade of 30W-50. Moderate climates where temperatures range from cool to hot are ideal for HD oils.

Conclusion:

So what's the best oil for your car? It depends on the make, model, and year of your vehicle, as well as the climate you live in. Consult your owner's manual or speak with an automotive technician from Cumberland CDJR to get the right advice and/or maintenance service for your specific car,

We home a wide variety of vehicles for you to choose from, including Jeep and RAM models in Rickman, TN. You can also look at our website to speak with a sales rep regarding our financing alternatives.