Explain Motor Oil Weights

The first number in the oil weight represents the oil's viscosity at 0 degrees F. The lower the first number in an oil's weight, the thinner it is at low temperatures. Oil that is thinner at cold temperatures is typically better suited for winter driving.

The second number, the number after the W, represents oil's viscosity at 212 degrees F. The higher the number, the thicker the oil will stay at high temperatures. Thicker oil at high temperatures is better for summer driving.

Manufacturers recommend the best oil for your car's engine and will often give a range of oil to use. There may be one weight of oil recommended for cold weather driving and another for hot weather.

Using the best viscosity for your vehicle and driving conditions increases engine performance, reduces engine wear and increases fuel efficiency.

Synthetic blends and full synthetic oils often have a better low and high temperature viscosity range and usually have other additives that prevent engine wear