Explain Motor Oil Weights
by Sam Adams Okea/iStock/Getty Images
The weight in motor oil describes the viscosity of the oil at certain temperatures. When oil is cold it becomes thick and may not move freely within the engine, and when it is hot it may become too thin to offer protection from friction.
First Number
Second Number
Types
Benefits
Using the best viscosity for your vehicle and driving conditions increases engine performance, reduces engine wear and increases fuel efficiency.
Synthetic Oil
References
Writer Bio
Sam Adams has been writing since 2009 for various websites, specializing in gardening, travel and green lifestyles. She graduated summa cum laude from Northeastern Illinois University in 2001 with a major in English and a minor in history.