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Difference between revisions of "What Motor Oil Should You Use?"
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What Motor Oil Should You Use? (edit)
Revision as of 22:59, 26 November 2010
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===SAE Weight=== | ===SAE Weight=== | ||
The API donut also tells you the SAE weight of the motor oil. The "weight" of a motor oil is essentially its viscosity, or how "thick" it is. 30-weight oil is less viscous than 40-weight oil. | The API donut also tells you the SAE weight of the motor oil. The "weight" of a motor oil is essentially its [[viscosity]], or how "thick" it is. 30-weight oil is less viscous than 40-weight oil. | ||
In multi-weight oils, such as 10W-40, the first number is the oil's "weight" at low temperatures, and the second number is the oil's "weight" at high temperatures. Multi-weight oils have mostly displaced single-weight oils in the market place because they give better lubrication at start-up, especially in cold weather, than single-weights, and yet give the same protection at higher, operating temperatures. | In multi-weight oils, such as 10W-40, the first number is the oil's "weight" at low temperatures, and the second number is the oil's "weight" at high temperatures. Multi-weight oils have mostly displaced single-weight oils in the market place because they give better lubrication at start-up, especially in cold weather, than single-weights, and yet give the same protection at higher, operating temperatures. | ||
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*Trace metals - indicates how an engine is internally wearing. Most helpful when repeated test are done. | *Trace metals - indicates how an engine is internally wearing. Most helpful when repeated test are done. | ||
*Particulate - indicates how well the oil filter is performing | *Particulate - indicates how well the oil filter is performing | ||
*Fuel & glycol - can indicate a leaking head gasket or worn rings | *Fuel & glycol - can indicate a leaking [[head gasket]] or worn rings | ||
*TBN (Total Base Number) - indicates how well the additive package is holding up. Helps determine if the motor oil is being used for too long, or could be used longer. | *TBN (Total Base Number) - indicates how well the additive package is holding up. Helps determine if the motor oil is being used for too long, or could be used longer. | ||
*Viscosity - indicates how well the oil is holding up. Helps determine if the motor oil is being used for too long, or could be used longer. | *Viscosity - indicates how well the oil is holding up. Helps determine if the motor oil is being used for too long, or could be used longer. | ||
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[Category:Advice] | [[Category:Advice]] | ||