| Our MDX |
Viscosity of 5W-30,
What does the "5" and "30" mean?
please forgive my stupidity
Thank you
Daniel |
|
|
| JerryinTO |
The 5 and 30 are numbers that refer to the VISCOSITY of the oil, that is the range in which it design for in terms of the lubrication. In other words, how"slippery" it is. A 5w30 is a good winter oil since the 5 refers to the minimum and the 30 is the maximum. For example a 10w40 is a thicker kind of oil, made for use in the summer. There are also 0w20 and 20w50. For most of the season and most kinds of driving, 5w30 is a good choice. If you live in the U.S. south and do a lot stop and go driving, a 20w50 might be a better choice.
J. |
|
|
| jowardb |
| thanks JerryinTO & JimH.. helpful info:29: |
|
|
| Our MDX |
| Thanks a lot, JerryinTO and JimH |
|
|
| frostyra |
| JimH -- appreciate your post; good link. As to Our MDX's query, the simple answer is that the 5W stands for the viscosity (thickness) of the oil in cold weather in a cold engine. 30 stands for the viscosity in a hot engine. The higher the number, the more viscous, or more like molasses; the lower the number, the less viscous, or more like water. Thus, a 5W-30 is thin enough when cold to allow for easy cranking and starting of the engine, and thick enough when hot to still provide a strong lubricating film between engine parts. |
|
|
| Our MDX |
Thank you, frostyra
i finally understand it now.
Daniel |
|
|
| frostyra |
| Always glad to be of help. BTW, I grew up in the heart of the Pennsylvania oil fields, back when there was oil under PA. There still is, but it's economically infeasible to get it out anymore. |
|
|
| Jaybeedee |
This is one of those "everything you wanted to know but were afraid to ask" entries.
Thanks 'Our MDX' for asking, and thanks to the rest for answering!
J |
|
|
| Our MDX |
| nothing to be afraid of asking here at "HOME" right? |
|
|
|
