Saturday, December 7, 2013
What Weight of Oil Is Best for a Four Cylinder Car During the Winter
The location of the vehicle in winter will affect the type of oil chosen during colder months. Hawaii, for example, stays relatively warm all year and therefore there is less need to change oil weight with the season. Consulting the owners manual for the specific vehicle will reveal what the manufacturer recommends (for instance, the owners manual for a 2001 Honda Civic recommends using 5W-20 oil year-round, but 5W-30 is acceptable if 5W-20 is not available).
Numbers and Letters on Oil
The numbers on motor oil show the oils viscosity rating and range from zero to 50. The oils weight is the "viscosity index" on a scale up to 100 degrees Celsius. The lower number, often followed by a W for "winter", corresponds to the oils ease of movement during colder temperatures. The higher numbers correspond the the oils thickness and ability to maintain that thickness even at higher temperatures. Numbers such as 5W-30 have a wide range, from below -30 degrees to over 100 degrees.
Age of the Vehicle
Older vehicles, whose engines have high mileage, are often recommended to use or switch to an oil that is thicker. This will help limit the noise produced by older engines, as well as reducing the overall oil-consumption by the vehicle and prolong its life. The improved lubrication of the engine helps protect it from wear due to long-time use and age.
Regional Differences
Many newer vehicles, less than 20 years old for example, are recommended by manufacturers to use one type of oil year-round, such as the 5W-20 in a 2001 Honda Civic. If the location, however, suffers extremely cold winters (temperatures below -30 degrees Celsius, for instance) local auto parts stores and mechanics will have regionally-appropriate recommendations for oil weights. Not all manufacturers will account for such temperature extremes in the owners manuals so consulting local experts will prove helpful.
Friday, November 22, 2013
What Weight Engine Oil Does a VW VR6 Use
Replacing the engine oil in your Volkswagen VR6 with the appropriate engine oil weight is important to maintain proper engine function. The type of oil you use depends on the weather. Oil that functions well in southern Texas may not be appropriate for winters in New England. By taking into account the temperature and information from your owners manual, you can determine the best oil to use in your car.
Temperature Considerations
Temperature should be a primary consideration when choosing engine oil. If you are going to operate your car at temperatures below 15 degrees Fahrenheit, choose an engine oil with a first weight of 10 or lower (e.g. 10W30, 10W40). If you are going to operate your engine above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, use an engine oil in which the second number is at least 50 (e.g. 10W50, 20W50).
Manufacturer Recommendations
VW recommends engine oil meeting Volkswagens "502.00" engine oil standard. Many oils meet the quality standards for Volkswagens 502.00 standard.
Approved Oils
Before purchasing oil, check the bottle or manufacturers website to make sure the oil conforms to Volkswagens standard. If you have any questions, contact your local Volkswagen dealer.
