0
SAE ratings on motor oil have to do with the viscosity of the oil. The viscosity is the oil's resistance to flow, or an oil's speed of flow as measured through a device known as a viscometer. The higher the SAE, the thicker the oil and the slower it will flow.
Oils that have a number like 5W30 or 10W30 have been tested at a colder temperature. These oils will flow at the fist number's rate at colder temperatures and the second number's rate at higher temperatures.
SAE means Society of Automotive Engineers
Still curious? Ask our experts.
Chat with our AI personalities
BeauYou're doing better than you think!
Chat with Beau
EzraFaith is not about having all the answers, but learning to ask the right questions.
Chat with Ezra
SteveKnowledge is a journey, you know? We'll get there.
Chat with SteveAdd your answer:
Earn +20 ptsQ: What do the SAE ratings on motor oil mean?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
Trending Questions
Where can one find a Bluebook for Car Values?
What is the general perception of Honda automobiles?
Are there more than five million crashes that occur in this country every year?
If the safety didn't work on the garage door and it closed on my trunk is that home owners or a car insurance claim?
Whole life insurance convert to paid-up?
What is the firing order for a 1980 Chevy 350 2 wheel drive automatic?
Does auto owners home insurance cover raccoon damage?
What is a monroney label?
Where can one obtain car financing with no credit check?
Where can one see videos of people crushing cars?
What does the rear tail housing do on a 46Re transmission?
Why does the motor jump when you accelerate?
What is general liability class code 91523?
What are the names of some companies that offer car loans if one has bed credit?
How long does it take for a whiplash claim to be settled?
Do air conditioners blow out warm air?
If you are mowing your lawn and the mower hits a rock that breaks a window of a passing vehicle who is responsible for the damage?
Where can one purchase comp insurance?
What is the value on Motors auto repair manual from 1946?
Where is the oil pump on a 2003 PT Crusier?
Copyright ©2025 Infospace Holdings LLC, A System1 Company. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site can not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with prior written permission of Answers.