answersLogoWhite

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

User Avatar

Wiki User

9y ago

Still curious? Ask our experts.

Chat with our AI personalities

DevinDevin
I've poured enough drinks to know that people don't always want advice—they just want to talk.
Chat with Devin
BeauBeau
You're doing better than you think!
Chat with Beau
LaoLao
The path is yours to walk; I am only here to hold up a mirror.
Chat with Lao

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: What do the SAE ratings on motor oil mean?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp