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
FranI've made my fair share of mistakes, and if I can help you avoid a few, I'd sure like to try.
Chat with Fran
MaxineI respect you enough to keep it real.
Chat with Maxine
CoachSuccess isn't just about winning—it's about vision, patience, and playing the long game.
Chat with CoachAdd your answer:
Earn +20 ptsQ: What do the SAE ratings on motor oil mean?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
Trending Questions
If your car is declared totaled do you still have car insurance The insurance company has not paid yet.?
Where can someone buy a towing receiver hitch?
What does carreno mean?
What is the oil gas ratio for a Home lite XL-12 chain saw 1966?
Why doesn't the fan come on my v-rod?
Did the people in the car with Lisa lopes survive the crash?
What do you call someone that modifies cars?
What does mg stand for in mg cars?
What is general liability class 12362?
What are the characteristics of home owner's insurance?
Where can one create image quotes?
Does light gray go with black?
You got in a wreck and you are not at fault but you have no insurance Can you still file a claim against his insurance?
Can an auto insurance company cancel your policy after reviewing your credit report?
Where is the use of an ignition interlock device allowed?
1960 humber super snipe?
What do Bully Dog performance chips do?
What is a primary owner and cosigner of a car?
If a car backs into you in a MN parking lot a no fault state and there is no police report can you make them pay?
How wide is the 2009 Jaguar XF?
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.