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OUR BLOG

10/07/2023
With autumn right around the corner, Marland Enterprises in Cazenovia delves into viscosity grades in synthetic oils. Keep reading and learn how to choose the best oil for trucks.





Don't compromise your truck's engine health. Get the best AMSOIL additives and oils online or Call Marland Enterprises in Cazenovia at (315) 727-4645 and learn how to protect your engine and prolong its useful life.

Understanding Viscosity Grades in Synthetic Oil for Trucks

Selecting the correct synthetic oil for your truck is crucial for ensuring its optimal performance and longevity. Synthetic oils offer several advantages over conventional oils, including better lubrication, improved engine protection, and enhanced fuel efficiency. However, to maximize these benefits, it's crucial to understand viscosity grades and their significance in choosing the right oil for your truck.

What is Viscosity?

In motor oils, the viscosity level indicates the oil's ability to flow and maintain a protective lubricating film on engine components. High-viscosity oils are thick and flow slowly, while low-viscosity oils are thin and flow more easily. Viscosity is typically measured at two temperatures: cold and hot.

Understanding Viscosity Grades

Viscosity grades are expressed in a standardized format recommended by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE). This format consists of a single-grade number or a multi-grade number, such as 5W-30. The "W" stands for winter, indicating the oil's cold-temperature performance, while the number before the "W" represents the oil's viscosity at lower temperatures. Lastly, the second number indicates the oil's viscosity at higher operating temperatures, usually 100°C or 212°F.

Importance of Choosing the Right Viscosity Grade

Selecting the appropriate viscosity grade is crucial because it directly impacts the oil's performance in different driving conditions. Using the wrong viscosity grade can lead to engine damage, reduced fuel efficiency, and increased wear and tear. Here's a quick guide on how to choose the correct viscosity grade for your truck:

Follow the Manufacturer's Recommendations

The truck manufacturer provides specific guidelines on the recommended viscosity grade for your engine. These recommendations consider the engine's design, tolerances, and operating conditions. Always adhere to the manufacturer's guidelines to ensure optimal engine performance.

Consider Climate and Temperature Range

Viscosity plays a significant role in cold-start performance. For cold climates, a lower "W" number is essential to ensure easy engine startup and proper lubrication in freezing temperatures. In contrast, hotter climates will require higher second-grade numbers to maintain a stable lubricating film at extreme temperatures.

Understand Engine Design and Age

Newer engine designs often have tighter tolerances and require lower-viscosity oils for improved efficiency. On the other hand, older engines might benefit from higher-viscosity oils to compensate for wear and reduce oil consumption.

Time for an oil change? Dial (315) 727-4645 and have the oil whizzes at Marland Enterprises in Cazenovia determine the right products for your truck. Visit the AMSOIL website to get started on your synthetic oil journey!

Benefits of Synthetic Oil

Synthetic oil is the best for trucks due to its formula and advantages over mineral oils. As a result, this makes them an attractive choice for truck owners due to the following traits:

Better Engine Protection

Synthetic oils have uniform molecular structures, improving lubrication and reducing friction. This property provides better protection against engine wear and tear, extending the engine's useful life.

Enhanced Fuel Efficiency

The reduced friction in synthetic oils contributes to improved fuel efficiency, potentially leading to cost savings over time.

Improved Performance in Extreme Conditions

Synthetic oils maintain viscosity and stability over a wide temperature range, providing superior performance in extremely cold and hot conditions.

Longer Change Intervals

Synthetic oils tend to last longer than regular oil formulas, allowing for extended oil change intervals, which can benefit truck owners with high mileage requirements.

Synthetic Oil Viscosity Grades

Synthetic oils are available in a wide range of viscosity grades, catering to different engine types and driving conditions. Common synthetic oil viscosity grades include:

0W-20

Suitable for modern, fuel-efficient engines in cold climates, offering excellent cold-start performance and fuel efficiency. This grade will come in handy during autumn.

5W-30

A versatile grade suitable for a wide range of temperatures and engine types, providing a good balance between cold-start performance and high-temperature protection.

10W-40

Suitable for older engines or those operating in warmer climates, providing better high-temperature protection.

15W-50

Ideal for high-performance trucks and severe driving conditions, offering robust protection at high temperatures.

Last but Not Least

Selecting the best oil for trucks comes down to choosing the appropriate viscosity grade, so do your research. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations, consider climate and temperature ranges, and understand your engine's design to make an informed decision.

Prevent costly breakdowns by feeding your truck with AMSOIL's Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil! Stop by the AMSOIL online store or call Marland Enterprises in Cazenovia at (315) 727-4645 to keep your truck running smoothly.