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| FAQ #9 | |
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What Viscosity Should I Use? |
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Well, first and foremost, do not overlook the fact that viscosity is not the only criteria critical to proper motor oil selection. You must choose an oil that is matched to your application with regards to it's formulation and design, specifically basestocks and additives used. For example, if you are running a diesel engine, then you had better be sure the oil you choose is rated for diesel engines. Similarly, if you are running a gas engine, then the oil should be formulated for use in gasoline engines. Of course, sometimes, an oil can be rated for both gas and diesel use, as is the case for many of AMSOIL's lubes. However, your oil should meet the minimum API specifications required for YOUR vehicle. For instance, if your vehicle manual calls for an API SL oil (which is a gas engine oil specification), then your oil should specify that it meets/exceeds that minimum standarad (in other words, is should be rated for API SL, SM, ...). It MAY meet other specifications as well, but it MUST, at a minimum, meet the API SL specification. Likewise, if you are running a diesel engine and your owner's manual specifies that you should only use API CI-4 oils, then you should not use an oil that is only rated for CH-4. This is not a recent enough specification. However, if the oil you are considering indicates that it meets API CJ specs, then you're ok, since "J" comes after "I". API specs are generally "backwards compatible", meaning that the CJ spec also is appropriate for use in vehicles calling for CI, CH, CG, CF, etc. (all PREVIOUS API classifications). Moreover, some vehicle manufacturers will specify OEM specific ratings that an oil must also meet. This is more common with European vehicles, but is becoming more common with US manufacturers as well. So, if your owner's manual says that your oil is sto meet BMW specification XYZ123, then you had better make sure that the oil you're considering indicates that it meets that OEM spec. For more information regarding API and other motor oil classifications and how they are determined and used, see the following FAQ: Understanding Motor Oil Classification Systems Getting Back to the Viscosity QuestionIn most cases you can simply go with the manufacturer's recommended viscosity grade. Of course, if you're considering AMSOIL synthetic oils, it is generally very safe to go to a lesser "w" rating than what is recommended by the manufacturer. For instance, if the manufacturer recommends a 10w30 viscosity (and isn't already specifying the use of synthetic oil), then you would be safe to use an AMSOIL 5w30 or 0w30 synthetic oil.Generally (see below for exceptions), if the vehicle manufacturer specifies an XwY viscosity oil (such as 5w30, where "X" is "5" and "Y" is "30"), under most circumstances you should stick with the same "Y" value, but can go to a lesser "X" value to improve cold weather performance and possibly fuel efficiency, if AMSOIL offers one. If the manufacturer specifies multiple viscosities that can be used in your vehicle, almost always you can safely stick to the lowest "Y" value listed and could even go to a LOWER "X" value. So, for instance, if the manufacturer said you could use 10w30 or 10w40 in your vehicle, unless your application falls under one of the exceptions below, you could safely stick to an Xw30 oil (using the lowest "Y" value listed) and you could go with a 0w30 or 5w30 oil safely, even though the manufacturer listed only 10w options. Exceptions to the Above Rule1) If yours is a racing application, please contact us directly so that we can give you more specific recommendations.2) If yours is a heavy duty application where your vehicle is being subjected to EXTREME service such as towing extremely heavy loads, you may want to consider going to one of the heavier recommended viscosities or contact us so that we can discuss your specific needs. 3) If you are not comfortable venturing outside of OEM viscosity recommendations, then, by all means stick with what your vehicle manufacturer recommends. OEM viscosity recommendations will be perfectly safe for your vehicle and will make your selection process easy. Specialized CasesIt is possible, depending upon how you are using your vehicles or equipment, that a more extreme divergence from the OEM viscosity recommendation might be appropriate. However, if you think this may be the case, before making the decision to diverge entirely from the manufacturer's viscosity recommendation, please contact us and find out if this is a wise decision.OEM & AMSOIL Viscosity RecommendationsTo see what viscosities are recommended by your vehicle manufacturer and/or AMSOIL for your particular application, please see the following lookup guides:- Lookup Guide for Passenger Cars & Light Duty Trucks - PowerSport Lookup Guide |
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