any way to test what viscosity of oil is in a car

It’s measured via the Cold Cranking Simulator test, which simulates engine startup at progressively lower temperature settings. Dynamic viscosity refers to the amount of energy required to move an object through a fluid.įor motor lubricants, dynamic viscosity determines the oil’s cold temperature viscosity grade (the “W” rating).

You’d need more effort to stir the honey because it has a higher viscosity than water. Let’s say you first use a straw to stir water, then honey. Dynamic Viscosity (Absolute Viscosity)ĭynamic viscosity (or absolute viscosity) is slightly different from kinematic viscosity. And this value is usually reported at either 40☌ (100☏) or 100☌ (212☏).įor motor oils, kinematic viscosity is usually measured at 100☌ as this is the temperature that the SAE engine oil classification refers to. The high-temperature viscosity grade of oils is determined by their kinematic viscosity (typically tested to ASTM D445). This is because water has a lower kinematic viscosity than honey.

If you pour water into one container and pour honey into another, you’ll notice that water flows faster. Kinematic viscosity is fluid resistance to flow and shear due to gravity. Another important viscosity indicator is the viscosity index. Oil thins out as it gets warmer, so engine oil viscosity refers to how well it pours at a particular temperature.Įngine lubricant viscosity is usually defined through its kinematic viscosity and dynamic viscosity (absolute viscosity). Thick, heavy fluids have higher viscosity (like grease).Thin, light fluids are low viscosity (like brake fluid).Here’s an easy way to think of viscosity: It indicates how thin or thick a fluid is - impacting properties like temperature resistance and lubrication. Viscosity describes how resistant a fluid is to flow. What’s the Difference Between Synthetic Engine Oil and Mineral Oil?.Does Motor Oil Type Affect Oil Viscosity?.What Are Popular Engine Oil Viscosity Grades?.What Happens When Engine Oil Viscosity Is Too Thick?.What Happens When Engine Oil Viscosity Is Too Thin?.And if you’re curious about the viscosity index, we’ve got that covered too, plus several FAQs to help further clarify engine oil viscosity. We’ll discuss how oil viscosity is defined, including the difference between dynamic viscosity and kinematic viscosity. It also affects how well engine heat is transferred. It dictates how oil flows through and coats moving engine parts to keep them from grinding against each other. Viscosity is one of the most critical properties of engine oil.

Any way to test what viscosity of oil is in a car