Whether you’re an experienced mechanic or a first-time DIY car enthusiast, one of the most important things to consider when working on your vehicle is choosing the right motor oil.
Besides protecting engine components from wear and tear, motor oil helps keep your engine running smoothly and efficiently.
But with so many options on the market these days, it can be difficult to know which type of oil is best suited for your car.
In this article, I’ll answer that question – what is the thickest motor oil?
I’ll take a look at viscosity ratings, synthetic vs mineral oils, additives found in various products as well as recommendations about which type of motor oil will perform best in different vehicles and driving conditions.
Quick Answer: The thickest motor oil on the market is 40W-70. The number before the “W” stands for winter weight, which indicates viscosity or thickness of the fluid at cold temperatures. The higher the number after the “W”,the thicker and higher viscosity oil you have, meaning it can handle greater wear and tear between lubrication intervals.
How Does Viscosity Affect Performance?
Motor oil viscosity refers to how thick or thin the oil is at different temperatures. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has developed a grading system to classify the viscosity of motor oil.
The numbers start at 0 and go up to 50, where 0 represents the thinnest oil and 50 represents the thickest oil. The viscosity of oil tends to change depending on the temperature, with the oil becoming thinner as it gets hotter and thicker as it cools down.
The choice of motor oil viscosity can affect how well your vehicle performs. Choosing a motor oil with the wrong viscosity can cause damage to the engine.
A motor oil that is too thin can fail to provide sufficient protection against engine wear and tear. On the other hand, motor oil that is too thick can impede the engine’s performance, causing it to work harder and consume more fuel.
Additionally, a motor oil’s viscosity affects how well it lubricates and protects engine components, such as the piston rings, bearings, and camshaft. It also affects the engine’s ability to start in cold weather conditions.
Thicker oil in colder temperatures can make it harder for the engine to start, while thinner oil can cause increased wear on engine components.
What are the benefits of using the thickest motor oil?
Using the thickest motor oil can have some potential benefits in certain situations. However, it’s important to note that the viscosity of motor oil should be chosen based on the manufacturer’s recommendations for your specific vehicle. Here are five potential benefits of using the thickest motor oil:
Motor Protection:
The thickest motor oil offers the best protection to your engine by lubricating its parts effectively.
Thick oil creates a barrier between moving parts, significantly reducing friction, wear, and tear of internal engine components.
Regular use of the thickest motor oil ensures that your engine is adequately shielded from contaminants, keeps it cooler and prevents overheating.
It is, therefore, essential to use an oil with the right viscosity index for your vehicle’s engine to ensure optimal protection.
Prevents Oil Burning:
If you have been experiencing problems with oil passing through the piston rings or the valve seals, then using the thickest motor oil is the best solution.
The oil’s thick consistency ensures that it stays in place, giving your engine adequate lubrication.
Unlike thinner oils that may burn off quickly, the thickest motor oil is known to remain in the engine for a longer period, reducing the risk of oil consumption.
Improves Fuel Economy:
Yes, you read that right! Thick oil can help boost your car’s fuel economy. You may be wondering how?
When you use the thickest motor oil, it can significantly reduce friction and wear, making it easier to move the engine parts.
As a result, the engine can operate much more efficiently, requiring less energy to perform optimally.
When the engine uses less fuel, you will save money at the fuel pump, and your vehicle’s CO2 emissions will decrease.
Better Engine Cleaning Ability:
One of the most significant benefits of using the thickest motor oil is its ability to clean the engine’s internal parts.
Thick oil can dislodge and carry away dirt and debris that smaller particles of thin oil cannot remove.
The engine will, therefore, remain clean, reducing the chances of wear and tear and enhancing its longevity.
Thick oil can also help prevent sludge formation, which is a gummy substance that can damage your engine.
Temperature resistance:
Thick oil has a high heat tolerance, making it perfect to use in high-performance engines.
It is capable of maintaining its consistency in extreme temperatures, reducing the likelihood of engine overheating, and ensuring optimal performance.
Thick oil can withstand high-engine operations ensuring that your engine does not seize or suffer any damage.
Final Verdict
The right motor oil viscosity can make a huge difference in how your vehicle performs.
Using the thickest motor oil offers a range of benefits, including better engine protection, improved fuel economy, better cleaning ability, and temperature resistance.
However, it is best to always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for your specific vehicle and select an oil with the right viscosity.
The thickest motor oil available in the market is the 70W, while the SAE90 gear oil is a lubricant designed specifically for manual transmissions, differentials and transfer cases.
It has a high viscosity and heavier weight than motor oil. Choosing the wrong motor oil can cause damage to your engine, so make sure you get the right oil for your needs.
FAQs
Why would I want to use a thicker motor oil?
Thicker motor oil can provide several benefits, including better protection against wear and tear, reduced oil consumption, and increased performance and durability in high-stress situations. However, it’s important to choose the right viscosity for your engine and driving conditions, as a thicker oil can also negatively impact fuel efficiency and cold weather performance.
What are the drawbacks of using a thicker motor oil?
Using a thicker motor oil can have several drawbacks, including reduced fuel efficiency, increased engine drag, and reduced performance in cold weather. Thicker oils may also take longer to circulate through the engine, which can increase wear and tear on the engine over time.
How do I choose the right viscosity for my engine?
Choosing the right viscosity for your engine depends on several factors, including the manufacturer’s recommendations, your driving conditions, and the age and condition of your engine. It’s important to consult your owner’s manual or a qualified mechanic to determine the right viscosity for your vehicle.
Can I mix different viscosities of motor oil?
It’s generally not recommended to mix different viscosities of motor oil, as this can alter the oil’s properties and reduce its effectiveness in protecting your engine. If you need to top up your oil between oil changes, it’s best to use the same viscosity and brand of oil that’s already in your engine.
