0W Motor Oil and Viscosity FAQs
Learn about 0W motor oil and viscosity by reviewing these common questions that consumers have regarding both topics.
0W motor oils are the latest viscosity within the motor oil category and are formulated to meet the demands of today’s modern engines. As newer engines are built smaller and running hotter, a thinner weight oil such as 0W provides protection to critical engine parts, while also providing other benefits such as fuel economy and extreme temperature performance. Learn more about 0W oils and their benefits by reviewing our frequently asked questions.
Why Choose A 0W (Zero-W) Vis-Grade Motor Oil?
The first number of a multi-grade oil designates the ability for the oil to be pumped and flow at colder temperatures; the “W” stands for winter. Thus, a 0W oil will be able to flow faster and get to critical engine components better than a 5W or a 10W oil; especially in extreme cold conditions and at engine start-up.
The second number is the viscosity measurement value at engine operating conditions. This viscosity number is crucial for proper lubrication and protection of your engine.
When motor oil was first introduced, it was sold only in monograde varieties, such as SAE-X. Multi-weight engine oils were first introduced in the 1950’s to address the issues of varying temperatures and engine operating conditions. The first number of a multi-grade oil designates the ability for the oil to be pumped and flow at colder temperatures; the “W” stands for winter. Thus, a 0W oil will be able to flow faster and get to critical engine components better than a 5W or a 10W oil; especially in extreme cold conditions and at engine start-up
The second number is the viscosity measurement value at engine operating conditions. This viscosity number is crucial for proper lubrication and protection of your engine. Thus, a vehicle that recommends using a SAE 5W-20 can use a multi-grade oil SAE 0W-20; especially in colder climate regions. Using a lower “winter” weight can help with faster oil delivery, quicker engine warm up to operating conditions and give fuel economy benefits compared to a 5W or 10W motor oil.
0W motor oil was developed to operate in today’s modern vehicle engines, which are smaller and run hotter than older engines. In order to make a 0W motor oil, synthetic base stock is typically required to meet industry and OEM specifications and therefore is available only as a synthetic motor oil.
The benefits of using the correct 0W grade motor oil for your vehicle are faster flow at start-up to reach critical engine parts, faster engine warm up and delivers better fuel economy as compared to higher viscosity grade oils.
Natural gas base oil is used to deliver products with performance suited to blend 0W viscosity grades and to deliver the benefits of low viscosity motor oil, low oil volatility and extreme temperatures performance. Low viscosity realizes the fuel economy benefits inherent within the 0W grade oils whereas low oil volatility and temperature performance are necessary in controlling oil consumption over the oil drain and maintaining long term engine protection.
Yes, our SAE 0W-20, 0W-30 are suitable for use with all current vehicles on the road today calling for API SN PLUS or older specifications. Remember, the second number in the SAE grade (20 or 30) is the critical viscosity required by your engine. Thus, our 0W will give you faster delivery of oils to critical engine parts at start-up and quicker engine warm up to operating temperatures.
The only exception is SAE 0W-16 motor oils. 0W-16 grade oils are specifically designed for engines requiring this viscosity grade and is not suitable for SAE 5W-20 or thicker oil grades.
Within the past decade, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have been tasked to meet the legislated regulations for better fuel economy. OEMs have made huge strides by reducing engine size and maintaining horsepower performance through the introduction of smaller Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection engines (TGDI) and operating on thinner viscosity grades.
The push for SAE 0W-20 and SAE 0W-16 motor oils grades has helped OEMs achieve some of those fuel economy and emission targets.
Pennzoil Platinum SAE 0W-16 and SAE 0W-20 meet and exceed the need of these engine oil specifications. It is designed to meet these fuel economy benefits while offering outstanding performance and protection throughout the oil drain interval.
The benefits of using the correct 0W grade oil for your vehicle are faster flow at start-up to reach critical engine parts, faster engine warm up and delivers better fuel economy as compared to higher viscosity grade oils.
No, if your owner’s manual calls for a thicker oil, you should not use a thinner SAE grade nor use a thicker oil for a recommended thinner oil vis-grade. Using the proper viscosity motor oil will help protect and maintain the performance of your vehicle’s engine. Thus, always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation while your vehicle is under warranty.
**if you have a car that recommends 0W-20, do not use 5W-30 – back # of vis-grade must match or it is a no-go.
0W motor oils (0W-20) are suitable for use in 5W applications because the 20 refer to the viscosity measurement value. That value is the one most critical aspect to match when selecting a motor oil. The 0W or 5W refers to the pumpability in cold temperatures. Therefore, a 0W would flow more easily than a 5W and could be an acceptable substitute. Thus, it is suitable to use a SAE 0W-20 as a replacement for SAE 5W-20 application.
**Offers same protection as 5W but also provides faster flow and better fuel economy.
You should consult your manufacturer’s owner manual to ensure you use the recommended vis-grade to maintain performance of your vehicle’s engine. However, Pennzoil’s 0W motor oils offer the same protection as SAE 5W and gives you additional benefits of faster flow at start-up, enables faster engine warm up and delivers better fuel economy. For example, if your car calls for SAE 5W-20 motor oil you can use SAE 0W-20 motor oil because the second number (20) is the most crucial number and your engine is designed to take into account the viscosity of the motor oil at engine operating conditions.
Leaks are not typically caused by the motor oil. If your engine is experiencing oil leaks, it is likely due to engine wear and cracked or worn seals on older vehicles. To circumvent this issue, Pennzoil offers Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage motor oils in 0W grades which not only deliver unbeatable engine but are also boosted with seal swelling agents that are designed to rejuvenate cracked or worn seals to help reduce oil leaks.
No. Top-off is required when your dipstick indicates incorrect oil level. Pennzoil Synthetics made with natural gas have outstanding volatility control which helps reduce oil consumption and maintain correct oil level.
In order to make a 0W motor oil, it typically requires a synthetic base stock to meet industry and OEM specifications. Therefore, conventional motor oils are usually not offered in a SAE 0W-XX motor oil.
First always consult the manufacturer’s owner manual to confirm the recommended vis-grade to maintain performance of the vehicle’s engine while the vehicle is under warranty. After the warranty period, a car that calls for SAE 5W-20 engine oil can use SAE 0W-20 motor oil because the second number (20) is the most crucial number for suitability. Pennzoil’s 0W synthetic motor oils offer the same protection as SAE 5W and gives the additional benefits of faster flow at start-up, enables faster engine warm up and delivers better fuel economy.
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