What Is a SAE 30 Oil?

SAE 30 motor oil keeps engines running smoothly.
••• motor bike image by michele goglio from Fotolia.com

SAE 30 oil is a motor oil that has been given a viscosity rating of 30 by the Society of Automotive Engineers, according to AA1Car Automotive Diagnostic Help Center. Motor oils typically have ratings from 0 to 50.

Viscosity

Viscosity is a measure of how well an oil pours at a given temperature. Viscosity is sometimes referred to as weight. A low rating means a thinner oil, while a high rating means a thicker oil.

Performance

Thinner oils perform better in colder weather, especially when starting a car. Thicker oils perform better at higher temperatures. Single-grade oils, such as SAE 30, are thicker than lower grades, and in this case has a viscosity rating of 30 at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius.

Use

SAE 30 oil is typically used for smaller air-cooled engines, like the ones in small tractors, lawnmowers, and chain saws. Most motor oils today are multi-grade oils that will perform well in all seasons.

Related Articles

Difference Between Hydraulic Fluid & Oil
What Is the Difference Between ISO Grades of Oil?
Difference Between J20C & J20D Fluid
Specifications of the E-Z-Go Engine
What Is a Hi-Shear Fastener?
How to Convert cSt to SUS
How to Calculate Asphalt Prices
Advantages & Disadvantages of Rotary Screw Air Compressors
Properties of Natural & Synthetic Rubber
How to Increase the Viscosity of Oil
What Is Inconel?
Hydraulic Oil Density
Properties of Kerosene
Normal Running Pressures for R134A
Facts About Oil Rigs
What Is a Ferrite Clamp?
Does Neoprene Stretch?
Uses of Diesel Oil

Dont Go!

We Have More Great Sciencing Articles!