How do you know the engine oil model number? Understand the meaning and selection skills of engine oil labels in one article
Among the hot topics about car maintenance on the Internet recently, the issue of engine oil selection continues to occupy a high position. Many car owners are confused about the engine oil model identification. This article will combine the hot data analysis of the past 10 days to analyze the meaning of the engine oil model in a structured way and provide a practical purchasing guide.
1. Basic structural analysis of engine oil models

Oil model numbers are usually represented by a combination of letters and numbers, such as "5W-30" or "SN 0W-40". The following is the ranking of the most searched engine oil models in the past 10 days:
| Ranking | Oil model | Search popularity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 5W-30 | ★★★★★ |
| 2 | 0W-20 | ★★★★☆ |
| 3 | 10W-40 | ★★★☆☆ |
| 4 | 5W-40 | ★★★☆☆ |
| 5 | 0W-40 | ★★☆☆☆ |
2. The meaning of each part of the engine oil label
Take "5W-30 SN" as an example:
| part | meaning | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 5W | Low temperature fluidity | The smaller the number, the better the low temperature performance, W stands for Winter |
| 30 | High temperature viscosity | The higher the number, the stronger the protection against high temperatures. |
| SN | API quality level | The further the letters are, the higher the quality level. |
3. How to choose engine oil model according to climate
Based on the engine oil selection issues that car owners across the country have been most concerned about in the past 10 days, we have compiled a correspondence table between climate and engine oil models:
| climate type | winter temperature | Recommended W value | Typical cases |
|---|---|---|---|
| Extremely cold areas | -30℃ or less | 0W | Three Northeastern Provinces |
| cold areas | -20℃~-30℃ | 5W | North China |
| temperate zone | -10℃~-20℃ | 10W | Yangtze River Basin |
| tropical areas | Above 0℃ | 15W/20W | Hainan, Guangdong |
4. Suggestions on oil selection for different engine types
According to recent hot discussions on automobile forums, different engines have significantly different requirements for engine oil:
| Engine type | Recommended viscosity | API level | special request |
|---|---|---|---|
| naturally aspirated | 5W-30/10W-40 | SN/SP | General selection |
| turbocharging | 0W-30/5W-40 | SP | Need to withstand high temperatures |
| hybrid | 0W-20/5W-20 | SP | Low viscosity and energy saving |
| high performance car | 5W-50/10W-60 | SN Plus | High shear stability |
5. Misunderstandings about recent popular engine oil purchases
Based on social media discussion data in the past 10 days, we have sorted out the three most common mistakes made by car owners:
1.Blind pursuit of high viscosity: Many car owners think that the bigger the number, the better. In fact, they should choose based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
2.Ignore certification standards: In addition to API standards, you also need to pay attention to certifications such as ACEA and ILSAC.
3.Excessive focus on brands: Engine oil performance mainly depends on the base oil and additive formula, not just the brand.
6. New trends in engine oil purchasing in 2023
Judging from recent industry trends, the engine oil market shows the following trends:
1.Low viscosity: Search volume for low-viscosity engine oils such as 0W-20 increased by 35% year-on-year
2.Long lasting: Engine oil products marked with "long-lasting" and "15,000 kilometers" are becoming more popular
3.Electrification adaptation: Engine oils specially designed for new energy vehicles are beginning to attract attention
4.Increased environmental requirements: SP grade engine oil search volume increased by 40% compared with the previous month
Summary:The correct choice of engine oil model requires comprehensive consideration of multiple factors such as climate conditions, engine type, and driving habits. It is recommended that car owners refer to the vehicle manual and make their choice based on the latest industry trends. Regularly changing the appropriate engine oil can ensure that the engine is in optimal working condition.
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