When buying oil for your car engine, there are a few things you should consider, and one of them is the type of oil. Whether synthetic, semi-synthetic, or mineral grade, you should identify the best option following advice from your mechanic or the car’s manufacturer.
Mineral oils, also commonly referred to as conventional oils, are more appropriate for many car engines. They are mostly found and used in temperate regions.
The semi-synthetic is a more affordable mix of the two, mainly for those who find the pure synthetic blend costlier. At the same time, synthetic oils are products optimized for increased performance. They are primarily for newer high-performance and modern engines and vehicles.
OW-20 is a motor oil that is becoming more and more popular for use in many types of vehicles. If you are considering using this oil, you may want to know if it has all the convenient features to qualify as synthetic.
Are All OW-20 Oils Synthetic?
From all indications, the 0W-20 oil is synthetic. It is a highly refined oil and sells synthetic or semi-synthetic oil.
The ow20 cannot be classified as a conventional (mineral) oil because its base and additives must be thin and volatile enough to keep its low viscosity while protecting and keeping the engines adequately lubricated.
Synthetic oil and its blends are the most commonly used oil presently. The demand for this oil has increased because it works better for a broader range of vehicles and engine conditions. The oil also helps maintain optimal performance for a longer time. This is especially true for newer and more advanced engines.
However, not all OW-20 oils are the same. There are different brands available in the market. Each brand stands out in terms of different grades and quality. They, however, perform the same functions when put into engines.
What Does OW-20 Oil Mean?
OW-20 is a code with each letter and number indicating the functioning capacity of the oil.
The ‘O’ refers to the flow viscosity of the oil at the point it begins work. This viscosity level is measured when the engine’s temperature is still low.
Also, the 20 refers to the flow viscosity of the oil when the engine’s temperature increases. And the standard viscosity is maintained when your engine operates in conditions such as 212 degrees in Fahrenheit.
The W in the name stands for winter, and this name connotes its ability to withstand low temperatures without freezing.
In this case, up to 0 degrees Fahrenheit, with worries about the oil thickening.
Essentially, it is a mixture of high-quality synthetic and light base oils and potent additives in the form of viscosity modifiers.
Also, OW-20 oil is a general name for the oil category, not a particular oil brand. Some popular oil brands that produce this grade of engine oil are Mobil, Pennzoil, Castrol, Amsoil, Royal Purple, etc.
Before purchasing it, always check the packaging to confirm the type of oil, either fully synthetic or partial synthetic.
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What Type of Oil is OW-20?
It is an SAE oil that is thin and therefore very fluid, so no worries about friction. Thus, it can work in extreme conditions like freezing temperatures without freezing.
The oil has universal properties with a good performance even when the temperature is high. However, it may not perform very well when providing the best protection for your engine in high temperatures. This disadvantage is due to the oil’s thinness.
Uses of OW-20
Many major automobile brands like Honda, Toyota, etc., identify OW-20 as the preferred oil for many engines.
While using other less viscous oils once or twice may not affect your car, it is detrimental in the long term. OW20 works well for modern vehicles, but there are limitations of use.
An example of this limit is in engines that function at very high temperatures like aviation vehicles. The oil is unsuitable for such engines.
The vehicle’s manual that instructs you on how to use OW-20 may also contain clauses to enlighten you about the need to use thicker oils when necessary. For example, if you will be carrying heavier weight and or moving at high speed for a period, you should use thicker oils. However, when you can start driving under normal conditions, we recommend switching back to OW-20 immediately.
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Benefits of Using OW-20 Oil
While conventional oils may work just fine, synthetic oil is better as it provides overall better performance and long-term protection.
There are many benefits to using OW-20 oils for your car engine, and ultimately the most notable is how it supports vehicular mobility.
- Excellent Lubrication: The primary function of your oil is lubrication. The oil has very low viscosity; thus, it can easily reach all nooks and lubricate your engine parts. With the fast lubrication, you have fewer worries about friction and its associative effects, which cause wear and tear in your engine.
- Engine Efficiency: There is better engine efficiency and fuel economy with adequate and fast lubrication than with oils with a higher viscosity. Essentially, your engine works better and lasts longer.
- Reduce Waste Deposits in Engine: Synthetic oil has fewer impurities which help prevent deposits like sludge from gathering in your engine. The oil keeps the engine parts cleaner. An additional benefit is that there are lower chances of engine corrosion.
Is OW-20 Suitable For My Car?
Using the wrong oil for your car affects the engine life negatively in the long run. Carefully weighing and deciding the type of oil you use is helpful. It can save cost because your engine uses fuel more efficiently, and good oil reduces the rate of engine repair.
Manufacturers will always indicate the type of oil the vehicle you purchase needs nine times out of ten. Always check the manual or car hood to know their recommendation. If you are still unsure or unable to find the information, consulting your mechanic is a great way to decide which oil is best for your car’s engine.
OW-20 oil holds up much longer in the tank before you need to change it. Sometimes you can wait from 6 months to 12 months before doing an oil change. This interval also depends on how much you use your vehicle every day.
The manufacturer will state how long to wait before oil change in their manual. Nonetheless, a general point of reference is from 7000 – 15000 miles of accumulated mileage on the oil.
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Conclusion
Conclusively, OW-20 is always synthetic, either partially or fully. This attribute is due to its properties and application, which the conventional or mineral oils do not adequately have.
It works great in normal conditions, does very well under extremely cold conditions, and is relatively reliable at very high temperatures. Using this engine oil guarantees benefits for your car’s engine. It is cost-effective, allowing you to save money. The oil provides excellent and reliable lubrication for your engine, significantly improving efficiency while reducing degradation and fuel consumption.
