Engine oil differs from one another primarily in terms of viscosity (flow behaviour). We are happy to offer you a variety of different engine oils in a wide range of viscosity classes:

 0W-16 0W-20 0W-30 0W-40 5W-20

 5W-30 5W-40 20W-50 10W-40 10W-60

Overview of viscosity classes

What is viscosity?

– Viscosity describes the flow behaviour of liquids.

Viscosity is about how a liquid behaves at different temperatures. This value is therefore one of the most important physical parameters for determining the possible applications of engine oil, for example. Typical viscosity classes are 0W-20, 5W-30 or 5W-40.

The number in front of the ‘W’ stands for the flow behaviour at cold temperatures. The lower this number is, the thinner the oil is at cold temperatures.

The number after the ‘W’ stands for the behaviour at warm temperatures. The higher this number, the more stable the engine oil is at high temperatures.

What does ‘SAE’ mean for viscosity?

– Stands for the worldwide categorisation of viscosity classes.

SAE stands for Society of Automotive Engineers. This organisation, founded in 1905, specifies the globally valid classification for viscosity classes.

The classification is based on:

– SAE J300 for monograde and multigrade engine oils (e.g. SAE 5W, SAE 30, SAE 5w30)

– SAE J306 for automotive transmission oils (e.g. SAE 75W90)

What are typical viscosity classes?

– 0W-20, 5W-30, 5W-40Viscosity

Engine oils of viscosity classes 5W-30 and 5W-40 are widely used, but engine oils of viscosity class 0W-20 or 0W-30 are now increasingly being used in more modern vehicles. Please refer to your operating instructions to find out which engine oil is suitable for your vehicle.

Of course, we offer engine oils in all common viscosity classes:

 0W-16 0W-20 0W-30 0W-40 5W-20

 5W-30 5W-40 5W-50 10W-40 10W-60

Low viscosity

– 0W-16, 0W-20, 0W-30, 5W-20 Fuel-saving

Advantages:

Engine oils with a low viscosity warm up more quickly at cold temperatures and are therefore distributed more easily in the engine. This reduces clogging in the cold start phase. In addition, these engine oils ensure less friction in the engine, which in turn reduces the power required and can therefore reduce fuel consumption.

Disadvantages:

The advantage of thin fluid is unfortunately also its disadvantage. In older vehicles in particular, where the various seals are getting a bit long in the tooth, oil loss can occur. The seals may no longer be able to hold the thin oil.

High viscosity

– 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-40 Engine protection

Advantage:

Lubricants with a high viscosity can better compensate for high temperatures and continue to provide a stable lubricating film. As a result, your vehicle continues to be optimally protected.

In Racing Sport, engine oils of SAE class 5W-50 or 10W-60 are therefore used. For everyday use, 5W-30 or even 5W-40 oils are sufficient.

Disadvantage:

In contrast to thinner oils such as SAE 0W-20 or 0W-30, thicker engine oils warm up less quickly and therefore do not reach their operating temperature quite as quickly. 

Frequently asked questions

Why are there so many engine oils with the same viscosity?

– Viscosity is not the only difference between engine oil and motor oil

Basically, it must be said that the viscosity only describes the flow behaviour of engine oil and not the ash content, the additive composition or, for example, the anti-corrosion properties. However, as the individual vehicle manufacturers have very specific requirements for the engine oils used, one oil per viscosity class is unfortunately not enough.

We have compared various SAE 5W-30 engine oils here. Although they all have the same viscosity, they differ, for example, in terms of ash content and TBN (indicates how well the oil can compensate for acidification).

Which viscosity is right for my car?

– There is no general answer to this question. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.viscosity

With well over 1,000 models, it is not easy to categorise which viscosity is required for which vehicle. However, clear preferences of the individual vehicle manufacturers can be recognised. Ford, for example, likes to use SAE 5W-20 for its EcoBoost engines, while Volvo favours 0W-20 or even 0W-30 oils. The VW Group also uses SAE 0W-20 oils for its new models. BMW prescribes a 0W-30 or 5W-30 engine oil for many models.

Basically, it can be said that the prescribed engine oils are becoming increasingly thinner and viscosity classes such as 0W-20 or 0W-30 are becoming more common.

When selecting the viscosity, always pay attention to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Even the same models may require a different oil due to the different motorisation.

Can I mix different viscosity classes with each other?

– Yes, you can. But only if both engine oils are approved by the manufacturer.

Engine oils of different viscosity classes can be mixed together. The basic requirement is that both engine oils meet the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements. If the engine is not designed for a thicker or thinner oil, engine damage may occur.

However, it must also be clear that not all properties of the respective oils are retained one-to-one when mixing different engine oils. So if you want to mix a thick engine oil such as 5W-40 with a thin engine oil such as 0W-20, you will lose the good low-temperature properties and also the stability at high temperatures that the 5W-40 otherwise has. If you stick with this example, you will tend to end up with an SAE 5W-30.

What is the viscosity index?

– Indicates the temperature resistance of oil

The viscosity index measures how the oil behaves at 40°C and 100°C. If these values were recorded individually, it would impair the comparability of the engine oils, as two oils sometimes have identical flow behaviour at 40°C but are completely different at 100°C.

However, as both values are taken into account in the viscosity index, a reliable statement can be made about how temperature-resistant an oil is. Oils with a low viscosity index are more affected by temperatures and are more likely to become unstable. Engine oils with a high viscosity index are more stable and less dependent on temperature.