PROFI-CAR Dictionary

SAE

Due to manufacture the now resulting possibility oils for specific temperature operations, SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers refer to a union in the U.S.) SAE has defined classes. These have now been introduced in most countries of the world for the classification of motor oils and automotive gear oils. It corresponds to the meaning of this classification, that it makes only a classification of the viscosity. Information on the quality of the oils, their uses and their accessories may not give the division.

In Germany, the SAE viscosity classes according to DIN 51 511 (engine) and DIN 51 512 (gear oils are specified).

Herein are defined:

Temperatures for the viscosity measurement, viscosity values and class assignment. The viscosity is measured at a temperature of 100 ° C with engine and gear oils.  In the engine area, but this is not practical.

Therefore, in Germany, the temperature is measured at 150 ° C in addition. Oils, for which the viscosity limits are set out in the cold state, have in addition the value "W" (winter). e.g. SAE 0W-30.

Conventional viscosity classes are for example:

J300 SAE - Motor

Monograde - Engine Oils
In Monogrades VI will only measured at 100 ° C. Depending on the season or climate zone, an oil change be made in order to ensure sufficient lubrication of the engine. The class specifies a number indicating the lowest possible use of oils in winter temperature and summer oils, the maximum operating temperature. Winter oils will also receive nor the "W" as an identifier for a winter oil.

Viscosity class	Area of application in relation to climatic zone and/or time of the year	Outside temperature
SAE 0W-5W	Winter oil, for nordic countries	beyond -30 °C
SAE 10W	Winter oil	0 °C to -20 C°
SAE 15W	Winter oil	-15 °C to +20 °C
SAE 20W-20	Winter/summer oil,  according to climatic zone	-10 °C to +20 C°
SAE 25W	Winter oil, for mild climatic zones	0 °C to +30 °C
SAE 30	Summer oil	up to +30 C°
SAE 40	Summer oil, for southern countries	+15 to +40 C°
SAE 50	Summer oil, for tropical countries	above +40 °C

Multi-grade - Engine Oils
For multi-grade oils, two viscosity classes are defined which are distinguished by a „W“. The number before the „W“ describes the lowest possible application temperature such as mono-grade oils. The number after the “W”, the summer number, determines the highest possible application temperature. The VI of a multi-grade oil is measured at 40°C and at 100°C.

Viscosity class	Area of application in relation to climatic zone and/or time of the year	Outside temperature
SAE 0W-30	All-season oil	below -30 to +30°C
SAE 0W-40	All-season oil	below -30 to +40°C
SAE 5W-30	All-season oil	below -20 to +40°C
SAE 5W-40	All-season oil	below -20 to +40°C
SAE 5W-50	All-season oil	below -20 to +50°C
SAE 10W-30	All-season oil	-20 to +20 C°
SAE 10W-40	All-season oil	-20 to +40 C°
SAE 10W-50	All-season oil	-20 to +50 C°
SAE 15W-40	All-season oil	-20 to +50 C°
SAE 20W-50	All-season oil	-10 to +40 C°

Motor vehicle gear oils

Single-grade gear oils

Viscosity class	Area of application in relation to climatic zone and/or time of the year
SAE 70W	Special oil for nordic countrie
SAE 75W	Winter oil
SAE 80W	Winter oil
SAE 90W	Summer oil
SAE 140W	Summer oil for specific areas of use

Multigrade gear oils

Viscosity class	Area of application in relation to climatic zone and/or time of the year
SAE 75W-90	All-season oil
SAE 80W-90	All-season oil
SAE 85W-140	All-season oil/summer oi

Note
For motor vehicle gear oils, the selection of the SAE classes is carried out more rarely according to the climatic zone and/or the outside temperature, but rather according to the gear type, like for example change-speed gears, driving axle, planetary hub reduction axle, etc. For this reason, the manufacturers instructions have to be complied with in any case.