Lubricants | Viscosity of engine oils according to SAE J300

Kinematic viscosity at 100 °C is one of the four specification parameters for engine oils according to SAE J300. Anton Paar’s SVM X001 viscometer series offers the perfect solution for fast, reliable and standard-compliant measurements providing more than just viscosity results.

The viscosity of engine oils is a critical specification parameter. For nearly all applications (e.g. internal combustion engines of passenger cars, trucks, boats trains, electrical power back-up) it is defined by one globally accepted standard, the engine oil viscosity classification SAE J300, published by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) in the USA. Oil manufacturers need to fulfill the specifications of SAE J300, so that users can rely on the numbers given on the label of the oil can. SAE J300 includes four different viscosity tests:

  • Low-shear-rate kinematic viscosity (Reflects the oil flow in the engine at operating temperatures around 100 °C.)
  • High-temperature high shear (HTHS) viscosity (Test to establish the balance between a reliably load-carrying lubricating film and a not-too-high viscosity in order to prevent engine failure and to improve fuel efficiency.)
  • Low-temperature pumping viscosity (Maximum viscosity at specified temperatures, depending on the oil grade.)
  • Low-temperature cranking viscosity (Simulation of the cold start of an engine.)

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