Dear friends, in the automobiles, motorcycles and industrial equipment you use daily, lubricating oil silently provides protection for these equipment, reduces wear and tear, and prolongs the service life of the equipment. The reason why lubricating oil can perform such magical effects is largely due to one of its important properties-kinematic viscosity.

      Kinematic viscosity is the most important index of lubricating oil, which is the measure of the flow resistance of fluid under the action of gravity. The main tests of internal combustion engine oil are kinematic viscosity at 40 °C and kinematic viscosity at 100 °C. The American Society of Automotive Engineers SAE divides internal combustion engine oil into different viscosity grades according to the kinematic viscosity at 100 °C, which we know as 20, 30, 40, and even 50. Each grade includes a certain range of viscosity values. Whether lubricating oil is suitable for use depends first on whether the viscosity is within the required range. Because the viscosity of lubricating oil is too small, it is easy to lose from the friction surface under high temperature and pressure, and cannot form a thick enough oil film; If the viscosity is too large, the cold start resistance will increase, the start will be difficult, and the wear will increase.

      By measuring the kinematic viscosity at different temperatures, we can understand the difference of flow properties of petroleum products under different temperature conditions. This is of great significance for selecting suitable petroleum products, optimizing the conditions of use, and ensuring the safe use of petroleum products. At the same time, kinematic viscosity can also be used to evaluate the quality of petroleum products and monitor the changes of petroleum products during use.

     Have you gained a deeper understanding of lubricants by reading this? Hopefully, this article has provided you some help when choosing and using lube to make lubrication easy.