Automakers & engine oil – in the future, switch to 0W16 and then to 0W8
You may have noticed that some Honda and Toyota four-cylinder vehicles require SAE viscosity 0W16 oil. The oils really stand out on a shelf because the last number is strange because it doesn’t end in a 5 or 0. 0W16 oil has been around for nearly two decades in Japan. It is an oil designed to increase engine efficiency and reduce engine heating time.
In the United States, 0W16 oils were to be part of the deployment of ILSAC GF-6 as GF-6B oil. What is significant about GF-6B oils is that the specification will not be compatible with previous versions due to new degrees of viscosity. F.E.A.-compliant GF-6A lubricants mean that GF-6A engine oils of the appropriate conventional viscosity grade are acceptable for use in cars whose proprietary manuals recommended previous categories of GF (GF-1 to GF-5). GF-6B engine oils should only be used when recommended by OEM (follow the owner’s manual). 0W8 is another planned viscosity that will be in the GF-6B category.
GF-6 oils were delayed due to a debate on some of the test sequences and test engines. However, OEMs planned to implement the new engine technology years in advance. OEMs like Honda and Toyota prepared for the distribution and availability of GF-6B oils many years ago. This is why you are looking at 0W16 oils before seeing GF-6 oils.
SN-Plus
Many 0W16 oils have a new bottle doughnut certification brand called API SN-PLUS and SN-PLUS Resource Conserving. In the bottle, you can also see OEM certifications for Honda and Toyota.
According to the API, SN-PLUS is formulated to provide SN API performance and additional protection against low-speed pre-ignition for direct-injection and turbocharged engines. SN-PLUS oils can effectively lubricate engines that call SN APIs, SN API with Resource Conserving, or ILSAC GF-5.
0W16 or 0W20?
The big question among stores is hw can four points in the assessment of viscosity change engine performance and longevity? This is hard-to-get data, let alone evaluated.
The only undisputed document is the owner’s manual. For the 2018 Honda Fit, Honda recommends a 0W16 API or 0W20 certified oil. For the 2018 Toyota Camry with the four-cylinder engine A25A-FKS 2.5L, we recommend 0W16 oil that meets the standards of storage of SN API resources. But, in the following paragraph, they state: “If 0W16 is not available, 0W20 oil can be used. However, it should be replaced by 0W16 in the next oil modification.”
Both the owner’s manuals and service information say 0W16 is the best choice for fuel economy and cold weather.
Whenever the EPA validates a vehicle’s fuel economy for the window label, crank case oil must be on the market and available to consumers. This prevents OEMs from using exotic lubricants for engine oil that could affect fuel economy.
With rising fuel economy standards in this decade, these two automakers and imported automakers will make the switch to 0W16 in the future, and then a change to 0W8. According to some oil engineers and companies, the small reduction of four viscosity points can improve fuel economy by up to 2%.
If you are concerned that lighter oils offer less protection, you should realize that the engines have changed. Most new engines have an oil pump that can cope with these lighter oils. Photo:Pixabay
Variable displacement oil pumps can provide the right volume and pressure using lighter oils and create less engine strength. These pumps are much more sophisticated and are often electronically controlled. Although this does not change your mind, consider variable valve timing actuators. If the oil is not the correct viscosity, it can cause slow performance of actuators that can cause codes and driving problems.
A good example of this motor oil is MOTUL HYBRID 0W-8, 100% Synthetic “Fuel Economy” Engine Oil, Designed to Use SAE 0W-8 Oil with Very Low Friction and Very Low HTHS (High Temperature High Shear) Viscosity ( 1.7 mPa.s), Specifically Designed for Hybrid Electric Vehicles (H.E.V.) and Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (P.H.E.V.) Fitted with Recent Gasoline Engines, Turbocharged or Naturally As
Compatible with battery electric vehicles (B.E.V.) that have a thermal gasoline engine utilized as a range extender.
suitable for modern gasoline engines that need a “Fuel Economy” lubricant with a viscosity rating of 8 or an SAE 0W-8 lubricant, catalytic converter-compatible.
Engine oil 0W16 and 0W8
0W-8 or 0W16 engine oil is a type of motor oil that is designed to provide excellent low-temperature performance and reduced viscosity at high temperatures. It is suitable for use in a wide range of vehicle types, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light trucks.
One of the key benefits of 0W-8/0W16 engine oil is its ability to maintain its viscosity over a wide range of temperatures. This is important because as the temperature of an engine changes, the viscosity of the oil also changes. If the viscosity of the oil becomes too thin at high temperatures, it may not provide sufficient lubrication for the engine, leading to increased wear and damage. On the other hand, if the viscosity becomes too thick at low temperatures, it may be difficult to pump and circulate through the engine, leading to reduced efficiency.
0W-8 or 0W16 engine oil is formulated to have a low viscosity at low temperatures, which allows it to flow easily and provide good lubrication when starting the engine in cold weather. At the same time, it is designed to maintain its viscosity at high temperatures to continue providing good lubrication as the engine operates.
It is important to consult the owner’s manual of your vehicle or consult with a mechanic to determine the most suitable type of oil for your specific vehicle.