Witham featured in Engine Lubrication article in Classics Monthly

Classics Monthly magazine included an article all about Engine Lubrication in the July issue, answering questions such as “Does it matter what engine oil you use and whether it’s renewed every year?” and “What is the difference between semi-synthetic and mineral oil?”

The article includes some expert advice from our very own Witham Technical Director, Mick Kenyon. Mick explains how oil is made and what abbreviations such as “10W-40” mean:

“Numbers such as 10W-40, 15W-40 and 20W-50 are familiar abbreviations that refer to the grade of oil. The W stands for winter and the lower the first number, the thinner the oil. ‘These types of engine oils are known as multigrades as they cover multiple viscosities,’ explains Mick.

‘The key to understanding multigrade numbering is to recognise that a fluid can only be a single viscosity, however it can display different viscosity characteristics at different temperatures. This is achieved using viscosity modifiers, often known as VMs. These allow the engine oil to span the viscosity gap between the first and second number. So, for example, a 20W-50 displays the viscosity properties of a 20W at -15°C and the characteristics of a 50 at 100°C. The first number also relates to the lowest temperature the oil is tested at or suitable for. For instance, an oil beginning with 0W is tested at -35°C. For a 10W oil, just add 10 onto the -35, which gives you -25°C.”

The article also covers how to drain oil from an engine, renew a filter and refill the engine with fresh oil.

It was great to see some of our Qualube Classic Oils featured featured in the article, including:

• Qualube 20W-50 multigrade mineral oil – suitable for all vehicles where engine and gearbox share the same oil.
• Qualube Monograde SAE 30 straight mineral engine oil is a highly refined base oil with no detergents or dispersant additives. Ideal for an engine following a rebuild as it allows controlled bedding in
• Qualube Classic Running In oil costs £21.90 for five litres.

Our Classic range of products has been designed for veteran and vintage vehicles that need a different approach to lubrication than those of the modern age.

For more information about our Classic & Vintage range, visit our website at: https://www.withamgroup.co.uk/shop/classic-range/