
It is standard for the temperature to be either 40 degrees C or 100 degrees C, and there are reasons for measuring viscosity at each of these temperatures.īesides normalizing temperature for comparative reasons, it's also best to measure an oil's viscosity as close to what the operating temperature would be.

When you test for viscosity, you must normalize the temperature so you can compare among all other results without involving any correction calculations. As temperature goes up, viscosity goes down and vice versa. Temperature is the most influential factor in measuring viscosity.

The testing standards for viscosity will typically either be for kinematic viscosity (resistance to flow and sheer by the forces of gravity) or absolute viscosity (the internal resistance to flow and sheer to the applied force, or dynamic viscosity). Thus, it is essential that viscosity be at the top of nearly every oil analysis test slate. It's the main criteria permitting the lubricant to perform as a separating barrier between contacting surfaces.

"If you could perform a viscosity test at only one temperature, which would be the most beneficial - 40 or 100 degrees C?"Īs you probably already know, viscosity is the most important property of an oil.
