Maintenance Technician Practice Test 2026 - Free Maintenance Technician Practice Questions and Prep Guide

When considering the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) rating of engine oil in relation to engine temperature, it's important to understand what the rating signifies. The SAE rating indicates the viscosity of the oil, which is its resistance to flow. Higher temperatures typically require oil with a higher viscosity to maintain sufficient lubrication under demanding conditions.

For an engine operating at a higher temperature, a higher viscosity oil is required to provide adequate protection and performance. This helps prevent overheating and wear of engine components, ensuring smoother operation. Therefore, if engine A operates at a higher temperature than engine B, it is expected that the SAE rating of the oil used in engine A should be higher to meet its lubrication needs effectively.

In contrast, a lower or equal rating would not be appropriate for engine A, as it would not provide the necessary lubricating properties at elevated temperatures, potentially leading to increased wear and damage. The option of unspecified does not apply since the temperature directly correlates with the viscosity needs of the oil.