Viscosity is a measure of a fluid's resistance to flow. For lubricating oil in general, viscosity is the most important physical property. It is viscosity, as well as the pressure and speed of movement, which determines the thickness of an oil film between two moving surfaces. This in turn determines the ability of the oil film to keep the two surfaces apart, the rate heat is generated by friction and the rate the oil flows between the surfaces and thus conveys the heat away.
The oil should have a viscosity at the operating temperature that is correct for maintaining a fluid film between the bearing surfaces, despite the pressure tending to squeeze it out. While a reasonable factor of safety is usually desirable, excessive viscosity should be avoided because this can create more drag and therefore unnecessary heat generation.
Viscosity is also useful for identification of grades of oil and for following the performance of oils in service. An increase in the oil’s viscosity during use usually indicates that the oil has deteriorated to some extent, a decrease normally indicates dilution with fuel. The permissible extent of viscosity increase before corrective measures are taken is largely a matter of experience and judgement of the operator