Kinematic viscosity is a key property for fuels and lubricants. Kinematic viscosity is determined by measuring the time it takes for a sample to flow through a glass capillary viscometer at a known constant temperature.
Viscosity in fuels determines how well the fuel will pump to the engines. For lubricants, kinematic viscosity determines the ability of a lubricating oil to create and maintain lubrication films between moving parts. Poor lubricant performance causes wear and overheating.