Does 5W or 10W matter?

A 10W or 5W is the index for how easily the oil flows in winter (hence the W). A 10W oil thickens more than a 5W. The other number indicates the oil's resistance to thinning at high temperatures. And this is where the minivan and the Dodge Viper really differ.

Can I use 10W instead of 5W oil?

There is a small benefit of using a 10W instead of a 5W oil in that the 10W will normally have less viscosity improvers in it. Viscosity improvers help the oil behave "thicker" at higher temperatures, but they do not actually provide lubrication.

Should I use 5W or 10W?

As per API recommendations (1) for car engines, you can use 10W–30 oil if the maximum expected outside temperature is above -18°C (0°F). If you are living in an area where the outside temperature can go below zero; It is better to use 5W–30. Always follow the engine manufacturer's recommendations.

What happens if I put 10w30 instead of 5w30?

Can I Mix 10w30 and 5w30? Most oils will mix perfectly, provided they have a similar synthetic. Therefore, there is no problem in mixing 10w30 and 5w30 since one will be topping up. Mixing the viscosity of oils will not have any effect on the engine.

Should I use 5w30 or 10w30?

Suitable Vehicle Types. 5W-30 multi grade oil is ideal for private vehicles and light-duty petrol and diesel engines. It also provides a better cold temperature start than 10W-30 oil. On the other hand, the slightly thicker oil,10W-30, provides better lubrication for commercial vehicles and heavy-load engine cars.

Engine Oil Codes Explained, SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) numbers - Oil Viscosity Explained

What happens if I put the wrong weight oil in my car?

You might notice a few oil spot in your garage or under your car because using the wrong oil can lead to leaks, or you might become aware of a burning smell while driving. If the oil isn't working as it should engine parts might not be lubricated well enough and cause friction, which can burn the oil.

Is 5W or 10W better for summer?

While some car manufacturers still advocate the use of 10W-30 (or even 10W-40) as an appropriate engine oil option for summer use, it is completely unnecessary. Today's 5W-30 motor oils provide consistent protection at both extremes of the temperature spectrum.

Is 5W or 10W better for winter?

The lower the W number, the better the oil will perform in colder temperatures. Typically, a 5W oil is recommended for winter use, but synthetic oils can be formulated to flow even more easily when cold.

Should I use thicker oil in an older engine?

A: Yes. This is a practical method to improve oil pressure in an older, high-mileage engine. The slightly thicker oil film from the heavier base weight oil - 10W - can help protect worn engine bearings as well.

Will the wrong oil damage my engine?

Cause damage to engine life

The wrong engine oil can cause engine damage because it does not properly lubricate its components. This will lead to metal-on-metal contact since the moving parts are not being lubricated. Friction quickly follows, causing engine parts to wear.

Does it matter which engine oil I use?

Viscosity and specification explained

Engine oils aren't all the same. You can't assume that the same oil you used for your last car will work for this one. So if you need to top-up, make sure you use the right grade and specification.

Will thinner oils damage your engine?

Just like using an oil with too high a viscosity may lead to problems in Brad's engine, using a thinner oil can have the same result. Oil that's too thin can fail to develop a consistent lubricating film, inviting metal-to-metal contact that causes wear. Extreme stress and heat add to the challenge.

What happens if I put 10w40 instead of 5W30?

Your vehicle does not use 5W-30 oil. The recommended oil viscosity for your vehicle, according to Kia documentation, is 10W-40. If you drive the vehicle in exceptionally cold weather, well below 32 degrees, you can use 5W-30 oil but even 10W-40 is still perfectly OK to use if outdoor temperatures are below freezing.

Is 5W30 better for older cars?

5W-20 and 5W30 motor oil are winter viscosity grade oils primarily recommended for older engines and light-duty use. These oils are best utilized in colder temperatures.

What kind of oil is best for high mileage engines?

Does engine oil get thicker or thinner with age?

As the oil oxidises, there are two parallel problems arising. Firstly, as a result of the oil molecules reacting and joining together, the oil becomes thicker and darker. The heavier the molecules become, the heavier, or thicker, the oil gets to be.

Is Thicker oil better in winter?

Thin oils have lower viscosity and pour more easily at low temperatures than thicker oils that have a higher viscosity. Thin oils reduce friction in engines and help engines start quickly during cold weather. Thick oils are better at maintaining film strength and oil pressure at high temperatures and loads.

Is it okay to use 5W30 in summer?

This ability to function well both in summer and winter brings with it the convenience of not having to change oil weights with the seasons. 5w30 oil's lower viscosity also means less strain on the oil pump, as well as better fuel economy.

When should I use thicker oil?

There are some circumstances where drivers have used thicker oil in an engine. If, for instance, clearances between engine components have increased, gotten sloppy, a thicker oil can help to fill the void. Within reason, thicker oil maintains a better lubricant film between moving parts.

Do you want thicker or thinner oil in winter?

The “W” in that number stands for “Winter”, and the number before it (the “10”, in this case) is the viscosity or thickness. When the cold weather comes, you want a lower number, meaning thinner oil, which will smoothly coat the insides of your engine even in the most frigid weather.

Should I use 10W40 in summer?

Either 10W30 or 10W40 for summer use is fine; however, 10W-40 motor oil will better protect your engine.

What happens if I use 10w30 instead of 5w20?

Notwithstanding the recommendations of the car manufacturer, mixing 10w30 and 5w20 will not cause any sort of harm to the engine. However, a few drivers claim that it is safer to combine two multi-grade or straight weight oils, rather than mixing multi-grade with straight weight oils.

Is it OK to top up engine oil with different brand?

You can add any engine oil as long as it has the right specifications — preferably with an official approval of the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer). Not the brand, but the specification and viscosity indicated in your car's manual are your reference for using the right oil.

Is 10W-40 better than 5W 30?

The 5w30 oil will flow better at low temperatures than the 10w40 oil. This means that the 5w30 oil will protect the engine better at low temperatures, usually when the engine is just starting or during weather conditions such as winter.

Is 10W thicker than 5W?

A 10W or 5W is the index for how easily the oil flows in winter (hence the W). A 10W oil thickens more than a 5W. The other number indicates the oil's resistance to thinning at high temperatures.