How do I choose the right engine oil?

The owner's manual for your car will list its recommended oil weight, whether that's a standard format like 10W-30 or something more unusual. That number refers to the viscosity (or thickness) of the oil that you should use.

What do you need to know to choose the right engine oil?

Is it OK to use 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.

Which type of engine oil should I use?

5W-30 5W-30 is the most commonly available and most extensively used engine oil in the Indian market. Most of the Indian car manufacturers recommend this. 5W-40 5W-40 is the fully synthetic engine oil which performs like a 5 weight engine oil when experiencing a cold start.

Which is better 5W 30 or 10W-30 oil?

5w30 provides better lubrication compared to 10w30. It is best suited for private vehicles and light-duty diesel and petrol engines, while 10w30 is more suitable for commercial vehicles and other cars with heavy load engines.

How to choose the right engine oil for your car | AUTODOC

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.

Can I use 10w40 instead of 10w30?

The short answer is yes. Because both oils are formulated to give the same performance, it will be safe for you to use either oil. Some differences between the two oils include viscosity and base oil.

Which is better 5w30 or 5w40?

5w30 can be used by different type of vehicles and in different range of temperatures, but is ideal for colder temperatures. 5w40 is often used in higher mileage engine sand performs better in warmer temperatures.

What are the 3 types of oil?

Though all engine oil serves the same purpose, there are different kinds—the three types of oil are synthetic, semi-synthetic, or conventional oil.

What are the 3 types of car oil?

Is 10w40 good for high mileage?

Designed for high mileage vehicles

Mobil 1 High Mileage 10W-40 motor oil is recommended by ExxonMobil for use in high mileage vehicles (even those that have used lower quality conventional oils^†), including: Cars. Trucks.

When should I use 10w40 oil?

So, if you drive in a warm climate — especially more than 32°C (90°F) — or have an engine that runs hotter than others, 10W-40 oil viscosity is a good option. This higher viscosity oil is designed for hotter temperatures and can handle the added heat stress from the environment.

Which oil is thicker 5w30 or 10w40?

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. At high temperatures, the 5w30 oil is thinner than that of 10w40 since 30 is lower than 40.

Can I use 5w40 instead of 5w30?

In practice, this means that each oil is just as viscous at lower temperatures and will remain viscous at -30°C, however 5w40 oil outperforms 5w30 oils at higher temperatures, being effective up to ambient temperatures of 50°C, as opposed to 30°C.

How often should engine oil be changed?

It used to be normal to change the oil every 3,000 miles, but with modern lubricants most engines today have recommended oil change intervals of 5,000 to 7,500 miles. Moreover, if your car's engine requires full-synthetic motor oil, it might go as far as 15,000 miles between services!

What does 10w40 mean?

10W-40 is the viscosity, or weight, of the motor oil as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE for short). A 10W-40 oil has a viscosity grade of 10W at a low temperature and 40 at a higher temperature. What does this mean, exactly? Motor oil thickens when it's cold and becomes thinner when heated up.

What does SAE stand for in oil?

A letter for every lubricant type

Therefore the first three letters you need to know are SAE, the acronym of the Society of Automotive Engineers. This society is responsible for establishing a classification system based solely on oil viscosity.

Should I use conventional or synthetic oil?

Is synthetic oil better for my engine than conventional oil? Yes, synthetic oil is better for your engine than conventional oil. Although conventional oil (i.e., mineral oil) can provide adequate lubrication performance, it can't compete with the overall engine performance and protection provided by synthetics.

Is 5w40 good for summer?

5w40 is better for starting your engine at low temperatures as it flows more easily at these temperatures. When the engine is running and hot, 5w40 and 10w40 have high viscosities and are equally effective in protecting against engine wear.

Is 5w30 good for summer?

When should I use 5w30 oil? You should always use the oil recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. However, 5w30 oil can function in temperatures as low as -30ºC and as high as 40ºC, making it an ideal choice if you drive your car in a place with relatively high seasonal temperature variations.

What cars use 5w40 oil?

The 5W-40 viscosity is a prevalent recommendation for performance engines in European vehicles with gas-powered engines, and in American diesel pickup trucks. We offer 5W-40 oils for gasoline- and diesel-powered engines. If you have a modern European vehicle, consider Mobil 1™ Formula M or Mobil Super™ Synthetic Euro.

Is 10W40 fully synthetic?

Semi-synthetic oils such as 10W40 have long been the standard. Their base is refined crude oil, which is then blended with additives.

Is 10W30 better for high mileage?

10W-30 motor oil makes for a decent high-mileage oil. It gives a better fuel economy while reducing the oil consumption for older engines. Older engines with more than 75,000 miles on them require a thicker oil that will properly lubricate their critical engine parts and prevent oil leaks, sludge, and deposits.

Is 10W30 good for summer?

As a general rule, you'll get the best protection in the summer when you use a slightly thicker grade of oil, such as a 10W30 instead of a 5W30. Engines need a thicker oil in the summer months because of the summer heat and its effects on thinning the oil out.

What oil is better for older cars?

Monograde oils are still widely available, primarily because they're used in very hot climates, or in heavy-duty applications such as mining or construction equipment. These single-grade oils can be used in 1950s and older cars – generally SAE 30 to SAE 50 – but most owners use multi-grade.