Is 0W or 5W thicker?

The 0W-30 engine oil is a lower viscosity than a 5W-30 meaning it is thinner. As the 0W-30 is a lower viscosity, its resistance to flow is lower. The lower viscosity grade flows through the engine faster and helps the parts perform their roles more efficiently as they reduce friction.
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Is 0W oil better than 5W?

The first number of a multi-grade oil designates the ability for the oil to be pumped and flow at colder temperatures; the “W” stands for winter. Thus, a 0W oil will be able to flow faster and get to critical engine components better than a 5W or a 10W oil; especially in extreme cold conditions and at engine start-up.
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Is 0W oil too thin?

Answer: Yes, 0W-20 is unquestionably safe for your engine. Manufacturers have been specifying 5W-20 and 0W-20 since the early part of the last decade and there is no evidence whatsoever that engine wear rates have increased.
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Which car oil is thicker?

SAE50 is higher viscosity (thicker) than SAE40, and so on. Straight-weight oils come in a wide range of viscosities. But your car operates (ostensibly) in a wide range of temperatures. When your engine is running at operating temperature, it does not matter too much if it is summer or winter.
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Which engine oil is best thick or thin?

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.
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Will Thinner Oils Damage Your Engine?



Is Thicker oil better for older engines?

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.
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Why do new engines use thin oil?

To prevent fuel consumption due to excessive fluid friction, automobile manufacturers (OEMs) strive to use even thinner engine oils.
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Is 0w30 better than 5w30?

A 0W-30 grade can operate at much lower temperatures than a 5W-30 as the oil will flow faster thereby protecting the engine at an earlier stage. Some engines are not suited for a 0W-30, always check your owner's manual before adding oil to your engine.
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What is the thinnest motor oil?

The scale ranges from 0W, which is the thinnest type of oil, to a rating of 60, which is the thickest oil. The “W” that you see on oil labels stands for the word "Winter" because this portion of the label shows the viscosity level of oil when an engine is cold. Motor oil that is thinner can flow more easily and faster.
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Will thicker oil damage my engine?

It's best to use the oil viscosity recommended in the owner's manual, but using a slightly thinner or thicker oil (lighter or heavier viscosity) generally poses no long-term harm.
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Can I use oW20 instead of 5W20?

0W20 vs 5W20 Fuel Economy

Both 0W20 and 5W20 are low viscosity and high-quality synthetic grades that can massively optimize fuel economy. Their properties are the same when used in fair-weather temperatures. Likewise, there is little to no difference between the two versions when used in cold conditions.
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Is 0W20 oil thicker than 5W30?

The 0W20 is thicker than the 5W30 oil when the ambient temperature is cold and hot, and also when the engine reaches its optimal running temperature. The oW20, 5w30, and any other combination of numbers represent oil's viscosity grades.
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Is 0W-40 the same as 5W 40?

However, the two are not on the same level when exposed to cool surroundings. The 0w40 will withstand extreme cold due to its low viscosity. 5w40 will bring its best in extreme conditions, but not at the same level as its companion. If you live in relatively cold to warmer areas, the 5w40 will serve you perfectly.
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Is 5W30 thicker than 0w40?

With that said, 0W-40 is a thinner oil than 5W-30, an ideal oil weight for extreme temperatures, both winter and summer. On the other hand, 5W-30 works well for warm winters and summers because it's a thicker oil than 0W-40.
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Which oil is thicker 0W20 or 5W20?

As 0W20 is a far thinner oil than 5W-20, it is more stable at cold temperature than the latter and flows smoothly through the critical engine parts. 5W-20 is a comparatively thicker viscosity oil and is better for a normal operating temperature range of -22°F to 68°F.
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Which is better 5W30 or 0W20?

0W20 also provides better fuel economy than 5W30 in both colder and warmer environments. However, 5W20 only outperforms 5W30 at warmer temperatures. With the right oil in the engine, you can provide the protection it needs to keep running longer.
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Is synthetic oil thicker or thinner?

It is true that synthetic oil is thinner than conventional oil and therefore flows more easily. If there is a spot where oil could leak out in your engine, then synthetic oil is more likely to leak than conventional. However, synthetic oil would not cause the leak.
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Does oil get thicker as it warms up?

Your engine needs oil that is thin enough for cold starts, and thick enough when the engine is hot. Since oil gets thinner when heated, and thicker when cooled, most of us use what are called multi-grade, or multi-viscosity oils.
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Does thinner oil make more power?

Thinner oil viscosity allows the engine to produce more horsepower or maintain engine specs because the oil pump is not working as hard and rotational drag is decreased. Some people actually run their engines with the dipstick level lower than normal full or at the low mark, to increase horsepower.
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What is 0W-40 oil used for?

0W-40 motor oil. 0W-40 oils are recommended by automakers for many types of European vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche and Volkswagen. The viscosity is gaining popularity with American automakers for high performance engines in both cars and pickup trucks.
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What brand of synthetic motor oil is best?

List of the Best Synthetic Motor Oils
  • Mobil 1 Extended Performance Synthetic Motor Oil. This is our top pick for numerous reasons. ...
  • Royal Purple High-Performance Synthetic Motor Oil. ...
  • Shell ROTELLA Full Synthetic Diesel Engine Oil. ...
  • Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oil. ...
  • Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage Motor Oil.
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Which oil 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.
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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.
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Does engine oil thicken as it ages?

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.
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Why do European cars use thicker oil?

Longer drain intervals common with European cars require an oil capable of protecting against wear, deposits and sludge for the duration, which requires a more robust oil.
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