Is 5W better than 10W?

A quick lesson in motor oil states that a regular engine needs oil that flows under the prevailing weather or running conditions. 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.

Should I use 5W or 10W oil?

Absolutely yes for car engines, 5W-30 is usually synthetic and superior to 10W-30. Both have the same viscosity at the operating temperature of an average car engine. 5W has lower viscosity when cool and is considered better for the car engine during engine start.

Can I use 5W instead of 10W?

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.

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.

What does 5W and 10W mean?

These products are one grade or viscosity (or weight) when cold and another when warm. You have seen 10W-30, 5W-20, and the like. The first number refers to the grade when cold and the second when warm.

What does 10w30 mean? 'Engine Oil Explained'

Is 5W thinner than 10W?

The 5W-20 will remain a little thinner at operating temperature, as indicated by its lower “20” number, while 5W-30 will provide a slightly thicker lubricating film. When looking at 5W-30 vs 10W-30, they both provide the same viscosity at operating temperature, as indicated by their identical “30” ratings.

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.

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.

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.

Which engine oil is best for hot weather?

The ideal motor oil for your car is one that can withstand the hottest temperatures in your region while still being able to flow when the weather is at its coldest. SAE 5W30 oil is suited to a broad range of temperatures, making it one of the most commonly used oils on the market.

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

Both 5w30 and 10w30 engine oils have a similar SAE rating, meaning that they will perform the same at high or operating temperatures. The digits 30 indicates the viscosity of the oils when in high temperatures. 10w30, however, will thicken more when in a cold climate. 5w30 is much suitable during the cold season.

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.

When should I use 5w30 oil?

5w30 oil is particularly well suited for cars driven in cold climates. Unlike oils with a higher hot temperature rating such as 10 or 15, 5w30 oil can flow freely enough when the engine is started at low temperatures to coat and protect the engine's internal components.

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.

What's the difference between 5 weight and 10 weight oil?

What Do Oil Viscosity Numbers Mean? The five and 10 digits refer to the viscosity at cooler temperatures. So, that means when you are comparing 5w30 vs. 10w30, the thinner 5w30 will circulate quicker, and flow through bearing tolerances better during an engine startup in the winter or colder climates.

What 5W means?

Acronym. Definition. 5W. Who, What, Where, When, Why.

Is 10w 40 oil 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.

How long does 5W 30 oil last?

Mobil 1™ Extended Performance High Mileage 5W-30

Provides 20,000 miles of protection for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles – guaranteed.

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.

Which oil is best for cold weather?

So, a 5W-30 or 0-W30 will give better protection in winter weather than, say, a 10W-40 or a 20W-50, while still providing solid high-temperature protection. You should also consider asking for a synthetic or synthetic blend motor oil.

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.

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 happens if engine oil is too thick?

If the oil is too thick (aka, the viscosity is high), your car may not start in cold temperatures (cold weather places more strain on a vehicle in any case). When this happens, the thick liquid can't properly lubricate every part, and it creates enough resistance to impair the most important function–ignition.