Is 5w20 thicker than 5w30?

So, due to viscosity, 5w20 is a thinner oil during operating temperatures, whereas 5w30 is thicker during operating temperatures. A majority of manufacturers are now producing engines that operate on 5w20 oil, to which it's important to stick to this viscosity and not substitute 5w30.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on autozone.com


What happens if you put 5w20 instead of 5w30?

If you are using 5w20 instead of 5w30, you should be careful. The 5W20 is thinner and colder than the 5W10. The use of 5w20 in warmer temperatures may result in more friction and faster engine wear, as opposed to 5w30 in cooler temperatures. It will eventually affect your engine's performance and life expectancy.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mcnallyinstitute.com


Is there a big difference between 5W-20 and 5W 30?

When it comes to their higher operating temperature performance, 5W30 motor oil performs slightly better than 5W-20 and is a thicker oil than its counterpart. 5W30 motor oil would be more robust and not break down very easily at a higher temperature.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on repairsmith.com


How much thicker is 5w30 than 5w20?

No. 5w20 motor oil is not thicker than 5w30. Number after w represents the weight of motor oil. The lower the number, the lighter and thinner the oil.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on carmodnerd.com


Is 5w20 good for winter?

5W20 motor oil is another low-temperature grade typically recommended for winter use, with a 10W-30 as an alternative for higher temperatures. This oil type is common because it provides the best fuel economy, saves fuel consumption, and has fewer exhaust emissions.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on offroadingpro.com


5w20 or 5w30? Which do I run and why. Is 5w20 a hoax for fuel milage?



Is 5W-20 A thin oil?

5W-20 oil is a relatively thin oil at very high temperatures, but it still provides decent protection and lubrication at a normal operating temperature in moderate climates. However, if you drive a lot in extremely higher temperature settings and hotter climates, you may want to switch to a higher oil viscosity grade.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on repairsmith.com


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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on lubricants.totalenergies.com


Which engine 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on columbiatireauto.com


What happens if you put 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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on motorverso.com


Can I mix 5w30 with 5w20 synthetic?

Yes, you can mix 5W20 and 5W30 oil. However, your engine MUST support it. Both oils should be of the same brand to prevent engine damage and should also be of a similar API service level.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mechanicask.com


Can I use 5w20 instead of 5w30 Reddit?

Nothing. It will run fine and you may see slightly increased fuel economy.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on reddit.com


Why can't you go back to regular oil after synthetic?

Myth: Once you switch to synthetic oil, you can never switch back. This is one of the most persistent myths about synthetic oil—and completely untrue. You can switch back and forth at any time. In fact, synthetic blends are simply a mixture of synthetic and conventional oils.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on pennzoil.com


What oil is thicker than 5w30?

10w30 is thicker than 5w30 because it has a higher viscosity in low temperatures. The engine oil will flow slower than 5w30 during the cold season. Thicker or higher viscosity metal oil has a better seal compared to low viscosity oil.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on rxmechanic.com


What oil can I use instead of 5w20?

When 10w30 is used instead of 5w20, probably, only a few changes are discoverable especially when the engine is about to wear out and is old. Moreover, one of the benefits of thinner oil would be to ignite quickly. Therefore, fewer efforts are required to pump the fuel, which minimizes the fuel economy.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on carfromjapan.com


Which oil is better 5w20 or 10w30?

Main Differences Between 5w20 and 10w30

5w20 is thinner at lower temperatures, whereas 10w30 is thicker at lower temperatures. 5w20 is better for cold-weather starting, whereas 10w30 is better for sealing action. Light duty petrol and diesel engines use 5w20, whereas large weight carrying engines need 10w30.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on askanydifference.com


Will thicker oil damage my engine?

Not only that, but the engine will waste energy pumping the thicker oil, reducing fuel economy. Since thicker oil doesn't transfer heat as well as thinner oil, operating temperatures will increase, possibly leading to accelerated chemical break down (called “oxidation“) and harmful sludge and deposits.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on blog.amsoil.com


Should older cars use thicker oil?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tucson.com


Do high mileage cars need thicker oil?

But you might be asking, do high-mileage engines need thicker oil? Yes. High mileage engines will need thicker oils. Thicker oils have additives such as conditioners, antioxidants, seal swells, detergents and friction additives that are engineered to take care of high-mileage engines.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on tiresandgears.com


What oil is best for summer driving?

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.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on bellperformance.com


What engine oil is best for cold weather?

The Bottom Line

A multi-viscosity 5W30 oil flows quicker in cold weather and is recommended for year-round protection, and a synthetic 5W30 multi-viscosity will provide the best protection you can get in both extremely cold weather and extremely hot engine temperatures.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on firestonecompleteautocare.com


What oil is best for cold weather?

Overall, the best motor oil for cold weather is Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil. It helps to keep your engine clean and running well. Our pick for the best value is Castrol GTX MAGNATEC 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on thedrive.com


Is 5w20 good for high mileage?

Designed for high mileage vehicles

Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-20 motor oil is recommended by ExxonMobil for use in high mileage vehicles (even those that have used lower quality conventional oils), including: Cars. Trucks.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on mobil.com


Is 5w20 full synthetic?

Castrol EDGE High Mileage 5W-20 with Fluid TITANIUM Technology is an advanced full synthetic motor oil that is specifically designed to for vehicles with over 75,000 miles.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on castrol.com


What is 5W-20 motor oil used for?

When used in a vehicle's engine, 5W-20 oil creates less friction due to its thinner viscosity, meaning it causes less drag across engine parts like the crankshaft, valvetrain, and pistons. This can provide a slight bump in fuel efficiency.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on yourmechanic.com


Does thicker oil help with leaks?

As an engine heats up, the oil thins, becoming more susceptible to leaks through faulty gaskets. Draining the oil from your vehicle and replacing it with a thicker weight or synthetic oil can help to prevent oil from leaking through some of the smaller breaks in the gasket seals.
Takedown request   |   View complete answer on belleshell.com
Previous question
How many sons does Hulk have?