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.

Do I need to use thicker oil in an older engine?

Older engines use more oil, but it gives them a better fuel economy. Older engines with more than 75,000 miles on them require a thicker oil that will lubricate their critical engine parts and prevent oil leaks, sludge, and deposits from forming.

What oil is best for old engines?

Will thicker oil damage my engine?

Using oil that is thicker than recommended may lead to a decrease in fuel economy, a higher load on your engine, and even a shorter life for your engine. Conversely, using thinner, lighter-weight oil than recommended can cause excessive wear and shorter life.

Will 10w40 hurt a 5w30 engine?

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.

Thicker Oil For Older Engines? Myth Busted!

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.

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.

Is synthetic oil OK for older engines?

It protects better, performs better, and lasts longer, and it's no longer made with a chemical compound that could hurt older vehicles.

Can older cars use full synthetic oil?

You can use synthetic oils in older cars and older engines without any issues. It doesn't matter if your car is 30 years old or a classic, there is often a synthetic engine oil available for it.

When should I change to thick oil?

The oil does not harm and it can prevent leaks from starting if it is used at a high mileage. It is recommended by some mechanics to switch to a thicker (higher viscosity) oil – such as 10W-30 full synthetic oil instead of 5W-20 full synthetic – or to use oil additives to prevent leaks from occurring.

Is 20w50 better than 10w40?

The motor oil will behave differently in hot weather if the temperature is cold rather than high temperature. At low temperatures, the motor oil will thicken resulting in improper lubrication. Therefore the 20w50 viscosity is made for high-temperature situations and the 10w40 is for cold temperature situations.

Is 20w50 good for high mileage?

Is 20W-50 Oil Good For High Mileage? 20W-50 is only used for certain older vehicles or worn engines that require the extra cushioning of a high viscosity oil. Other than that, it really isn't a high mileage oil.

What is best oil for high mileage cars?

Is 10w30 thicker than 5w30?

So both the oils 5W–30 and 10W–30 have exactly the same viscosity (SAE 30) when your engine is running, and will perform in the same way. However, the 10W–30 oil will be thicker (higher viscosity) than the 5W–30 when it is cool.

Is 5w30 better than 10w40?

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.

When should you not use synthetic oil?

Better For Older Engines

This being said, however, it is still not recommended to use synthetic oil in engines that have experienced significant actions – specifically, those that have reached around 75,000 miles on the odometer.

What are the disadvantages of synthetic oil?

A few disadvantages of synthetic oil to be aware of include: Probably the most glaring downside of synthetic oil is the cost. The price of synthetic oil is around two to four times the price of conventional oil. Synthetics may be more prone to additives precipitation during cold storage conditions.

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

Synthetic Motor Oil Myths

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. You can't switch back to conventional oil: Once you switch to synthetic, you are not bound to it forever.

Is 5W30 good for high mileage engine?

Furthermore, high-mileage 5W-30 motor oil is specially formulated for late model vehicles or newer vehicles with over 75,000 miles/120,000 kilometers. High mileage motor oil, with its unique additives and formulation, helps to reduce oil burn-off, and helps prevent oil leaks that may occur in older engines.

What happens if I put 5W30 instead of 5W20?

While both 5W20 and 5W30 motor oils are suitable for high mileage engines, the best viscosity type for your vehicle depends on how the manufacturer designed the engine. Using 5W30 when it is advised that you use 5W20 can result in your vehicle not getting good fuel economy.

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.

Can I use 20w50 instead of 5w30?

Use in Cars

A 5W-30 oil is commonly used in passenger cars for normal use throughout the year. A 20W-50 oil will not protect a car as well in a cold winter and its greater viscosity will increase drag and friction in a passenger vehicle.

Is full synthetic oil better for high mileage cars?

Myth: Full synthetic oil is not good for high mileage cars or older vehicles. The myth is rooted in the idea that synthetic oil is “slipperier”—lower in viscosity, or not as compatible with seals and will therefore leak or leak more in places conventional oil might not. Again, completely untrue.