Which oil viscosity is best?

Weather Conditions

For very cold weather, a viscosity rating of 5W-30 provides maximum protection. When driving in temperatures running from 0 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, a rating of 10W-30 offers excellent all around protection. For driving in extremely hot conditions, 20W-50 oil offers the best protection.

Is higher viscosity oil better?

Thin, low viscosity oils flow easier to protect engine parts at cold temperature. Thick, high viscosity oils are typically better at maintaining film strength to protect engines at high temperatures.

Is thinner or thicker oil better?

Engine oil 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.

Which oil is better 5W-30 or 10W-40?

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.

Is 5w30 oil thicker than 10W30?

The number 30 indicates the thickness of the oil when it reaches operating temperatures. Both the oils have similar viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius but 5w30 grade oil will thicken less than 10w30 grade oil in cold climate.

Engine Oil Codes Explained, SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) numbers - Oil Viscosity Explained

Can I 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 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.

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.

Is it OK to use 10w40 instead of 10W30?

They are both available in pure conventional form or as high-quality synthetic grades. Either 10W30 or 10W40 for summer use is fine; however, 10W-40 motor oil will better protect your engine.

Which is thicker 10/40 or 10W30 oil?

The difference between 10W-30 and a 10W-40 is the high temperature viscosity. Obviously, a 10W-40 is thicker than a 10W-30 at high temperature.

Is 5w40 thicker than 5w30?

The working viscosity of 5w30 is basically from 9.3 to 12.5mm2/s whereas the operating viscosity of 5w40 is 12.5 to 16.3mm2/s. That means 5w40 has larger viscosity than 5w30.

When should I use 20w50 oil?

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. This is because 20W-50 is a thicker oil, and the added resistance can cause further engine wear and damage to both newer and older vehicles.

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.

Which oil is thicker 30 or 40?

The higher the number, the more viscous or thicker, the oil is at higher temperatures. This means that at 100^oC, 10W30 engine oil has the viscosity of an SAE 30 single grade oil, and 10W40 oil has SAE 40 viscosity. 10W40 oil has a higher viscosity, retaining more thickness than 10W30 as the temperature rises.

What oil viscosity 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.

Can I use 10W 30 instead of 5W30?

3. Can I Use 10W-30 Instead Of 5W-30 Motor Oil? If it's a recommended viscosity oil for your engine, then yes. Otherwise, it's always better to use the manufacturer-recommended viscosity oil or weight of motor oil for better lubrication and protection from engine wear.

Which oil is best for hot weather?

Go Synthetic for Stress

Synthetic oil has been refined to the point where it contains fewer impurities than standard engine oil, and it also makes use of unique detergents and additives that can better protect against the stress of high RPMs on a hot summer's day.

What is 10W40 oil used for?

This oil weight is commonly used in diesel engines or in a smaller motorcycle engine too. The 10W-40 oil viscosity also often serves as an alternative for older engines with burning or oil leaking issues. Why is that? The 10W-40 engine oil has a thicker viscosity than, say, 10W-30 oil when the car engine is hot.

Is 10W50 better than 10W40?

At 100ºC, the 10W50 has a viscosity of 18.1cS, the 10W40 is at 13.1cS. What this means is, at low temperature, they perform similarly, but at operating temperature, the 10W50 has better protection (higher film strength) than the 10W40.

What is best oil for high mileage cars?

What oil is best for old engines?

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 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.