Why do new cars use thinner oil?

The auto manufacturers were afraid that modern injection systems might allow the engine to start at temperatures lower than the oil could flow into the oil pump. Consequently, the new rules had a thinning effect on oil.

Why do new engines use thinner oil?

To prevent fuel consumption due to excessive fluid friction, automobile manufacturers (OEMs) strive to use even thinner engine oils.

Will thinner oils damage your engine?

Just like using an oil with too high a viscosity may lead to problems in Brad's engine, using a thinner oil can have the same result. Oil that's too thin can fail to develop a consistent lubricating film, inviting metal-to-metal contact that causes wear. Extreme stress and heat add to the challenge.

Is it better to have thicker or thinner oil?

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.

Is thinner oil better for engine?

No – that's actually a common misconception. The oil needs to be right for the application. High viscosity or “thicker” oil is not necessarily better, as if the viscosity is too high it can cause excessive energy consumption, heat generation, and poor start-up lubrication.

Will Thinner Oils Damage Your Engine?

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.

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.

Do high mileage cars need thicker oil?

High-mileage oils have ingredients to take care of older engines, like conditioners, seal swells, antioxidants, detergents and wear or friction additives. Typically they use a viscosity modifier that is durable and won't lose viscosity very easily. These oils need to stay thicker longer to protect engine parts.

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.

Can I use 0w40 instead of 5W20?

Re: Can I use 0W-40 high performance synthetic oil

The 0 part means its got the cold-weather viscosity of any 0 weight oil, and will pour even thinner than 5W20 when cold. That's good.

Will high mileage oil hurt a new car?

Using a high-mileage oil in a new vehicle would be ill-advised, since no manufacturer recommends this type of oil for a new vehicle. Would it harm your engine? Most likely not, but it would be better to adhere to what is specified in the owner's manual, at least until the warranty has expired.

What happens if you put regular oil in a car that takes synthetic?

Answer. Synthetic oils typically provide better protection than conventional oils, but switching back and forth between full synthetic and conventional oil will not damage the engine.

Does synthetic oil make engine last longer?

Since synthetic oil is resistant to breaking down under high temperatures, it will last longer in your engine. Longer lasting oil means that you can go longer between oil changes without doing damage to your engine.

What happens if you use 10w30 instead of 5w30?

Both 5w30 and 10w30 engine oils have a similar SAE rating, meaning that they will perform the same at high or operating temperatures. The digit 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.

Is 5w30 thicker than 10w30?

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.

When should I use thicker oil?

There are some circumstances where drivers have used thicker oil in an engine. If, for instance, clearances between engine components have increased, gotten sloppy, a thicker oil can help to fill the void. Within reason, thicker oil maintains a better lubricant film between moving parts.

What is the best engine oil for hot weather?

There are a few ways to get your car prepared for summer with synthetic oils. If you're capable of changing your oil, you can find synthetics at auto retailers. Look for containers with codes such as 0W-20, 5W-20, and 5W-30. These correspond to specific synthetic oil mixtures approved for standard vehicles.

Is amsoil really better?

AMSOIL synthetic motor oil withstands extreme heat and shearing forces, exceeding industry standards and outperforming competing brands. In fact, it fights viscosity breakdown 46 percent better than Mobil 1. It stands up to the devastating effects of high-horsepower, modern engines for maximum protection.

Should I switch to thicker oil?

The slightly thicker oil film from the heavier base weight oil - 10W - can help protect worn engine bearings as well. As long as you're not hearing knocking or serious mechanical noises from the engine, the heavier oil should buy you many more miles of service from your vehicle.

Is 5w30 good for high mileage?

Amazon Basics Full Synthetic is the best 5w30 oil for high mileage vehicles. This oil should only be used on vehicles exceeding 75,000 miles. This motor oil is formulated for longer drain intervals. It helps in preventing a build-up on drain intervals and preventing rust and corrosion.

Is 5w40 better for high mileage cars?

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.

Does engine oil thicken as it ages?

Nope – other way around! Motor oil gets thinner as it's heated, but to prevent it from getting too thin at higher temperatures, additives (viscosity modifiers) are used so that it behaves like a thicker grade oil at higher temps.

Can I use 0w40 instead of 5w40?

Substituting engine oils is an issue many people have a concern about, considering that some industry pundits advise against it. In the case of 5w40 and 0w40, you can use them interchangeably as they have almost similar characteristics.

Is there a difference between European oil and American oil?

Another difference between European and conventional motor oils is the oil change interval. Most American cars and trucks require oil changes about every 5,000 miles. On the other hand, European vehicles are designed to go upwards of 10,000 miles between oil changes.

What is the difference between European and regular motor oil?

Due to these longer oil change intervals, European vehicles require a motor oil that is able to protect against wear, sludge, and corrosion for a longer period of time, such as Amsoil European Car Formula 5W-40 Classic ESP Synthetic Motor Oil.