Does 5W30 Or 5W20 Matter?

You’ll get better protection with 5W 30 oil in cold as well as hotter climates. 5W-20 oil is best for those who live in colder climates with low temperatures. It can be used for light-duty applications, for engines that do not reach very extreme temperatures.

Is it OK to run 5w30 instead of 5w20?

If you use 5w30 oil instead of 5w20 when it is not recommended or approved by your owner’s manual, it can void your car’s powertrain warranty, reduce engine efficiency, and possibly even damage your engine in the long run.

What happens if I switch 5w30 with 5w20?

The oil change can destroy the powertrain warranty on your automobile, lower engine performance, and ultimately may potentially harm your engine. What is worse is the mixing up of different oils. This will never lead to faster performance. But instead, it may speed up the wear and tear of the engine.

Does 5w30 protect better than 5w20?

5w-20 oil is thinner than 5w-30 oil. This means that it will flow more easily and quickly at lower temperatures; hence it is more likely to be used in cold weather conditions. While the 5w-30 can provide better protection against wear and tear at higher temperatures, making it ideal for use in hot weather conditions.

Does thicker oil offer better protection?

Higher numbers reflect thicker oil viscosity. This gives the engine better protection for high-heat and high-load applications. They test oil at a lower temperature to determine the first number (SAE 0W, 5W, 10W, etc.) while they test it at a higher temperature to determine the second number (SAE 30, 40, 50, etc.).

Does thicker oil protect engine better?

Within reason, thicker oil maintains a better lubricant film between moving parts. Some have even used thicker oil in a leaky engine to prevent oil from seeping out. But really, thicker oil is not good for your engine. Not when “thicker” means higher viscosity than the manufacturer recommends.

Will thicker oil help a worn engine?

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 Thicker oil better protection?

Absolutely not. The internal clearances of an engine are designed to use a specific viscosity. Added to that, most variable valve timing systems are actuated by oil pump pressure which is determined by viscosity. In addition, cold starts are much less lubricated by thicker oils which flow to needed areas more slowly.

What oil is best for a high mileage car?

10 Top-Rated Oils and Additives for High-Mileage Vehicles

• Valvoline High Mileage with MaxLife Technology Synthetic Blend Motor Oil.
• Pennzoil High Mileage Motor Oil.
• Slick 50 Recharged High Mileage Treatment.
• Gumout Fuel System Cleaner.
• Royal Purple High Mileage Synthetic.
• Techron Fuel Cleaner.
• Mobil Super High Mileage Oil.

Does synthetic oil give better gas mileage?

Synthetic oil allows for lower viscosity without compromising wear protection and better cold-flow, both of which improve fuel economy.

What is the best oil for older engines?

When you’re choosing the best oil for older cars or high mileage engines, there are several criteria you can look at.

• Pennzoil High Mileage Conventional Motor Oil.
• Castrol GTX Part-Synthetic High Mileage.
• Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage Synthetic Blend.
• Mobil1 High Mileage Engine Oil.
• Amsoil Premium Protection Motor Oil.

Is 5w30 good for old cars?

5w30 oil is one of the most commonly used motor oils because it is suitable for a wide variety of vehicles and engine types. 5w30’s viscosity range means it can lubricate, seal, and protect an engine’s internal components in a range of climate conditions.

Why do race cars use thicker oil?

Higher Viscosity Lubricants are Better for Heat Resistance
Racing oil needs to be thicker so that when confronted with high heat it will remain consistent enough to coat the engine parts properly. Regular car engines do not face the intense heat conditions that race engines do and so they do not need a high viscosity.

Why do older engines use thicker oil?

Many older, high mileage engines might face issues with oil pressure due to age and wear and tear. In this case, a practical method to improve oil pressure is to use a thicker oil, since the thicker oils have heavier base weight oil, which can help protect worn engine bearings well.

Does full synthetic oil sludge?

Natural petroleum based oil motor oils will break down at high temperatures. At this high temperature oxidation can occur which will develop deposits and varnish. These also can cause sludge. Synthetic oil does not have these problems.

Should you use thicker oil in the summer?

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.

Can putting the wrong oil damage 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.

Do high mileage cars need thicker oil?

Yes, high mileage cars need thicker oil. If you’re putting high miles on your car, your engine is subject to more wear and tear. Using thicker oil helps keep your engine parts lubricated for longer and keeps your engine in great shape.

Is Thicker oil better for cold weather?

The “W” in that number stands for “Winter”, and the number before it (the “10”, in this case) is the viscosity or thickness. When the cold weather comes, you want a lower number, meaning thinner oil, which will smoothly coat the insides of your engine even in the most frigid weather.

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.

Is 5W-30 good for high mileage?

Description. Mobil Super High Mileage 5W-30 is a unique high-mileage engine oil that helps extend engine life in older vehicles by helping reduce oil consumption, combat sludge and prevent engine wear. 5W-30 has been one of the most commonly recommended viscosities of the last 20 years.