Like me and most people, you probably don’t think about the type of oil that goes in your car until it’s time to change it. And you may not even know what viscosity your car requires.
In the most newer vehicle, it likely requires 5w20 motor oil. But what if you want to switch to a different weight? What will happen? Is there any difference?
This blog post will explain more and give you tips on choosing the right motor oil for your car.
What Does 5w30 Mean?
If you’re wondering what the numbers in motor oil mean, here’s a quick primer:
The number on the left of the “w” (winter) is called the viscosity grade. It indicates how thick your oil is at cold temperatures. The higher this number, the thicker your oil will be when it’s cold outside.
The number on the right of the ” w ” is called the viscosity index. It’s an indication of how well your oil flows at high temperatures. The higher this number, the thicker your oil will be when it’s hot outside.
What’s the Difference Between 5w30 and 5w20?
The main difference between these two oil weights is the viscosity grade. The higher number (30) means that the oil will be thicker at high temperatures, while the lower number (20) means that the oil will be thinner at high temperatures.
What Happens If I Put 5w30 Instead Of 5w20?
Nothing detrimental will happen.
The higher the viscosity grade is, the more it protects your engine from wear and tear. This means that you’ll have less friction in your car engine, and it will run a bit cooler. However, if you live in a cold climate, using a higher-weight oil like 30 can cause your engine to run too cool, leading to problems such as piston ring sticking and engine knocking.
If you’re not sure what weight of oil your car needs, it’s best to stick with the manufacturer’s recommendation. But if you do decide to switch to a different weight, make sure that it’s the right weight for your climate and vehicle.
Can I Mix 5w20 and 5w30?
Yes, you can mix different oil weights as long as they have the same viscosity grade. So if you’re using a 20 weight oil, you can mix it with either a 15 or 25 weight oil. Mixing different viscosities will cause your engine to run at a higher temperature and wear out faster than if you used one weight throughout the entire year.
Can I Use 5w20 Instead Of 5w30?
Yes – you can use 5w30 instead of 5w20 in most cars. However, it’s important to check the owner’s manual to make sure that using a different weight of oil won’t cause any damage or problems on your vehicle. In most cases, using 5w30 will be just fine.
It is recommended that you use the same weight throughout your vehicle’s life. If you don’t want to switch, then go ahead and keep using the 20 weight. It will work just fine for most applications, but if you’re in a cold climate or have an older car with higher mileage, then go ahead and use the 30 weight.
The best way to decide which oil is right for your car depends on the weather, type of vehicle, and how often you drive it. The best advice is to consult with your mechanic before changing anything under the hood!
Below are my recommendations of 5W20 Oil and 5W30 Oil:
Buy 5W30 Motor Oil for Your Car
Pennzoil 5W-30 Motor Oil
Royal Purple 5W-30 Motor Oil
Castrol 5W-30 Motor Oil
Buy 5W20 Motor Oil for Your Car
Amazon Basics 5W-20 Motor Oil
Valvoline 5W-20 Motor Oil
Mobil 1 5W-20 Motor Oil
Are 5w30 and 5w20 oil synthetic?
No, both of these weights of oil are not synthetic. However, you can find synthetic versions of each weight if you’re looking for an oil that will last longer and provide better protection against wear and tear. They are typically more expensive than traditional oils. But it might be worth the best possible protection you’re looking for your engine.
Is SEA 30 the same as 5w30?
No, SAE 30 is not the same as a regular weight oil. It has an additive that helps to reduce friction and wear on engine components. If you’re looking for an oil that has this additive, then you should try to find a weight of SAE 30 – but be aware that it may be more expensive than other options available to you.
What happens if you put the wrong oil in your car?
If you put the wrong oil in your car, it can cause damage to internal components like pistons and valves. This will eventually lead to a more expensive repair bill, so it’s always important to consult your owner’s manual or a mechanic to determine the weight of oil your car needs.
Can you mix oil weights?
Yes, you can mix different oil weights as long as they have the same viscosity grade. So if you’re using a 20 weight oil, you can mix it with either a 15 or 25 weight oil.
What cars can use 5w30 instead of 5w20?
Ford Focus, Ford Escape, Ford Mustang, Honda Civic, Honda CRV, Toyota Camry, and most of cars can use a 30 weight oil instead of 20. However, some older vehicles may not handle the higher viscosity and could experience damage.
Does 5w30 or 5w20 for high mileage?
The consensus is that you should stick to the weight of oil that the vehicle was built with. Using a different weight can cause damage and is not typically recommended. However, if you have an older car or one that is used in a colder climate, then using a weight of 30 instead of 20 may be a better option. Please consult with your mechanic to see what they recommend.
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