Can I use 5w30 instead of 5w20 in my Ford Taurus?
The short answer is: it depends. While you can use 5W30 motor oil in your Ford Taurus, the manufacturer recommends using 5W20 oil. Using the wrong oil viscosity can potentially cause issues with your engine's performance and fuel efficiency.
Understanding Oil Viscosity Ratings
Motor oil viscosity is denoted by a two-number rating, such as 5W30 or 5W20. The first number (before the "W") indicates the oil's viscosity at cold temperatures, while the second number represents its viscosity at normal operating temperatures.
A lower first number, like 5, means the oil flows more easily in cold weather, making it better for starting the engine in cold conditions. The second number, 30 or 20 in this case, refers to the oil's thickness at normal engine operating temperatures.
Recommendations for the Ford Taurus
According to the Ford Taurus owner's manual, the recommended oil viscosity for this vehicle is 5W20. This means the oil is designed to flow easily in cold weather (5W) and maintain the proper thickness at normal engine temperatures (20).
Using a 5W30 oil instead of the recommended 5W20 is generally safe, but it may not provide the same level of engine protection and fuel efficiency as the factory-specified oil. The 5W30 oil will be slightly thicker at normal operating temperatures, which could result in:
- Reduced fuel economy
- Increased engine wear over time
- Potential issues with the engine's fuel injectors and other components
While using 5W30 won't immediately damage your Ford Taurus engine, it's best to follow the manufacturer's recommendations to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
What is the best oil for a Ford engine?
Ford Oil Type Recommended by the Manufacturer
In general, Ford recommends SAE 5W-20 or 5W-30 for most of its vehicles. Hybrid vehicles may require 0W-20, which works better at lower temperatures. You can choose another brand of oil, but it must meet Ford's standards for quality.
How long can a Ford Taurus go without oil change?
Breathe Easy, Ford Tells You When You Need an Oil Change
Never exceed one year or 10,000 miles between oil change intervals.
Can I use 5W30 instead of 5w20 in my Ford Edge?
You'll be fine. Don't worry about the difference between 5w20 and 5w30. I accidentally put 5W-30 oil in my car when it takes 5W-20.
Is 5W-20 or 5W-30 better for high mileage?
Typically, a 5W-20 oil provides higher gas mileage than a 5W-30 due to its more effortless flow. However, the 5W-30 oil is still a suitable option where fuel efficiency is concerned. Using 5W-30 simply produces a bit less economy because moving an oil that is less freely flowing through the system consumes more energy.
What oil can I substitute for 5w20?
0W20 should be a acceptable substitute for 5W20, as it will (should) be in the apropriate viscosity range over the same temperature range.
Is thicker oil better for high mileage cars?
Using a thicker oil or one with a higher viscosity may also be helpful once your car reaches 100,000 miles. Or you can opt for oil additives that help stop leaks.
Will using the wrong oil hurt my car?
Using the wrong type can wreak havoc on your engine, causing moving parts to wear prematurely due to inadequate lubrication. This can lead to costly repairs, replacement parts, and engine failure.
Can you mix 5W30 and 5w20?
In nearly all cases, you can use whatever motor oil is available as long as it's clean and from a sealed container. Mixing oils is virtually always better than running on low oil.
Will it hurt my car if I use 5w30 instead of 5w20?
Now going back to you question: If you put a 5W30 instead of 5W20, you won't notice anything right away, but the wear and tear of the engine systems becomes faster. It will also exert extra force / load on the oil pump, as it was designed to work with the 5W20 oil.
What kind of oil does my Ford Taurus take?
AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20 100% Synthetic Motor Oil.
