Can you mix 10w30 instead of 5w30?
As a car owner, you might find yourself in situations where the exact motor oil specified for your vehicle isn't readily available. A common question we hear at Kevin's Autos is whether it's safe to mix 10W30 oil instead of 5W30. In this article, we'll explore the differences between these two oils, when mixing them might be acceptable, and the potential impact on your engine's performance.
Understanding the Difference Between 10W30 and 5W30
The numbers in motor oil grades, such as 10W30 and 5W30, refer to the oil's viscosity, or thickness, at different temperatures. Here's a quick breakdown:
- 5W30: The "5W" indicates that this oil flows more easily at colder temperatures, making it ideal for winter conditions. The "30" refers to its viscosity at higher operating temperatures.
- 10W30: The "10W" means this oil is slightly thicker in cold temperatures compared to 5W30, but it has the same viscosity at higher operating temperatures.
Both oils perform similarly when your engine is warm, but 5W30 provides better protection during cold starts, especially in colder climates.
Is It Safe to Mix 10W30 and 5W30?
In general, mixing 10W30 and 5W30 oils is not ideal, but it is unlikely to cause immediate harm to your engine if done occasionally. Here are some key considerations:
- Short-Term Use: If you're in a pinch and need to top off your oil, mixing a small amount of 10W30 with 5W30 is acceptable. However, this should only be a temporary solution until you can perform a proper oil change.
- Climate Considerations: If you live in a warmer climate, the difference between 10W30 and 5W30 is less significant, as cold starts are less of a concern. In colder climates, sticking to 5W30 is more critical to ensure proper engine lubrication during startup.
- Manufacturer Recommendations: Always prioritize the oil grade recommended in your vehicle's owner's manual. Automakers design engines with specific oil viscosities in mind to optimize performance and longevity.
Potential Risks of Mixing Oils
While mixing 10W30 and 5W30 oils occasionally won't ruin your engine, there are potential risks to be aware of:
- Reduced Efficiency: Mixing oils can slightly alter the viscosity, potentially reducing the oil's ability to flow and protect your engine as intended.
- Warranty Concerns: If your vehicle is under warranty, using an oil grade not specified by the manufacturer could void the warranty in some cases.
- Long-Term Impact: Consistently using the wrong oil grade or mixing oils over time may lead to increased engine wear and reduced performance.
Conclusion
While mixing 10W30 instead of 5W30 in an emergency situation is generally safe for short-term use, it's always best to stick to the oil grade recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. At Kevin's Autos, we recommend scheduling regular oil changes and keeping a spare quart of the correct oil grade in your vehicle to avoid such situations. If you have any questions or need assistance with your car's maintenance, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to help keep your vehicle running smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace SAE-30 with 10W30?
The general consensus is that 10w30 is an acceptable replacement for an SAE30 oil.
Should I use thicker oil in a high mileage engine?
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.
Is it bad to put 10W 30 in a 5W 20?
While using it temporarily in a pinch likely won't cause your engine lasting harm, remember that the engineers who built your engine did so with a specific viscosity oil in mind, meaning it's best to stick with it. Some automakers do recommend different viscosities of oil depending on weather conditions.
Is it OK to mix old and new engine oil?
Adding new oil to old is fine for a while, but there are still wear metals and acids in the old. You are diluting them, but not eliminating them, so a full oil change eventually is needed.
What happens if I mix 10W-30 with 5W-30?
If your car requires 10w-30 oil, mixing it with 5w-30 oil may make it too thin when hot, which can reduce engine lubrication and protection. So it is advisable to use the same type and grade of oil that your car requires, and not to mix different oils unless necessary.
Why you shouldn't mix engine oil?
Even though you can mix the two, most mechanics will not recommend that you do it regularly. The additives in the different types of products may interact, or the mix of two different oils may cause the mixture to become less stable, and you might lose the benefit of the synthetic.
What happens if you mix two different engine oils?
Additive Compatibility: Different engine oils contain various additives (detergents, anti-wear agents, etc.) that can enhance performance. Mixing oils can dilute these additives or cause chemical reactions that reduce their effectiveness, potentially leading to increased wear or deposits in the engine.
Is it okay to mix oil weights?
Doesn't matter if the oils are different colors. And it doesn't matter if it's a conventional oil being poured into a synthetic. They will all mix. In fact they have to as per oil industry standards.
Is 5w30 or 10w30 better for high mileage?
Using a Higher Oil Viscosity in High-Mileage Cars
An engine's life began to deteriorate rather rapidly around 100,000 miles, and so to increase the oil pressure, high-mileage car owners would use a higher oil viscosity such as 10w40 or 20w50.
Is there a big difference between 5W30 and 10W30?
5w30 and 10w30 are basically the same at 200f, though 10w30 has a slight edge on thickness/film strength. 10w30 is also technically more durable, since the extra additives that 5w30 has to remain thinner at low temperatures don't get degraded/used up as fast.
