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Is 5W30 OK for my car?

Yes, 5W30 motor oil is generally considered an appropriate choice for most cars. 5W30 is a common multi-viscosity oil that provides good engine protection in a wide range of temperatures.


Understanding 5W30 Motor Oil


5W30 is a type of motor oil classified by its viscosity, or thickness. The "5W" part refers to the oil's cold weather performance, indicating it will flow easily when the engine is cold. The "30" refers to the oil's thickness at normal engine operating temperatures.


5W30 is a popular choice for many modern gasoline-powered vehicles because it provides the right balance of protection and fuel efficiency. It can withstand the high temperatures inside the engine while still flowing easily when the engine is cold, which helps with startup and reduces wear.


When to Use 5W30 Oil



  • Most passenger vehicles, including cars, SUVs, and light trucks, can use 5W30 oil. It's a common factory-fill recommendation.

  • 5W30 is suitable for a wide range of driving conditions, from cold winters to hot summers.

  • It's a good choice for engines that require conventional or synthetic blend motor oils.

  • Check your owner's manual to confirm 5W30 is an approved oil for your specific vehicle.


In summary, 5W30 is a versatile motor oil that meets the needs of many modern engines. As long as it's recommended for your car, 5W30 is generally an appropriate and safe choice.

Is it better to have thick or thin engine oil?


Using an oil that is too thick will require the motor to “work harder” to move that oil throughout the system causing a decrease in efficiency. Using an oil that is too thin, can lead to a drop in oil pressure and ultimately causing excessive wear and other problems that are easily avoidable.



Is it OK to use thicker oil in 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.



What oil is best for high mileage cars?


Our Top Picks

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



Is 5W-30 good for high mileage cars?


If 5w20 is not available there is absolutely nothing wrong in using 5w30. And for a high mileage car 5w30 will offer better protection depending on the condition of the engine. Even some manufacturers that recommend 5w20 still recommend 5w30 if car is old and will be driven in temperate regions most of the times.



Is 5W-30 good for hot climate?


5W-30 motor oil, on the other hand, is multi-grade lubricating oil, it will perform the same in a wider range of heat condition. Hence it outperforms the parts better in hot and cold weather due to the additives included in the batch.



Can 5W-30 be used in any car?


10W40 and 15W40 engine oils are best for heavy-duty engines and trucks. However, 5W30 engine oil is the right oil type for light-duty vehicles. Due to its several benefits like the wide temperature range it can be used for lubrication and efficiency, and it works for most vehicles.



What are the disadvantages of thicker engine oil?


Cons of Using Thicker Motor Oils

  • Cold Weather Performance.
  • Reduced Engine Responsiveness.
  • Potential Oil Pump Strain.
  • Higher Costs.
  • Compatibility Issues.
  • Reduced Fuel Flow Efficiency.
  • Extended Warm-Up Time.
  • Increased Fluid Friction.



What will happen if I put 5W-30 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.



Will it hurt my car if I use 10w30 instead of 5W30?


It will be fine. You will not notice any difference in gas mileage or performance between those 2.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.