What happens if I put 5W30 in my car instead of 5W20?
If you accidentally put 5W30 motor oil in a car that requires 5W20, it's generally not a major issue, but it's best to change the oil as soon as possible to the recommended specification. Using the wrong oil viscosity can impact engine performance and fuel efficiency, but it's unlikely to cause immediate damage.
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 when the engine is cold, while the second number represents the viscosity when the engine is hot and running. A lower number means the oil is thinner and flows more easily, especially in colder temperatures.
Cars are designed to use a specific oil viscosity to ensure proper lubrication and engine protection across a range of operating temperatures. Using the wrong viscosity can impact how the oil flows and coats engine components.
Potential Impacts of Using 5W30 Instead of 5W20
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: 5W30 oil is slightly thicker than 5W20, which means it requires more energy to circulate through the engine. This can result in a small decrease in fuel economy, typically around 1-2%.
- Increased Oil Consumption: The thicker 5W30 oil may not flow as readily, leading to slightly higher oil consumption over time.
- Potential for Increased Wear: If the engine was designed for the thinner 5W20 oil, the slightly thicker 5W30 may not provide the same level of protection, potentially leading to increased wear on components over an extended period.
However, it's important to note that these impacts are generally minor, and using 5W30 instead of 5W20 is unlikely to cause immediate or severe damage to the engine. The key is to change the oil back to the recommended 5W20 specification as soon as possible.
When to Change the Oil
If you've accidentally put 5W30 in a car that requires 5W20, it's best to change the oil as soon as convenient, ideally within the next few hundred miles of driving. This will ensure the engine is operating with the proper lubrication and viscosity as intended by the manufacturer.
Be sure to consult your owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer for the recommended oil change interval and specification for your specific make and model. Following the manufacturer's guidelines is the best way to maintain your car's performance and longevity.
Will switching oil types harm the engine?
When it comes to doing oil changes, switching between synthetic and conventional oil is perfectly okay. Despite the oil myths, both oil types are compatible with each other – no engine flush needed. So, simply making the switch will not cause any damage to your engine nor impact your travels.
What happens if you use regular oil instead of synthetic oil in your car?
Using non-synthetic oil in an engine designed for synthetic oil can lead to increased wear, reduced efficiency, and potentially shorter engine life. If your vehicle manufacturer recommends synthetic oil, it's best to adhere to that recommendation.
What happens if you mix 5w30 and 5w20?
Mixing 5W20 and 5W30 oils is generally safe and commonly done when you find yourself in a pinch. Both these oils have similar viscosity ratings when cold (the "W" stands for winter), so they won't cause any immediate issues.
What happens if you mix the wrong oil in your car?
Using the wrong oil can lead to reduced lubrication and shorter engine life. If the manual says to use synthetic oil, do so. Contrary to what some believe, adding synthetic oil to regular oil won't harm the engine, but there's also no benefit in doing so.
Why can't you go back to regular oil after synthetic?
Myth: Once you switch to synthetic oil, you can never switch back. This is one of the most persistent myths about synthetic oil—and completely untrue. You can switch back and forth at any time. In fact, synthetic blends are simply a mixture of synthetic and conventional oils.
Can I use 5W-30 instead of 5W20 in my Hyundai?
As for the Hyundai Elantra recommended oil type, you can choose either of these grades in conventional or synthetic oil: 5W-20. 5W-30.
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 I use 5W-30 instead of 5w20 in my Hyundai?
As for the Hyundai Elantra recommended oil type, you can choose either of these grades in conventional or synthetic oil: 5W-20. 5W-30.
Is it okay to use 5w30 instead of 5w20 on Reddit?
There should be a chart somewhere in your owners manual that shows what viscosity oil to use at what temperatures. That said, running 5w30 in an engine that calls for 5w20 isn't really going to hurt anything, but you might notice a small drop in fuel economy.
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.
