What will happen if I use 5W-30 instead of 5W20?
If you use 5W-30 motor oil instead of the recommended 5W-20, it can have some consequences for your vehicle's performance and engine health. While it may not cause immediate damage, it's generally not recommended to deviate from the manufacturer's specified oil grade without a good reason.
Understanding Motor Oil Grades
Motor oil grades are determined by two key factors: the oil's viscosity (thickness) at low temperatures (the "W" or "winter" rating) and its viscosity at high operating temperatures (the second number). The lower the first number, the better the oil will flow in cold weather, while the higher the second number, the thicker the oil will be at high temperatures.
The 5W-20 and 5W-30 designations indicate that both oils have the same low-temperature viscosity (5W), but the 5W-30 has a higher high-temperature viscosity (30 vs. 20).
Potential Consequences of Using 5W-30 Instead of 5W-20
- Reduced Fuel Efficiency: The thicker 5W-30 oil may increase internal engine friction, leading to slightly lower fuel economy compared to the recommended 5W-20 oil.
- Slower Oil Flow: The higher viscosity of 5W-30 could result in slower oil circulation, especially during cold starts, which may not provide optimal lubrication immediately.li>
- Increased Engine Wear: If the oil is too thick, it may not reach all the critical engine components as quickly, potentially leading to increased wear over time.
It's important to note that the severity of these consequences can vary depending on factors like your driving conditions, engine design, and the specific oil recommendations for your vehicle.
When Using 5W-30 May Be Acceptable
In some cases, using 5W-30 instead of 5W-20 may be acceptable, such as:
- If your vehicle manufacturer approves the use of 5W-30 as an alternative to 5W-20
- In extreme cold weather conditions, where the thicker 5W-30 oil may provide better protection during startup
- If your engine has high mileage and the manufacturer recommends switching to a higher viscosity oil to compensate for increased wear
However, it's always best to consult your owner's manual or a qualified mechanic before making any changes to the recommended oil grade for your vehicle.
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.
Is 5W30 better than 5W20?
Using 5W30 instead of 5W20 can lead to higher oil consumption and lower fuel economy. On the other hand, using 5W20 in a car that needs 5W30 might not protect the engine as well at high temperatures, leading to quicker wear and possible damage.
What can I substitute 5w20 with?
You can easily substitute 5w20 with 0w20, just like M1 says. According to them, you'll still have warranty protection. All the 0 means is it can start easier in the cold then 5w.
Will it hurt my car if I put 5w30 instead of 5w20?
It won't cause any problems. 5w30 is thicker than 5w20 in operating temperatures, but that doesn't mean there will be less oil flow. Oil pump will still pump the oil through the engine, and if thicker oil causes an increase in oil pressure, the oil pump will just bypass some of the oil back into the sump.
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 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.
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.
Will thicker oil damage my engine?
- Yes - it does.
- Oil with higher viscosity requires more energy to push it out of the way of the internal mechanisms - which degrades performance and miles-per-gallon.
What is the difference between 5w20 and 5w30?
The 5W-20 will remain a little thinner at operating temperature, as indicated by its lower “20” number, while 5W-30 will provide a slightly thicker lubricating film. When looking at 5W-30 vs 10W-30, they both provide the same viscosity at operating temperature, as indicated by their identical “30” ratings.
