5W-20 oil, being the lower viscosity oil (thinner oil) than 5W-30, might help boost your fuel economy. And although you may not notice a vast difference, it does add up over time. However, remember that you should always use the motor oil recommended for your car by your engine manufacturer or mechanic.
5w30 is thick to flow quickly during winter climates to start the engine faster. The colder the temperature the more viscous the liquid is. 5w20 thins out quickly in hotter conditions so it is not preferable in hotter climates. 5w30, on the other hand, remains thicker than the 5w20 in hotter temperatures.
The wrong engine oil can cause engine damage because it does not properly lubricate its components. This will lead to metal-on-metal contact since the moving parts are not being lubricated. Friction quickly follows, causing engine parts to wear.
Can I use 5W30 instead of 5W20 for high mileage car?
While both 5W20 and 5W30 motor oils are suitable for high mileage engines, the best viscosity type for your vehicle depends on how the manufacturer designed the engine. Using 5W30 when it is advised that you use 5W20 can result in your vehicle not getting good fuel economy.
What happens if I put 5w20 instead of 5w30? – Related Questions
Is 5W20 good for high mileage?
Designed for high mileage vehicles
Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-20 motor oil is recommended by ExxonMobil for use in high mileage vehicles (even those that have used lower quality conventional oils†), including: Cars. Trucks.
Is 5w30 better for older cars?
5w 20 and 5w 30 engine oils are commonly used in colder temperatures. However, they are recommended for older engines and light-duty use. This is because an oil with a higher rating indicates that it is thicker and suits well those engines which run hot easily.
Should you use thicker oil with high mileage cars?
A: Yes.This is a practical method to improve oil pressure in an older, high-mileage engine. The slightly thicker oil film from the heavier base weight oil — 10W — can help protect worn engine bearings as well.
Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 motor oil is recommended by ExxonMobil for use in high mileage vehicles (even those that have used lower quality conventional oils†), including: Cars. Trucks.
Is 5W30 good for high mileage?
Pennzoil High Mileage SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil is engineered for cars that have accumulated more than 75,000 miles, particularly those that are experiencing oil leaks and oil burn off. Engines with higher mileage tend to experience more wear than new engines.
What oil is recommended for high mileage vehicles?
High Mileage Synthetic Oils are specially designed for high mileage vehicles that require synthetic oils with extra seal conditioner providing more protection to worn seals, which can mitigate leaks in high mileage engines.
Can I mix engine oil 5W20 and 5W30?
Yes, you can mix 5W20 and 5W30 oil. However, your engine MUST support it. Both oils should be of the same brand to prevent engine damage and should also be of a similar API service level.
What happens if you put the wrong oil weight in your car?
The brand of motor oil matters little, but its viscosity grade (10W-30, for example) is important. Use only what the owner’s manual specifies. Using the wrong oil can lead to reduced lubrication and shorter engine life. If the manual says to use synthetic oil, do so.
Does it hurt to mix different weights of motor oil?
Can oils of different grades be mixed? The good news is that mixing different types of oil it will not harm your engine in any way in the short run. Most synthetic and semi-synthetic engine oils are based on regular oil and are compatible.
It is always advisable to not mix motor oil brands, however, different viscosity grades of the same brand motor oil are compatible. Be aware that mixing viscosity grades will turn out a product that is different in viscosity than either what was originally in the engine or what was added.”
Will thinner oils damage your engine?
It’s best to use the oil viscosity recommended in the owner’s manual, but using a slightly thinner or thicker oil (lighter or heavier viscosity) generally poses no long-term harm.
Does engine oil get thicker when hot?
Motor oil gets thinner as it’s heated, but to prevent it from getting too thin at higher temperatures, additives (viscosity modifiers) are used so that it behaves like a thicker grade oil at higher temps.
Does engine oil get thicker or thinner with age?
As the oil oxidises, there are two parallel problems arising. Firstly, as a result of the oil molecules reacting and joining together, the oil becomes thicker and darker.
Is Thicker oil better for engine?
Some have even used thicker oil in a leaky engine to prevent oil from seeping out. But really, thicker oil is not good for your engine. Not when “thicker” means higher viscosity than the manufacturer recommends. Your engine was built to specific tolerances – spaces between the moving parts.
Will thicker oil raise oil pressure?
How hot should the oil be in my car?
Normally, you want your engine oil to be between 220-250 degrees Fahrenheit. Past 275 degrees it will start to break down. But the “At Oil Temp” light actually refers to your transmission oil—which should generally stay at or below 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
