Motor oil is the lifeblood of a car’s engine.
It circulates through the engine, lubricating and cooling the moving parts.
Without it, the engine would quickly seize up and stop working.
That’s why it’s so important to make sure your car has the right type of motor oil and that it’s changed regularly.
There are many different types of motor oil available on the market, but most cars can run on either 5w30 or 5w20 motor oil.
But can you use them interchangeably? Here is some information about both types of oil to help you determine the answer.
Is it OK to use 5w30 instead of 5w20?
5w30 and 5w20 motor oils are both designed to provide good lubrication and cooling for a car’s engine.
They both meet the same performance standards, and can be used in most cars without any problems.
However, there may be some cases where using 5w30 instead of 5w20 can cause damage to the engine.
If your car’s owner’s manual recommends using only 5w20 motor oil, then you should not use 5w30 instead.
In general, however, using 5w30 instead of 5w20 is not likely to cause any damage to your car’s engine.
If you are unsure which type of oil your car requires, consult your owner’s manual or an automotive technician for advice.
Can you mix the two?
You can technically mix 5w30 and 5w20 motor oil together.
However, it is not recommended to do so.
Mixing different types of motor oil may lead to engine problems and decreased performance.
What’s more, there really aren’t any known benefits of mixing the two motor oils.
It really is always best to stick to the oil recommended in your owner’s manual, and to only use one type of oil.
Difference Between 5w30 vs. 5w20 Oil
The two most significant differences between 5w30 vs. 5w20 oil, viscosity rating and performance.
Both oils are graded for cold climates, but the big differences between them occur in warmer weather.
In warm weather, 5w30 oil is typically better at protecting an engine against wear and tear.
It has a higher viscosity index, meaning it can maintain its thickness over a wider range of temperatures.
This can be important for engines that are frequently used in stop-and-go traffic.
5w30 oil is not always the best choice for every car, however.
If your car’s owner’s manual recommends using 5w20 oil instead, then you should not use 5w30.
Consult with a mechanic if you are unsure which type of motor oil your car requires.
How to Know What Oil Your Engine Takes
Your best source for finding out which motor oil to use in your car is always your owner’s manual.
In many cases, people can get away with using either 5w30 or 5w20 motor oil in their car’s engine, but the vehicle manufacture and your mechanic know best.
What happens if you use the wrong engine oil?
Motor oil is designed to lubricate the moving parts of your engine and to protect it from corrosion.
It is important to use the correct weight of motor oil for your car, as using the wrong weight can cause damage to your engine.
If you use a heavier weight of oil than your car’s engine can handle, the extra thickness of the oil can make it harder for the engine to turn over.
This can cause the engine to wear out prematurely, and can also lead to decreased gas mileage and fuel economy.
If you use a lighter weight of oil than your car’s engine can handle, the oil may not be able to properly lubricate the engine.
This can lead to excessive wear and tear on the engine, and can also cause damage to the internal components – requiring your to repair or replace the engine.
In order to avoid causing damage to your car’s engine, it is important to always use the correct weight of motor oil.