Swapping 5w20 for 5w30 would *not* be a good idea. If the manufacturer of your car doesn't spec 5W20 oil then you shouldn't use it. The oil will be too thin (the smaller the number the "thinner" the oil) to provide the needed protection for your engine.
Can I use 5w20 instead of 5w30?
It’s not recommended to use 5w20 instead of 5w30 engine oil because Both come with different viscosity. 5w20 oil is thinner and mostly designed for performing better with newer engines.
What happens if you put 5W-20 instead of 5W-30?
Whether using 5w20 instead of 5w30 provides a good or bad result depends on your car model. So, First of all, check the owner’s manual, which generally comes with a chart that has a list of acceptable weights according to temperature. And, Most of the new generation cars need specific motor oil.
Can I mix 5w20 with 5w30?
Yes, It’s safer to mix 5w20 with 5w30. Both engine oils provide the same flow and performance in cooler temperatures. So, They’ll easily blend with each other wheater you mix with 5w20 with 5w30 or vice versa.
What is the difference between 5W-20 and 5W-30 oil?
Viscosity Matters: The key difference between 5W20 and 5W30 motor oil is viscosity which measures the oil’s resistance to flow. The number indicates the thickness of the oil. The lower viscosity ensures that the engine oil flows easily. The viscosity measurement varies according to different temperatures.
Final Words
5w20 and 5w30 are flexible synthetic engine oils that mean those are well to protect your engine equally, but you’ll find a different result in a different climate. If you’re located in a colder weather area, 5w20 protects your car engine better than 5w30, where 5w30 performs better in higher temperatures.
How to mix engine oil?
It’s always better if you take the suggestions from any engine expert before pouring this mixture into your engine. This will decrease the risk of potential damages, and also it will save you from wandering on what went wrong. But here’s a few things that you need to consider before you mix these two oils together: 1 Make sure that they belong to the same oil brand. 2 Make sure that your engine each compatible with the changes. 3 Calculate the combined viscosity curve and check the compatibility with your engine. 4 Check if these oils belong to the same API classification or not.
What is the difference between 5W30 and 5W20 oil?
The main difference between these two oils remains on the viscosity grade. The 5w30 has a thick viscosity than the 5w20 oil. As a result, when you pour the 5w30 engine oil inside your engine, your engine will occur more friction and more dram inside the inner components.
How is viscosity determined?
They are determined by the flow of oil given temperature and their resistance. Higher the viscosity, the higher the oil thickness. Meaning a higher viscosity rating oil will flow less smoothly. They are used in an engine that needs high protection of the engine’s internal components, especially in high temperatures.
Can you run an engine with non-compatible oil?
One engine model cannot run efficiently or adequately with a non-compatible oil with a different viscosity grade.
What happens if you use different engine oil?
If you use different engine oil than the one which the manufacturer suggested, it will damage your engine’s internal components, making your vehicle less predictable. So you need to use the exact engine oil that you are supposed to use.
Does 5W30 oil get hotter?
But once you start the engine your engine will get hotter. When you are driving a car, your engine will get hotter, and in high-temperature, 5W30 will stay much thicker than 5W20. So in the high temperature, you will run with thinner engine oil, making your engine’s components move smoothly. So you will get less friction, more fuel economy, ...
What is 5W20 oil?
5W20 is low viscosity engine oil, meaning they are thinner. They are used in specific engines to maximize performance in cold weather and minimize flow resistance. Even though they have the same winter rating meaning, they have the same thickness under cold temperature.
Why do we use oil in hot and cold climates?
They are preferred and recommended by manufacturers because they work with multiple engines across a wide range of temperatures. So, in hot and cold climates, you won’t have to worry about the oil.
What is the difference between 5W30 and 5W20?
The main difference between 5W30 and 5W20 is their viscosity. 5W20 is less viscous or thick. This causes less friction and the fuel efficiency is higher. Another difference is that 5W20 is a better choice in colder climates and 5W30 a great option for very hot climate. 5W30 is stronger in that it does not break down even when the temperatures go up.
Can you replace 5W30 with 5W20?
So, if you replace it with 5W30, you will notice a change in the ride quality. The efficiency will certainly be lower. If that’s not a concern for you, you can go ahead and use 5W30 instead of 5W20. Having said that, we recommend that you not interchange motor oil.
Can you change your oil to 5W30?
Always go by the OEM specifications. If you want to change the oil and it is safe to make a switch, remember to take climate into account. For hot temperatures, you can move to 5W30 even if the original specification is of 5W20.
