It is generally not advised to substitute 5w30 oil (or any other oil weight) for 5w20 oil because even a small viscosity change has the potential to harm your engine.
In This Article...
Better oil to use: 5W-20 or 5W-30?
You should take into account two things while selecting the ideal multigrade engine oil for your vehicle:
- The temperature that your automobile usually operates at (whether you drive in colder temperature or hotter climates)
- The recommended oil viscosity grade for your engine
Even though certain automobiles do provide some variation in engine oil choices, the majority have a suggested viscosity grade. This is due to the fact that engines are built to run on a particular oil viscosity, and changing that could have an impact on the performance of your engine.
Ideally, 5W 30 oil is ideal for drivers who frequent more extreme weather conditions. Compared to 5W-20 oil, it has a higher viscosity index and a wider operating temperature range. In both colder and hotter climes, 5W 30 oil will provide better protection.
For people who reside in colder climates with low temperatures, 5W-20 oil is recommended. It is suitable for light-duty applications and engines with moderate temperature ranges. In cooler conditions, 5W-20 oil offers good start-up performance.
Note: An oil with a high mileage rating may be required for older vehicles (5W-20 or 5W-30). In this instance, the high mileage oil provides the engine with superior friction and engine drag protection at high temperatures.
What happens if I fill my automobile with the incorrect oil?
People frequently mix up or use the incorrect fluids in their vehicles, and the repercussions can range from uncomfortable to fatal. In a piece that appears in the November issue of Consumer Reports, the publication discusses the possible harm you can cause to your vehicle or to yourself.
David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, Connecticut, warned that adding antifreeze to the windshield-washer reservoir may only result in a slimy mess. However, a British health investigation discovered that just using water to fill the reservoir fosters the growth of the bacteria that causes Legionnaires’ illness.
Before adding any fluids to their car’s hood, owners should consult their owner’s manual, according to Champion. If someone is unsure, they should consult a mechanic or even the staff at their neighborhood auto parts shop.
Using the incorrect fluids could also result in the following things:
1. Mistakes with motor oil. The viscosity grade of the motor oil (10W-30, for example) is more significant than the brand. Use just what is recommended in the owner’s manual. Shorter engine life and poorer lubrication can result from using the incorrect oil. Use synthetic oil, as directed, if the manual so directs. Contrary to popular belief, mixing synthetic oil with conventional oil won’t damage the engine, but doing so won’t help either.
Battery liquid Some automobile batteries contain replaceable individual cells that may require a little amount of water to cover the lead plates. Use only distilled water, which has no minerals or salts. The internal lead plates of a battery can accumulate minerals from tap water if tap water is added to the electrolyte liquid, which will decrease the battery’s power and shorten its lifespan.
3. Use water sensibly. A mixture of water and antifreeze, formally known as coolant, is used in a car’s cooling system at concentrations (usually 50/50) designed to prevent it from freezing on a cold day and boiling on a hot day. It can become more prone to freezing and boiling if there is too much water added to the mixture. In frigid temperatures, that can prevent the automobile from starting, while in warmer climates, it can lead to overheating. Additionally, using tap water might cause the cooling system’s efficiency to decline due to mineral buildup.
4. Filling the tank of a car with diesel fuel. If the engine starts at all, it will sputter and knock as a result. Thankfully, diesel pumps have big nozzles, making the error difficult to commit. The amount of gasoline poured to a diesel vehicle’s tank could cause only little damage or it could impair the fuel pump, injectors, and other components. A technician can minimize the harm by draining the contaminated fuel if the mix-up is discovered in time. Don’t start the engine in the interim.
5. Brake fluid special sauce. Hydraulic fluid that has been specifically designed for brake systems is used. Since transmission and power steering fluids are comparable to one another, switching them out can harm the system, harm the seals, and possibly result in brake failure. Keep in mind that your car definitely needs brake system service even if the brake fluid is low. Either there is a leak or the brakes are worn out.
Glued-together gears. Only the fluid recommended by the automaker, such as Toyota’s Type T or General Motors’ Dexron series, may be used in automatic gearboxes. Inadequate lubrication, overheating, and possibly transmission failure can result from using the incorrect fluid. Even after flushing the transmission, a mechanic might not be able to undo the damage. Your transmission might also be ruined if you accidentally add motor oil or brake fluid.
7. Additional washer fluid sins. Water doesn’t clean as effectively as washer fluid and is prone to freezing, and it also fosters the growth of harmful bacteria. Ammonia or household glass cleaners can harm a car’s gloss, leave suds on the windshield, enter the air intake system, and potentially create a toxic atmosphere within the cabin.
Consumer Reports is one of the most dependable sources of information and guidance on consumer goods and services, with more than 7 million print and online subscribers. It owns and runs a 327-acre Auto Test Center in Connecticut and runs the most thorough auto-test program of any American publication or website. The group’s auto experts have years of experience testing, driving, and reporting on automobiles.
A 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer needs what type of oil?
High Mileage 5W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 5 Quart, from Mobil 1 (Part No. 120768) Product attributes: For engines with more than 75,000 miles, Mobil 1 High Mileage full-synthetic motor oil 5W-20 is made to allow up to 10,000 miles between oil changes.