Engine Oil Volume: 3.6 quarts with fuel. Check the oil level after refueling.
In This Article...
What is engine oil 0W 20?
A winter viscosity multigrade SAE oil, 0W-20, lubricates your engine parts in cooler climates and offers outstanding cold start performance.
In cold climes, 0W-20 oil is very thin and flows very freely without creating any friction. It also runs very smoothly and lubricates crucial engine components at normal operating temperatures.
Additionally, this multigrade oil functions well even when the engine temperature is adjusted to relatively high levels. It may not provide as thick an engine protection barrier as 0W-30 or 5W-40 oil, but it is still regarded as a good option for seasons.
How can the oil life of a 2013 Honda CRZ be reset?
- Press the SEL/RESET button on the steering wheel several times until the engine oil life is displayed if it is not already.
- More than ten seconds should be spent pressing and holding the SEL/RESET button on the steering wheel.
- On the multi-information display, the engine oil life reset mode will be displayed.
- To reset the engine oil life display, push the INFO (up and down arrow icons) button, then hit the SEL/RESET button.
- The engine oil life will reset to 100 and the maintenance item code(s) will vanish.
Which is better, 0W-20 or 5W 30?
The manufacturer’s recommended engine oil is the best. However, there are a few criteria you can use to decide which oil is preferable for your application if the manufacturer of your car recommends both SAE 0W20 and SAE 5W30.
- The 5W30 oil performs better in locations with moderate winters and hot summers.
- The 0W20 oil performs better in regions with harsh winters and chilly climates.
- The 5W30 oil is preferable for vehicles used for frequent towing and hauling.
You really don’t need to go into the explanation any more because it is so straightforward. You are allowed to use whatever oil grade you feel fit based on your needs, provided the manufacturer suggests both.
Better oil to use: 0W20 or 5W30?
Pay particular attention to the quality testing done while selecting a motor oil. Both the API donut and the starburst sign should be visible on the packaging.
The American Petroleum Institute’s testing was successful, as evidenced by the API donut. The starburst is also used to demonstrate eligibility for SL service.
Location
You must take the region into account while selecting the ideal oil viscosity from the suggested possibilities. For instance, 5W20 can be used in somewhat warmer settings while OW20 will perform better in cold climates like Maine or Alaska.
Having knowledge of the temperature range aids in selecting the proper oil. The temperature range for 0W-20 oil is -40 to 68F. In contrast, the operating temperature range for 5W20 oil is -31F to 68F and for 5W30 oil is -31F to 104F.
Fuel Economy
Because the lubricant flows more easily, the higher the fuel efficiency, the thinner the oil viscosity. As a result, 5W20 will run similarly to 0W20 once the engine has warmed up, but 0W20 will be more fuel-efficient during startup.
In both colder and warmer climates, 0W20 offers greater fuel efficiency than 5W30. However, 5W20 only performs better than 5W30 in hotter environments.
You can give the engine the protection it needs to last longer by using the proper oil in it. Make sure you do your study before selecting oil to attain the performance level you need.
Your Owner’s Manual
Although it’s really easy, owners manuals are frequently disregarded. To find out the appropriate viscosity of the motor oil you should use, always consult your owner’s handbook. Use the 0W20 and 5W20 variations interchangeably, depending on the weather, if they are both on the list.
Location
Given that both 0W20 and 5W20 motor oils operate in much the same temperature range, it is critical to think about where you will be using the car. The operating temperature range for synthetic oil is -40C to 20C for 0W-20 and -35C to 20C for 5W20 (5W20 synthetic oil). Being aware of these facts means two things:
- In places like Florida when the temperature is above 20C/68F, you cannot use either 0W20 or 5W20.
- If you reside in a region with extremely low temperatures, such as Alaska or Maine, it is preferable to use 0W20 oil.
Viscosity
The motor oil will flow more smoothly the lower the number is. At beginning temperatures, a 0W20 will be more fluid than a 5W20, but both will function similarly at normal engine operating temperatures. Keep in mind that engine oils naturally become thinner during heating and thicken while cooling.
Quality Testing
Any oil brand with the appropriate viscosity grade and the API donut symbol is acceptable. The oil has passed the testing required for SL service, as indicated by the starburst sign.
The API donut indicates that your motor oil passed the current SL service rating test after being tested by the American Petroleum Institute. ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d’Automobiles) is the counterpart of API in Europe.
Manufacturer Requirements
If your vehicle is substantially loaded, the machine designer would typically advise using an oil that has a high viscosity and is heavy like honey. However, if it moves quickly, a lubricant that can move out of the way and then move back in is preferable.
Fuel Economy
Despite the fact that both 5W20 and 0W20 (0W20 synthetic oil) can be used at 20C/68F, 0W20 is thinner than 5W20 at cold engine temperatures, particularly in the initial minutes after starting your automobile. Because it gives the car slightly higher fuel economy than the 5W20, new models specify it. The 0W20 model satisfies a turbo-diesel engine’s requirements as well.
Can 0w20 harm an engine?
an inquiry from a reader “For my new pickup truck, the recommended engine oil is 0W-20. This is a significant adjustment for me because I have never owned a car that required anything other than 5W-30. 0W-20 oil appears excessively thin, and I have serious doubts. I requested that my dealer allow me to use at least 5W-20, but they claim that 0W-20 must be used in order to keep my warranty in effect. For my new engine, is 0W-20 safe?
Answer: Without a doubt, 0W-20 is safe for your engine. Since the beginning of the previous decade, manufacturers have required 5W-20 and 0W-20, and there is absolutely no proof that engine wear rates have gone up. Engine wear has never been lower because of the enormous advancements made in the last 15 years in engine designs, materials, and motor oil chemistry. The 5W-20 and 0W-20 grades are quickly replacing the 5W-30 grade in new cars. A brand-new car with the specification 5W-30 will be uncommon by the end of this decade. In fact, in the upcoming years, anticipate to see even lower viscosities, such 0W-16.
Why do auto manufacturers advise using thinner motor oils? merely to maximize fuel efficiency. However, this pattern has persisted long enough for us to draw the conclusion that there are no negative effects in terms of shortened engine life.
Regarding the second half of your query, which asks whether it is advantageous to use 5W-20 instead of the advised 0W-20, we see no justification for doing so. Let’s utilize the characteristics of the 0W-20 and 5W-20 AMSOIL Signature Series oils to demonstrate our point.
The measured in is the industry standard for assessing viscosity at operational temperature “at 100C, centistokes.
- 8.8 centistokes for the AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20.
- 8.7 centistokes for AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20.
The 0W-20 and 5W-20 are consequently nearly equal in terms of thickness or viscosity at working temperatures. Because it would provide a very minor increase in terms of cold weather start-up protection, the car maker chose a 0W-20 oil.
We choose a 0W-20 for year-round use even though our daily driver requires a 5W-20 in order to have the optimum start-up protection. Even in sweltering weather, we observe absolutely no oil usage in between oil changes.
In conclusion, you may be sure that a high-quality 0W-20 motor oil will provide the best wear control. Enjoy your new truck, and you may use 0W-20 motor oil with confidence.
Is 0W oil preferable to 5W?
The ability of a multi-grade oil to be pumped and flow at cooler temperatures is indicated by its first number; the “W” stands for winter. As a result, a 0W oil will be able to flow more quickly and reach crucial engine components better than a 5W or a 10W oil, especially at extremely cold temperatures and during engine startup.
The viscosity measurement value under engine operating circumstances is represented by the second number. For your engine to be properly lubricated and protected, this viscosity value is essential.
What happens if 5W-30 is used in place of 5W-20?
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.
Because your engine was developed with 5w20 oil in mind when it was constructed, all of the parts that come into contact with it must be a specified viscosity after the engine hits operational temperature, or 212.
5w20 oil will have a lower viscosity than 5w30 oil at this temperature; it will flow more easily and with less resistance. When 5w30 is used in place of 5w20, the engine will experience increased oil resistance once it reaches working temperature, which the engine is not built to manage.
If you substitute 5w30 oil for 5w20 when doing so is not advised or authorized by the owners handbook, it could violate your car’s powertrain warranty, impair engine performance, and ultimately harm your engine.
Using the proper oil keeps your engine operating at its best.
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Should I use 0W-20 while it’s hot outside?
The thinner oil grades 0W-20 and 5W-20 both work best in cold winter climes.
The 0W-20 oil grade performs better with cold starts due to its reduced viscosity. Additionally, it guards against issues including varnish buildup, engine wear, sludge formation, and low oil pressure. With 0W-20, you may anticipate faster oil circulation and a smoother flow.
Therefore, 0W-20 oil grade would be the best choice for you if you plan to travel frequently in regions with below-freezing temperatures and infrequently in regions with higher temperatures.
However, 5W-20 performs a little bit better in seasonal climates due to its higher viscosity. Because of its somewhat greater thickness, it resists oil thinning at higher temperatures better.
There are some vehicles that can use both 0W-20 and 5W-20 oil. However, consult with your mechanic regarding the suggested oil for your vehicle before switching to a different viscosity grade.