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...
What happens if you fill your car with the incorrect oil?
Because using the incorrect oil can create leaks, you might see a few oil stains in your garage or under your car, or you might smell burning when driving. Engine parts may not be adequately lubricated if the oil isn’t performing as it should, resulting in friction and the potential for burning the oil. This is unquestionably a red flag that needs to be addressed right away.
The fact that you feel like you need to fill up the automobile more frequently may possibly be related to the oil. Your engine will have to work harder and burn gasoline more quickly if the oil you’ve used is too heavy and thick to function properly.
What to do about it
If you put the wrong kind of oil in your engine, your car may still operate, and you may be able to drive it until your next service, but we don’t advise it. If you discover that you accidentally used the wrong product or if you experience any of the symptoms we’ve discussed, you should have your car checked out and have the oil changed to prevent long-term harm.
Can I use 5w40 for 5w30?
This essentially indicates that each oil is equally viscous at lower temperatures and will remain so at a temperature of 30C, but that 5w40 oil operates better at higher temperatures than 5w30 oil, being effective up to ambient temperatures of 50C as opposed to 30C.
In comparison to, say, 10w40 oils, 5w40 and 5w30 motor oils have winter viscosity grades of five, making them effective down to temperatures of -30C and more viscous at extremely low temperatures.
As a result, 5w40 oils are probably utilized in higher-performance engines that operate at higher temperatures and loads than usual, such as those used in vehicles driven in metropolitan environments, which frequently sit in traffic, or in vehicles traveling at very high speeds, for example.
5w30 oils are a fantastic option if your vehicle is not made to be driven at a high rate of speed or if you drive more cautiously and sustainably. These typically perform better for certain engine parts like oil pumps, can clean the engine better, and have longer lives because they operate at lower temperatures.
Can I substitute 5W20 for 0W20?
One of the low-temperature grades added to the SAE J300 EOVC system after 1952 is 0W20 motor oil (0W20 oil). It is a liquid designed to behave as an SAE 20 once the engine reaches its operating temperature but flow as easily as an SAE 0 in subzero conditions.
Even at -35C/-31F, this type of oil will still start to flow through the engine’s oil channels. This oil lubricates important engine components, making it simpler for you to start your engine cold in the winter.
W20 vs 5W20 Fuel Economy
Another low-temperature grade often advised for winter use is 5W20 motor oil, with 10W-30 serving as an option for higher temperatures. Because it offers the best fuel economy, reduces fuel consumption, and produces fewer exhaust pollutants, this oil type is widely used. Motor companies and governments all around the world, led by those in Japan, Europe, and the US, are looking for 5W20.
Low viscosity, high-quality synthetic grades 0W20 and 5W20 can both significantly improve fuel economy. When employed in fair-weather temperatures, their attributes are identical. When utilized in cold temperatures, there is little to no difference between the two variants.
What type of oil should I use for my 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer?
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.