When to Use 10w30 vs 5w30 The only difference between these two oils is cold flow ability: a 10w30 oil will move slower than a 5w30 oil during cold startups. At operating temperatures, both oils will have the same viscosity (30) and will flow and protect identically..
Accordingly, which oil is better 5w30 or 10w30?
5w30 is less viscous than 10w30. 5w30 is also the thinner engine oil of the two at lower temperatures. 5w30 is used for light-duty engines while 10w30 is used for engines which carry heavier loads. 10w30 provides sealing action in the engine due to the fact that it is thicker than 5w30 engine oil.
Additionally, can you mix 5w30 and 10w30 oil? Keep in mind oils do not mix if you have 5w30 and add 10w30 it won't give you a blens both oils will stay seperate so you will have a few quarts 5w30 and a quart 10w30 they never mix.
Beside above, can I use 10w 30 instead of 5w30?
0w30 and 5w30 are more commonplace now than they used to be. The 5w30 has more viscosity index improvers vs the 10w30 so technically the 10w30 would have more oil that lubricates the engine. But no it won't hurt to use 5w30. The 5w30 when cold will still be thicker than the 10w30 when hot anyways so it doesn't matter.
What is 10w 30 oil recommended for?
For 10W-30 oil, the 30 is the same as the SAE 30 viscosity rating for warm oil, but the 10W is the viscosity rating for cold oil, according to a standardized rating system developed by the SAE for winter oil use. And that's what the "W" stands for: "winter."
Related Question Answers
Should I use thicker oil in an older engine?
A: Yes. This is a practical method to improve oil pressure in an older, high-mileage engine. The slightly thicker oil film from the heavier base weight oil — 10W — can help protect worn engine bearings as well. The engine does not leak and I've never seen a whiff of blue smoke.Is 5w30 good for old cars?
So yes as long as you have good oil presure with 5W30 you can run it with no problems.Can synthetic oil be mixed with regular oil?
The simple answer: Yes. There is no danger mixing synthetic and conventional motor oil; however, conventional oil will detract from the superior performance of synthetic oil and reduce its benefits. So, yes, you can safely mix synthetic and conventional oil.Should I switch to synthetic oil high mileage?
It's not accurate to say that you should never use synthetic oil in an older car. In fact, Castrol EDGE High Mileage is a synthetic oil designed specifically for high-mileage cars. If the car has been maintained and is in excellent running condition, the synthetic oil may protect the vehicle and prolong its life.Should I use thicker oil in summer?
As a general rule, you'll get the best protection in the summer when you use a slightly thicker grade of oil, such as a 10W30 instead of a 5W30. Engines need a thicker oil in the summer months because of the summer heat and its effects on thinning the oil out.Is 5w30 good for summer?
5w30 is a great multigrade oil for use in low starting temperatures as well as high summer temperatures. It is also more fuel efficient since it creates less drag on the bearings and moving engine parts. 10w30 is thicker and may provide better sealing capability for older engines.When should I use 20w50 oil?
Warmer Temperatures 20W50 motor oil is suitable for warmer climates, where the higher temperature causes the oil to thin. It is also useful for vehicles subject to hot temperatures and for those used for high-stress activities such as hauling or pulling trailers.Will switching to synthetic oil cause leaks?
Switching to synthetic oil causes leaks: Generally, switching to synthetic oil does not cause leaks. It is true that synthetic oil is thinner than conventional oil and therefore flows more easily. If there is a spot where oil could leak out in your engine, then synthetic oil is more likely to leak than conventional.Should I use 5w30 or 10w30 in the winter?
At operating temperatures, both oils will have the same viscosity (30) and will flow and protect identically. If the oil will be in the engine during winter and you live in a place where it gets cold during these months, use 5w30 oil. If it will only be in the engine during the summer, use 10w30.How do I know what engine oil to use?
There's no substitute for reading your owner's manual. It will list what type of oil the automaker recommends for your car. It may also recommend different oil depending on whether you live in a hot or cold climate. The most important thing is to use oil that's the right thickness, or viscosity, for your car's engine.What happens if you put the wrong oil in a car?
The brand of motor oil matters little, but its viscosity grade (10W-30, for example) is important. Using the wrong oil can lead to reduced lubrication and shorter engine life. If the manual says to use synthetic oil, do so.Is Synthetic Oil Better?
Because synthetic oil is better on your engine and has fewer impurities, it can go longer than conventional oils or synthetic blends. Turbo engines and older cars may still require oil changes every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Synthetic oil change intervals range 10,000-15,000 miles or once a year (whatever comes first).What is the best high mileage oil?
Mobil 1 High Mileage If you're unsure about the maintenance history of your vehicle, then Mobil 1™ High Mileage synthetic motor oil is the best choice.Which oil is thicker 5w30 or 5w20?
The key difference between 5W20 and 5W30 motor oil is that the former is thicker or less viscous. The more viscous motor oil is, the better it will be able to resist the heat and not break down. In this case, 5w30 oil will provide better overall engine protection than 5w20.Is 10w30 better for high mileage?
A 10w30 is the same as 5w30 when at operating temperatures. Merely switching cold viscosity isn't likely to do much for you. Instead, try a high mileage oil and see if that helps. High mileage oils have seal conditioners.What do the numbers mean on motor oil?
The short answer: The numbers represent the viscosity of the oil and the W stands for WINTER. In a 5W-30 for example, the number before the W describes the viscosity of the oil at low temperatures. The lower the number, the thinner the oil and the better the oil's cold temperature/ cold start performance.Which oil is thicker 5w30 or 10w40?
5w30 is less viscous while 10w40 is more viscous. The 5w30 has a viscosity of 30 at high temperature while a 10w40 has a 40 viscosity at high temperatures. When at high temperatures, the 5w30 oil becomes thinner than the 10w40 oil since 30 is lower as compared to 40.Can you mix 5w30 and 5w20 oil?
Yes, you can. It is best if they are from the same brand and level of API service to be the same formulas, but they are certainly compatible, even if different formulas and brands. I once needed oil on a trip, and my car had 5W-20n ILSAC approved oil in it as recommended by the factory.Can I mix SAE 30 with 5w30?
You are correct that adding 1qt SAE 30 to 3qt SAE 5w-30 will increase viscosity of the 5w-30 at ALL temps. 
