5w-20 Vs 5w-30 Motor Oil: Difference Between Oil [Viscosity] (2024)

If you’re like most drivers, you may wonder which engine oil is best for your vehicle: 5w-20 or 5w-30. Both 5w-20 and 5w-30 are common oil for engine oil, but what’s the difference?

5w-20 oil is thinner than 5w-30 oil. This means it will flow more easily and quickly at lower temperatures; hence it is more likely to be used in cold weather conditions. While the 5w-30 can provide better protection against wear and tear at higher temperatures, making it ideal for use in hot weather conditions.

This blog post will break down the differences between these oils and help you decide which is right for your car. Read on to learn more!

5w-20 vs. 5w-30: What’s The Difference?

The debate between 5w20 vs 5w30 motor oils has been long and heated, with proponents of both sides arguing vehemently for their preferred choice.

TL:DR: Take a look at the table below for the key differences between 5w-20 and 5w-30 motor oil:

Weight

5w-20 oil is a lighter-weight oil that is designed for use in smaller engines. 5w-30 oil, on the other hand, is a heavier-weight oil intended for larger engines.

Engine Performance in High-Temperature

5w-30 motor oil is better for high-temperature performance. It will maintain its viscosity better in hot weather, flowing more efficiently and providing better protection for your engine.

Maximum Operating Temperature

5w-30 motor oil has a higher maximum operating temperature than 5w-20 motor oil. This means that it can withstand higher temperatures without breaking down.

Minimum Operating Temperature

5w-20 motor oil has a lower minimum operating temperature than 5w-30 motor oil. This means it will flow more easily and provide better protection at normal operating temperatures.

Engine Performance

In terms of performance, there is no clear winner. Both oils have their pros and cons, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for the best possible protection for your engine, 5w-30 is the way to go. However, if you prioritize easy flow and low build-up, 5w-20 is better.

Oil Viscosity Rating

5w-30 oil is more viscous or thicker than 5w-20 oil. This means that it can perform well when it comes to protecting your engine, but it can also cause more wear and tear on moving parts. On the other hand, 5w-20 oil is less viscous or thinner than 5w-30 oil, and it can flow easily, causing less wear and tear on moving parts.

Efficiency of Fuel

5w-20 oil is typically thinner than 5w-30 oil, which means it can flow more easily and provide better fuel efficiency. However, 5w-30 oil is designed for higher mileage engines and can better protect against wear and tear.

What Do Oil Numbers Mean?

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) classifies motor oils according to their viscosity rating. This is done using a numerical system. The lower numbers indicate thinner oils that flow more easily at low temperatures, and higher numbers correspond to thicker oils that maintain their properties at high temperatures.

Most passenger car motor oils fall into one of five viscosity categories: 0, 5, 10, 20, or 30. The first number in the oil classification refers to its lower viscosity-temperature (cold-cranking).

The second number indicates its high-temperature viscosity (hot operation), for example, 5W-20 motor oil is a winter-weight oil that will flow readily at low temperatures yet maintain its lubricating properties at high temperatures.

What Is 5w-20 Oil Used For?

5w-20 oil is a type of motor oil commonly used in vehicles with smaller engines. This oil is thinner than other motor oil types, making it easier for the engine to start in cold weather. 5w-20 oil is also designed to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.

What Is 5w-30 Oil Used For?

5w-30 oil is often used in high-performance engines because it protects against wear and tear. This oil is also more viscous, so it can withstand high temperatures better. In addition, 5w-30 oil can help improve fuel economy.

Is Thinner Oil More Popular?

Yes, thinner car oils are becoming increasingly popular, and there are several reasons why:

• First, newer vehicles tend to have smaller engines with tighter tolerances. Thinner oil is less likely to cause problems in these engines.
• Second, thinner oil flows more easily, providing better protection at lower temperatures. This is especially important in cold weather climates where thinner oil can help prevent engine damage due to freezing.
• Third, many manufacturers are now recommending thinner oil for improved fuel economy. Thinner oil requires less energy to pump and can help improve a vehicle’s gas mileage by a small margin.
• Lastly, thinner oil is generally less expensive than thicker oil, so there are other cost savings.

Best 5w-20 and 5w-30 Oils

As we know, motor oil is vital to keeping our engines healthy. But with so many different types and brands on the market, deciding which is right for your car can be tough. If you’re looking for a 5w-20 or 5w-30 oil, here are some of the best options:

Castrol Edge: This oil is designed to provide maximum protection and performance for your engine. It’s also compatible with a wide range of vehicles, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not it will work with your car.

Mobil 1: Mobil 1 is a synthetic oil that protects your engine against wear and tear. It’s also compatible with a wide range of vehicles, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not it will work with your car.

Valvoline: Valvoline is another synthetic oil that protects your engine against wear and tear. It’s also compatible with a wide range of vehicles, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not it will work with your car.

FAQs

Final Considerations

If you are still unsure about making a choice, remember your climate and how often you drive. If you can, stick with the same weight and type of oil every time you change it to keep your engine running smoothly. And finally, always consult your vehicle’s manual before making any changes.