Answer: There is absolutely no need to switch to 10W-30 motor oil in the summer if 5W-30 is an acceptable grade for your engine. While some car manufacturers still advocate the use of 10W-30 (or even 10W-40) as an appropriate engine oil option for summer use, it is completely unnecessary.
Is 5W-30 better than 10W-30?
This means that using 5W-30 instead of 10W-30 will increase the friction between engine parts leading to engine damage and decreased oil life. 10W-30 is typically meant for more powerful and larger engines than those with 5W-30 as the recommended oil type. So there could be greater risk for damage switching between the two.
What does 5W mean in engine oil?
The first number (5W) refers to the oil’s viscosity when cold, measured at 40°C (104°F). “5W” refers to the oil’s viscosity when cold, measured at 40°C (104°F). It helps to think of the “W” as standing for “winter.” Lower numbers mean the oil will remain more fluid and easier to circulate throughout your engine for improved start-up protection.
Should I mix 10W-30 and 10W-40 oil?
Most mechanics and vehicle owners avoid mixing 10W-30 with 10W-40 oil for several reasons. One is to prevent a decrease in oil pressure when cornering at high revs, resulting in spinning a bearing or two. Bear in mind that mixing motor oils may affect your vehicle’s warranty and fuel consumption.
Is 5W-30 oil bad for your engine?
Using 5W-30 instead can reduce fuel economy and impede flow throughout the engine. While using it temporarily in a pinch likely won’t cause your engine lasting harm, remember that the engineers who built your engine did so with a specific viscosity oil in mind, meaning it’s best to stick with it.
Is 5W-30 or 10w30 better for winter?
10w30, the thinner 5w30 will circulate quicker, and flow through bearing tolerances better during an engine startup in the winter or colder climates. The “w” behind the five and the 10 indicates that those are the viscosities in colder or winter temperatures.
What is the difference between 10W-30 and 5W-30 oil?
5W-30 oil has a better low temperature viscosity grade as compared to, say, 10W-30 oil. As a result, the 5W-30 is less viscous in cold temperature settings. The low viscosity of this oil means it doesn’t thicken at a colder operating temperature and flows smoothly through the engine without causing friction.
Is 5W30 oil good for cold weather?
Having the lower viscosity rating makes the 5W30 oil an excellent choice for cold weather. This helps to ensure an easier start up and better lubrication in these extreme winter temperatures. The higher viscosity rating, 10W, of the 10W30 oil at a lower temperature means that it will thicken faster in cold weather.
Is 10W30 oil good for a high mileage engine?
10W30 oil can be good for a high-mileage engine. However, there are many more factors to consider before, and it is best to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. However, many people prefer to use even thicker motor oils than 10W30 in high mileage engines.
Should I use 5W30 or 10W30 in December?
Agree with above post, but this is the wrong question to ask in December, unless you live in the Deep South or somewhere else warm. Most cars now recommend 5W30 for winter and optionally 10W30 for summer. If I lived in West Texas, I would use 10W30 in the summer and 5W30 in the winter.
