Can I use 10w30 instead of 5w30? As an auto mechanic or a vehicle owner, you must have come across the terms SAE 10W-30 oil, SAE 5W-30 oil, and SAE 0W-20 oil. The main question now is, can they be used interchangeably?
This is a frequent question asked by most buyers when analyzing the type of motor oil that is the best fit for their vehicle. I’m quite sure you ask these questions as well. Most of your questions will be answered as you read on.
This article will discuss the differences and similarities between a 5w30 oil and a 10w30 oil, Can they be used interchangeably, and lots more.
Can I Use 10w30 Instead of 5w30?
In most cases, the answer is yes; the 10w30 can be used instead of the 5w30. However, you must check the vehicle’s user manual to ensure that the 10w30 is the right weight for your vehicle.
What Is 10w30?
The 10w30 is an engine oil with multi-grade. It is ideal for heavy-duty engines because it can tolerate high temperatures for an extended period without jeopardizing the engine’s performance.
The viscosity grade of this oil is 30 for high temperature and 10 for low temperature. At reduced temperature, the oil tends to have low viscosity, meaning once it is low, it becomes thin.
Related: Can I Use 5w30 Instead of 5w20? (Answered)
10w30 Major Specifications
In 10w30 oils, there are some specifications you have to look out for, such as viscosity grade, API SN rating, and ACEA. The 10w30 oil meets the API SN requirements. The American Petroleum Institute initiated API SN as an engineering classification.
And it states that an engine should be able to safeguard the piston from any form of deposits that can result from combustion.
This oil has efficient sludge control, meaning that the motor oil will not form undesirable gels or sludge at increased temperatures. The 10w30 oil also has compatibility with after seal and treatment.
Following the European Automobile Manufacturers Association, the 10w30 should have either ACEA A3/B3 or A3/B4 rating. This association is responsible for designating oil sequences for different engine oil specifications.
Benefits of 10w30
There are various unique benefits and features of 10w30 oil. The oil reduces friction between the engine parts by forming constant layers over every engine component. During the start /stop operation, the 10w30 is responsible for reducing tear and wear in the engine while keeping it cool.
The 10w30 oil protects the engine components from rust. The oil will lead to an increase in your vehicle’s lifespan.
It provides a smooth and noiseless clutch and gear operations. Even at increased temperatures, the 10w30 oil will retain its viscosity.
It is best suited for refined fuel engines like biodiesel and biofuel. Although you can use 10w30 under cold weather, it is better suited for use in hot weather.
What Is 5w30?
The 5w30 oil is an engine oil with multi-grade viscosity. At reduced temperatures, the oil has a viscosity level of 5, and at increased temperatures, the viscosity level is 30.
5w30 Major Specifications
The 5w30 oil matches all the ACEA and API SN requirements, which vary depending on the oil brand. MB also approves the 5w30, MB means Mercedes Benz’s requirements assign a particular grade to motor oil. The oil brand you use will determine the grade of 5w30 MB. It also has Ford oil requirements, Porsche oil requirements, and Volkswagen approval.
Benefits of 5w30
The 5w30 has various characteristics that make it an outstanding oil among other vehicle oils. Like the 10w30, 5w30 oil produces a continuous covering over all the engine components, and this helps to reduce friction. It curtails an engine’s tear and wears and protects the engine components from rusting.
The oil aids in increasing your vehicle’s lifespan. The thermal stability of 5w30 is superior, which means even when there is temperature variation, the oil properties do not change. The oil is also designed to minimize oil consumption because you need only a small quantity for engine lubrication.
The 5w30 oil is best suited for light-duty engines that use diesel, light-duty engines that use petrol, and automotive fuel engines. The oil is an excellent choice for cold temperatures because it flows easily, even at reduced temperatures.
Also Read: Oil Light Flickering (Causes & How to Fix)
5w30 Vs 10w30: What Is the Difference Between 10w30 and 5w30?
The level of viscosity is the major difference between the two oil. When cold, the 5w30 oil flows easily while maintaining its viscosity at a high temperature, and this is better than the 10w30 oil. Meanwhile, the 10w30 oil flows better when hot than the 5w30 fluid.
1. Weight
We can define an oil’s weight as its thickness. This means that heavier oils will have more thickness than lighter oil. The thickness or viscosity of the oil determines how well it lubricates your vehicle parts. A thin oil may not be able to lubricate your vehicle properly.
2. Engine Performance at High Temperature
Your engine’s performance is directly proportional to the oil type you use. Using bad oil can affect lubrication in the engine leading to severe damage.
3. Maximum Operating Temperature
The highest temperature that can keep the engine from drying is the maximum operating temperature. The oil will break down if it becomes too hot, and you could lose some engine components.
3. Minimum Operating Temperature
The lowest temperature at which the oil flows easily, maintaining the smooth running of the engine, can be referred to as a minimum operating system. If the oil is thicker, it could raise the engine’s temperature. Eventually, your vehicle will not function properly.
4. Engine Performance
When your engine’s temperature is low, the oil remains thick, and there is no free flow. As the engine’s temperature increases, the oil gets thinner and begins to flow easily. Choosing a lubricant that flows well both in hot and cold temperatures is important. You can avoid difficulties during travel if you stick to these precautions.
5. Viscosity
How well an oil flows is determined by the engine oil’s viscosity. It equally maintains the condition of your engine components. The oil flows easily if the number is lower. However, when the number is higher, it flows better with a high temperature.
6. Ideal Use
Under the right circumstances, both oils are ideal for use. However, the oil should be, in one way or the other related to the conditions below.
For 10w30
- Suitable for use in a warm climate.
- Preferably for old vehicles.
- For vehicles that do heavy major road driving.
For 5w30
- Mostly preferable for vehicles in a cold region.
- It’s best for new vehicles
- It’s best for vehicles that engage in heavy driving and stop at intervals.
7. Efficiency Of Fuel
The level of the oil thickness serves as a major difference between the 5w30 and 10w30. The 5w30 oil is less thick than the 10w30 oil, making it flow easily during cold weather and providing better fuel efficiency.
If you are using a high-mileage car, the 10w30 oil is a better choice because it aids in the reduction of leaks and oil consumption. So, the oil you decide to use depends solely on your vehicle’s specific needs and the kind of driving you tend to indulge in.
Also Read: Oil Smells Like Gas (Causes & Solutions)
What Will Happen if I Use 10w30 Instead of 5w30?
Deviating from your vehicle’s manufacturer’s recommended oil is a bad idea, except if there is an emergency. What will be the outcome if I substitute 10w30 for 5w30? During summer, can I use 10w30 in place of 5w30?
When you use a 10w30 oil instead of 5w30, your engine will be slightly protective against wearing during startup and in cold temperatures. The 10w30 also has less efficiency in protecting your engine during extreme heat (higher than 140°F). Unless you reside in an environment with a severe climate, the protection difference should be insignificant.
Another problem is that the flow of thicker oil through an engine is usually slow, which could decrease fuel economy by a percent fraction. Also, the difference could be insignificant, thereby not creating a severe effect on the economy of your fuel.
Can I Mix 10w30 and 5w30?
At no cost can you mix 5w30 and 10w30. In most cases, you can always use the 10w30 oil, but be sure it has the appropriate weight for your vehicle. Before making a decision, it is important to know the technical specifications of every oil type.
Additionally, the mixture of 5w30 and 10w30 could lead to various issues.
- First, oil is introduced with the wrong viscosity into the engine. And this could lead to increased wear on the engine components and a decrease in fuel economy.
- There could be a rapid breakdown of this incorrect oil resulting in the build-up of sludge and other problems.
- The mixture of various oil types could also provide a platform for vegetation growth inside the engine leading to clogs and other issues.
Also Read: How Much Oil Does My Car Need?
Frequently Asked Questions – Can I Use 10w30 Instead of 5w30?
What would happen if you put 10w30 instead of 5w30?
If oils have the same synthetic, they can mix perfectly. Therefore, you have no issue mixing the 5w30 and 10w30 oil because one will be on top. The mixture of oil viscosity will have no impact on your engine. The viscosity of 10w30 and 5w30 engine oil is close; mixing them will cause no harm.
Is 10w30 better than 5w30?
Their usage depends on the vehicle type. The ideal oil for private cars, light-duty diesel, and petrol engines is the 5w30 multi-grade oil. The cold temperature start for 5w30 is better than that of 10w30. Conversely, the thickness of the 10w30 oil provides better lubrication for heavy-duty engines and commercial vehicles.
What happens if you put 10W30 instead of 5W30?
Despite the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations, the mixture of 5w20 and 10w30 will not create any harm to your engine. Meanwhile, some drivers argue that combining 2 straight weight or multi-grade oils is safer than combining straight weight and multi-grade oil.
Is 10w30 better for high mileage?
The 10w30 oil is a better oil for high mileage. It provides an excellent fuel economy as well as reduces the consumption of oil in older engines. Vehicles with older engines of about 75,000 miles will need a thick oil that can lubricate their crucial components properly while preventing oil leaks, deposits, and sludge.
What happens if you put the wrong weight oil in your car?
If you use engine oil that is not the right weight for your vehicle, it could cause leaks or a burning odor while driving. When the oil is not functioning as it should, the engine components may not get proper lubrication, causing friction and oil burning.
Is 10w30 good for summer?
Generally, a thicker oil such as 10w30 provides better protection during summer. During summer, it is most preferable to use thicker oils because of the heat and how it thins out the oil.
Is 5w30 or 10w30 better for winter?
Due to the thinness of the 5w30 oil, it will circulate faster and withstand the cold or winter better during the engine startup. The ‘w’ after the 5 and the ten indicates the viscosities in winter or colder temperatures.
Is 5w30 thicker than 10w30?
The 10w30 and 5w30 have similar viscosities (SAE30) while the engine is running and performs similarly. However, when cold, the 10w30 will become thicker (increased viscosity) compared to 5w30.
What’s the difference between 10W 30 and 5W 20?
At operating temperature, the 5w20 will become thinner as the lower ’20’ indicates, whereas the 5w30 will produce a thick lubricating film. However, at operating temperature, the 10w30 and 5w30 provide similar viscosity as their similar “30” ratings indicate.
Conclusion – Can I Use 10w30 Instead of 5w30?
Before you use any oil for your engine, check the vehicle oil specifications as suggested by your vehicle’s manufacturer in your user manual. In some cases, this indicates the viscosity ratings only.
Often, your vehicle manufacturer suggests a specific oil brand, for example, an oil that contains a unique synthetic rating or blend.
However, your manual will also state if you can use other oil grades apart from the suggested ones. Most vehicle manufacturers will recommend oil with lower viscosity for cold climates.
Synthetic engine oil stays flexible, and this means it can function exceedingly to protect your vehicle’s engine in any type of climate condition. Meanwhile, if you are unsure of the right oil to use for your engine, a 5w30 oil is recommended. The 5w30 oil has shear strength and high film, and it also functions smoothly regardless of the temperature and the vehicle.