Is there a big difference between 5w 20 and 5w 30?

Is there a big difference between 5w 20 and 5w 30?

The main difference between 5W-20 and 5W-20 motor oil is that the latter is less viscous (or thick). When used in a vehicle's engine, 5W-20 oil creates less friction due to its thinner viscosity, meaning it causes less drag across engine parts like the crankshaft, valvetrain, and pistons.

What happens if I put the wrong oil in my car?

Motor oil slip-ups. The brand of motor oil matters little, but its viscosity grade (10W-30, for example) is important. Use only what the owner's manual specifies. Using the wrong oil can lead to reduced lubrication and shorter engine life. If the manual says to use synthetic oil, do so.

What does 5w20 stand for?

What does SAE 5W-30 mean? The short answer: The numbers represent the viscosity of the oil and the W stands for WINTER. The long answer: The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has established a numerical code system for grading motor oils according to their viscosity characteristics.

Which is better 5w 30 or 5w 40?

In fact, the only major difference between ​5w30 and 5w40 is the viscosity in warmer temperatures. ​This makes the 5w30 better suited for colder temperatures and the 5w40 better suited for warmer ones.