Using the proper type of engine oil is a means of protecting your engine from damage. The improper selection of engine oil can adversely affect the performance of your vehicle’s engine.
There are multiple different types of motor oils available in the marketplace, all of which differ in thickness, viscosity, and in their capacity to withstand high temperatures. The majority of vehicles have a recommended engine oil for them; however, how would using an alternate motor oil negatively affect your vehicle?
Can I substitute a 10w30 for a 5w30? If you have considered this question, then you have visited the right website.
The first number, either 5 or 10, indicates how easy the oil will pour at lower ambient temperatures; the second (30) indicates the viscosity of the oil at normal (the engine’s) operating temperature.
10W 30 and 5W10 Engine Oils Comparison Table
You might choose between 5W30 engine oil and 10W30 engine oil depending on various factors, including the manufacturer’s recommendations, type of engine(will either be ‘cold start’ or ‘hot start’), driving habits and environmental conditions.
The following table shows a comparison of both oil viscosities, which will assist you in determining which oil is recommended for your vehicle.
| Features | 10W30 Engine Oil | 5W30 Engine Oils |
| Viscosity at low temperatures | Higher viscosity flows less easily at cold temperatures. | Lower viscosity flows more easily at cold temperatures. |
| Viscosity at high temperatures | Thicker at high temperatures compared to 5W30 | Slightly thinner at high temperatures compared to 10W30 |
| Cold-start performance | Takes a bit longer to flow in extremely cold temperatures. | Flows more readily in very cold conditions, aiding faster starts. |
| Engine protection in high temperatures | Provides good protection at high temperatures but is slightly thicker. | Slightly lower viscosity may offer slightly better fuel economy. |
| Common Use | Used in warmer climates and in older engines. | Suitable for most temperatures and modern engines. |
| Fuel Economy | Slightly less fuel-efficient compared to 5W-30 due to higher viscosity. | Slightly better fuel efficiency due to lower viscosity. |
| Wear Protection | Standard | Slightly Better |
| Price | Affordable | Slightly Bigger |
What is 10w30?
10w30 is an example of a multigrade engine oil suitable for use in high-performance / high-operating load engines because it can maintain its performance characteristics at elevated temperatures over an extended period of time.
In terms of viscosity, it has a viscosity rating of 10 at cold temperatures, and a viscosity rating of 30 at higher temperatures of operation (e.g. during accelerating from stop).
Furthermore, its low-temperature viscosity component is relatively thinner than the high-temperature component, indicating that it has a fairly thin viscosity rating at lower temperatures.
10w30 Major Specifications
When selecting a 10w30 motor oil, you should consider three important factors: the ACEA and API SN standards for the grade of viscosity. The API SN engine specification provides assurance that a motor oil will prevent deposits on the piston of the engine as a result of combustion.
Additionally, a 10w30 motor oil has a superior capacity for sludge control meaning that it will not cause the formation of sloppy sludge or gel substance when exposed to high temperature. It is also suitable for use with the majority of aftertreatment systems as well as creating a good seal with gaskets.
According to the European Automobile Manufacturer’s Association, all 10w30 motor oils should be assigned an ACEA A3/B4 or A3/B3 rating. The association creates oil sequences for the different specifications required for an engine oil.
Benefits of 10w30
10w30 oil is special and has many different and unique properties. 10w30 will create a non-permanent continuous film on the surface of all the parts of your engine, which helps to minimize the amount of friction between parts.
10w30 also helps to reduce the chance of your engine suffering from wear and tear during the intermittent stop/start period and keeps them cooler than most other oil types.
10w30 oil also provides rust protection for your engine’s internal components. 10w30 oil has the capability of prolonging the life of your engine. 10w30 provides the user with quieter/shifting and smooth clutch operations through-out gear range. 10w30 will maintain its viscosity under extreme heat.
10w30 is designed to work well with all types of advanced fuel applications, which includes biofuels and biodiesels. 10w30 can be used in the winter months as well; however, it was developed for use in very hot temperatures.
What is 5w30?
5W-30 is an engine oil used suitably under all conditions, even at the coldest and hottest operating temperatures. Low temperature viscosity rating is 5; high-temperature viscosity rating is 30 for automotive engines.
The Major Specifications for 5W-30
5W-30 engine oils meet all API SN, and different ACEA specifications depending on brand. All brands have received MB-approved 5W-30 ratings.
Mercedes Benz developed specific ratings based on brand name and application of each 5W-30 engine oil. 5W-30 oils contain approvals from VW, Porsche, Ford, and many other companies.
Benefits of 5w30
5w30 engine oil is different from 10w30 in that it offers some unique characteristics that make this motor oil unique compared to other motor oils. Like 10w30, this oil protects the engine and reduces friction by forming a film over the engine parts. This helps to avoid wear on engine parts and helps protect against rusting.
In addition toproviding additional protection against wear, this oil also will prolong the life of an automobile engine. This motor oil has a high thermal stability, meaning it will perform the same regardless of the temperature. This oil was designed to have the least oil use as possible; therefore, it only requires a small amount of motor oil to provide lubrication.
5w30 is best suited for gasoline engines, light duty gasoline engines and light duty diesel engines. Due to its ability to maintain good flow at low temperatures it is recommended for use in colder climates.
What is the Difference Between 10w30 vs. 5w30?
Both engine oils are 10w30 and 5w30 but they have different viscosities.
There is a difference between the two engine oils because they both have multi grades and can handle extreme temperatures.
Difference in Meaning
Both the engine oils include an engineered product that uses the Society of Automotive engineers guidelines, which provide details on viscosity levels as measured by a Corresponding Oil Temperature Scale (COTS).
The “W” indicates that this oil is for winter. Viscosity will increase when these two classes of oils are compared to each another to identify how thick they would need to go to become slippery.
5w30 oils are less viscous than 10w30 engines; therefore, the inner engine components can be protected by a greater amount of oil sooner by utilizing a lower viscosity product.
Performance
Performance.
Both 5w30 and 10w30 have a similar SAE rating. This means that they will perform the same at high, or operating temperature.
The digit 30 indicates the viscosity of the oil when at high temperatures. However, 5w30 will thicken less than 10w30 when at a cold climate. So, 5w30 is suitable for the cold season.
Ideal Use.
It’s always better to check the location of where you’ll be using your car before deciding on a certain engine oil.
Although both are multi-grade, 10w30 is thin enough if you live in an area where the temperatures are extremely low most of the time, hence performing better in winter. On the other hand 10w30 will flow perfectly in a hot summer etc.
Lubrication.
5w30 gives better lubrication, and this kind of oil is more suitable for private cars and similar light duty diesel/petrol engines.
10w30 is more suitable for commercial vehicles and other cars of a heavier load engine.
FAQs.
Can I Use 10w30 Instead Of 5w30?
It is healthy to use the weight of motor oil as per the recommendation of the car’s manufacturer; using the right oil will give you maximum fuel economy and the best protection. Using oil with high viscosity can lead to high drag and excessive oil temperatures since thick oil will not transfer heat better than thin oils.
Otherwise, using oil with low viscosity than required for your vehicle will make the oil fly off the internal parts while the vehicle is in motion. This will eventually lead to metal-to-metal contact, causing the wearing out of the engine components.
Can I Mix 10w30 and 5w30?
Most oils will mix perfectly, provided they have a similar synthetic. So there is no problem in mixing 10w30 and 5w30 since one will be topping up. Mixing the viscosity of oils will not have effect on the engine. 5w30 and 10w30 engine oils have close viscosity, and thus there is no harm in mixing them.
Is 10w30 thicker than 5w30?
10w30 is thicker than 5w30 because it has a higher viscosity in low temperatures. The engine oil will flow slow than 5w30 during the cold seasons.
Thicker or higher-viscosity metal oil has a better seal compared to a low-viscosity oil. The thicker oil gets better lubrication of the motor and engine parts.
Should I Use Thicker Oil In An Older Engine?
Yes, it will be prudent to use a thick engine oil like 10w30 on older engines and motors. Thick engine oil will improve the oil pressure of the older engines. This is because when the engine gets old, its clearances extend, thus demanding less liquid oil for better protection.
Which is better, 5w30 or 10w30?
Both 10w30 and 5w 30 engine oils are superb. For the best performance, it is crucial to know how each of them works in a given ambiance.5wso is ideal for any season and it offers maximum protection in summer as well as in winter.
This oil also renders the user a good fuel economy because it produces a minimal drag on the bearings and the moving components of the motor. 10w30 offers improved sealing capacity of old motors since it is thicker.
To Sum It Up
Engine oil reduces friction between the moving parts of moving parts in an effort to extend the life of an engine. One unique identifying characteristic of an engine oil is its viscosity.
Both 5W30 and 10W30 will provide a viscous, thicker lubricant and make them suitable for older and heavy-duty applications. With this information in hand, you are now in a position to answer the question, “Can I use 10W30 instead of 5W30?” When using an engine oil, take into consideration the external temperature, its
It’s essential to check your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and recommended oil type.