5w20 vs 5w30: Difference and Comparison

What is the difference between 5w20 and 5w30 (5w20 vs 5w30)?

Generally, there is confusion in terms of understanding these oil types. Car owners should be familiar with these engine oil types commonly used in vehicles.

5w20 and 5w30 are two engine oil types used in vehicles but there is a difference in their viscosity- that is, how they flow or the thickness of the engine oil to flow against friction.

Their (5w20 and 5w30) difference in viscosity makes these engine oil types perfect to use in any condition.

In a moment, we will be discussing the key differences between 5w20 vs 5w30. Which vehicle are these engine oils best suited for?

What Is 5w20?

For those who live in the northern hemisphere, especially the cold regions, 5w20 is one of the best engine oils to use. It’s best suited for the cold compared to 5w30.

Just so you know, “5” in 5w20 indicates the viscosity rating, while the number “20” shows the weight of other oils stored at a higher temperature. 5w20 is a thin engine oil that aids in engine lubrication. It creates less friction compared to other oils because it’s thin.

5w20 is very popular during winter because of its thinness. Its thinness helps to lubricate all sections of the engine which is very important during winter. Since its viscosity is less than 5w30, this engine oil type is more efficient in the cold.

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Working Conditions of 5w20

“5” in 5w20 indicates the viscosity rating, while the number “20” shows the weight of other oils stored at a higher temperature. 5w20 has a low viscosity which allows engines to start in a cold environment.

What Is 5w30?

Unlike 5w20, 5w30 is one of the best engine oil types best suited for warm temperatures. The “5” in 5w30 refers to the viscosity ratings, while “30” refers to the weight of other oils stored in hotter temperatures.

Compared to 5w20, 5w30 is a thicker and more viscous oil. With a higher viscosity, 5w30 has a thicker coating, which improves protection for vehicle engines operating under high-stress conditions. 5w30 increases friction and it also flows slowly.

5w30 is best suited for warm temperatures because of its thickness and viscosity. It’s better to use 5w30 engine oil during summer than 5w20. 5w30 is thick and does not evaporate but better protects the engine.

Working Conditions of 5w30

5w30 is an engine oil specifically designed to improve protection for engines operating under high-stress environments and for high-performance engines.

It provides better lubrication engines and protects it from wear and tear. 5w30 is an engine oil that may also be suitable for older engines.

5w20 vs 5w30: Difference between 5w20 and 5w30 Motor Oils

5w20 and 5w30 are engine oils with different viscosity, designed for different temperatures. The key difference between 5w20 and 5w30 is their viscosity at the temperature they operate.

5w30 becomes a bit more viscous than 5w20 at a temperature of 100 degrees Celsius (212 degrees Fahrenheit). Although the increased viscosity may offer better lubrication for all sections of the engine, it can also have a negative impact on fuel economy.

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5w20 vs 5w30: Fuel Efficiency and Protection

5w20 is an engine oil with a lower viscosity and it provides a thinner layer protecting engines at normal temperature. Because of its thinner layer and viscosity, 5w20 improves fuel efficiency.

Low-viscosity oil like 5w20 provides better engine performance in colder climates. This is because of its fluidity and quicker heating.

Compared to higher viscosity engine oil like 5w30, 5w20 tends to reduce engine protection.

Operating Temperature

5w20 is very popular during winter because of its thinness. Its thinness helps to lubricate all sections of the engine which is very important during winter.

While 5w20 provides better cold start protection, 5w30 offers additional protection at higher temperatures. 5w30 is thicker and has a higher viscosity, which makes it more suitable for hotter temperatures.

Viscosity

5w30 is thicker and has a higher viscosity than 5w20 engine oil. 5w20 has a lower viscosity with a thinner layer, making it more suitable for colder climates.

With a higher viscosity level, 5w30 can negatively impact engine performance if it’s exposed to high temperatures.

Gas Mileage

5w20 engine oil can improve a vehicle’s gas mileage. Switching to 5w20 can help reduce drag on engine components to enable the engine to work more efficiently.

Efficiency

Out of the motor oils, 5w20 can improve overall engine efficiency because it is thinner and flows more freely. With 5w20 engine oil, you will have less frictional wear on engine components.

This will reduce wear and tear and keep the engine operating more efficiently for a longer period.

In addition, 5w30 is also an engine oil that can provide protection in hotter temperatures.

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5w20 vs 5w30: Difference between 5w20 and 5w30 Comparison Chart

Here are the primary differences between 5w20 vs 5w30.

	5w20	5w30
Viscosity	5w20 is an engine oil with a lower viscosity than 5w30.	Compared to 5w20, 5w30 is an engine oil with a higher viscosity and it’s thicker than 5w20.
Suitable Climate	This is more suitable for colder climates because it’s thinner.	This is more suitable for warmer climates.
Friction	This has less friction compared to a 5w30.	This creates a higher friction compared to 5w20.
Flow	Compared to 5w30, 5w20 flows faster	5w30 flows slower compared to 5w20
Thickness	5w20 is thinner compared to 5w30.	5w30 is thicker compared to 5w20.

What Vehicle Takes 5w20 Engine Oil?

According to Diffy.com, 5w20 is standard on the majority of American cars like Ford, Lincoln, Mercury, Cadillac, Dodge, Chrysler, Jeep, GMC, and Chevrolet.

Other car manufacturing companies that manufacture engines that can run on 5w20 oils include BNW, Acura, Volvo, Jaguar, Nissan, Lexus, Toyota, Subaru, Pontiac, Saturn, Mazda, Buick, Honda, Mitsubishi, and Jaguar.

What Purpose Does 5w30 Oil Serve?

5w30 is an engine oil you would find in many cars, SUVs and trucks. It’s best suited for engines that need thicker oils to operate. It provides wear and tear protection in high-performance engines.

5w20 vs 5w30: Which Is Better

One of the important factors to consider when choosing an engine oil is regional climate. You also need to consider your car’s manufacturer’s recommendations on what type of oil to use.

5w30 is best suited for hotter climates because of its high viscosity, while 5w20 is more suitable for colder climates.

Can I Mix 5w20 and 5w30 Motor Oils?

Although mixing 5w20 and 5w30 may be safe for engines designed to use both, mixing these two engine oils may strain and wear your engine faster. This can occur, especially if your engine is not designed for higher-viscosity oil.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Below are frequently asked questions about the differences between 5w20 vs 5w30.

Which oil should I put in my care between 5w20 and 5w30?

Firstly, you need to check the owner’s manual or get professional advice from a qualified automobile mechanic before choosing an oil type. After consulting a mechanic or the owner’s manual, you will know the oil that is best suited for your engine.

What will happen if I choose 5w30 over 5w20?

Switching to a thicker oil instead of a thinner one could cause engine damage and reduce fuel efficiency. 5w30 is a thicker oil and using it will prevent the free flow of fluid through your engine.

It will increase friction, wear and frictional losses.

Conclusion