There are many different types of car engine oil on the market, and it can be difficult to understand the difference between them. All the numbers and letters can give consumers a headache, wondering which one is best for their model of car.
Two of the most common types of oil are 5W-30 and 10W-30.
5W-30 and 10W-30 are multigrade oils that are available in both traditional and synthetic forms. They are used in engines to reduce friction between moving parts and extend the life of the engine.
So, what is the difference between these two oils?
5W-30 vs 10W-30
At the working temperature of the engine, 5W–30 and 10W–30 lubricants have the same viscosity. When the engine is running, the temperature is usually 100°C (212°F) (in an average engine).
When it’s cold, though, the 10W–30 oil will be heavier. This means that the 10W-30 oil will have a higher viscosity when it is cold. If the maximum projected outdoor temperature is above -18°C (0°F), you can use 10W–30 oil, according to API standards for automobile engines.
If you live in a region where the outside temperature drops below freezing, you should use 5W–30. Always follow the advice of the engine manufacturer.
What does the “W” mean?
The “W” in 5W-30 and 10W-30 stands for winter. The lower the number, the thinner the oil will be at low temperatures. Ultimately, choosing between 5W-30 and 10W-30 car engine oil depends on your climate and driving habits.
Which Oil is Better? 5W-30 or 10W-30?
Because there is no such thing as the best oil, both 10W-30 and 5W-30 multigrade oils are good. It all relies on the needs of your vehicle, where you reside, and the climate or temperature.
5W-30 is suitable for all seasons and provides excellent protection in cold climates. It also saves you money on gas because it causes very little drag on the moving engine components.
10W-30, is best for cars with heavy-duty diesel or gasoline engines.
Is 10w30 thicker than 5w30?
The main difference between 5W-30 and 10W-30 motor oil is their viscosity. Both oils have the same thickness at 100°C, but 10W-30 is thicker than 5W-30 at lower temperatures. This means that 10W-30 oil is better for cold weather starts, while 5W-30 oil is better for fuel efficiency.
Modern car engines need thiner oils when they first start up. The majority of specialists agree that 80% of engine wear happens at startup (warming up). When the engine is cold, the heavier oil causes an issue. When we start the engine, we need the oil to be thinner.
The lubricant must immediately reach all areas of the engine. The difficulty with heavier oil, on the other hand, is that it has a greater resistance to flow. As a result, when you turn the key, the oil will not reach all of the working parts of the engine.
At 100°C, 5W–30 oil has the same viscosity as 10W–30 oil, although it is thinner at lower temperatures. It’s always a synthetic lubricant in the 5W–30 range. The only issue with 5W–30 is NOACK (lubricant (engine oil) evaporation tendencies at high temperatures).
Conclusion
When compared to other oils, multigrade varieties do very well in cold climates. The extra additives in multigrade oils also protect car engines better. So, if you live in an area with a cold climate, it is better to use 5W-30 or 10W-30 car engine oil.
Because of reengineered molecules, synthetic oil compositions will hold up better in cooler temperatures than their conventional oil equivalents.