0w20 vs 5w30 Oil – Choosing the Best Grade For Your Car’s Engine

Welcome to yet another post about motor oils. If you’ve come to the Garage Chief blog before then you know that we like to compare different products to each other. Today, it’s all about comparing two popular types of motor oil: the 0w20 vs 5w30.

Enjoy the read!

0w20 vs. 5w30: Which is better?

The oil’s job is to clean, lubricate, and cool down an engine. It keeps the moving parts from rubbing against each other causing unnecessary friction. Oil also collects the waste that’s released from the engine and filters it out.

Motor oil, like many things, exists in several types, and brands. However, we’re focusing today on the 0w20 and the 5w30 motor oils. We’ll highlight the special features of each one, in addition to comparing their performance.

With further ado, let’s compare 0w-20 vs 5w-30 oil so you can choose the right one.

About 0w20 Oil

0w20 oils are widely known as low viscosity oils. They’re slowly becoming popular amongst customers because it’s said that they deliver the best results.

It readily implies that, while the viscosity is the same, 0 oil flows smoother and faster at a cold temperature over 5W-30 oils. The 0W-20 is considered the best oil on the market as it helps mitigate environmental issues in the processing of waste oil.

The viscosity of the oil when the engine is cold is referred to as the 0 before the W on the mark.

The W in the name refers to Winter. According to the Society of Automotive Engineers, the 20 reflect the viscosity of the oil at a higher temperature. The smaller the number, the lower the oil viscosity.

THE 0W-20 oil is also widely known as a multi-viscosity oil because it contains a certain number of special additives to create various viscosities in cold conditions.

The use of 0W-20 on the 5W-30 engine oil impacts temperatures and certain climatic conditions. Viscosity increases during summer, while viscosity reduces during winter, meaning that in the summer seasons it is safer to put 0W-20.

The 5W-30 can allow the oil to diminish in the summer seasons, resulting in damage in the longer term.

Features of 0w20 Oil

The 0w20 is recognized as one of the fuel-saving motor oils. It’s based on 100% synthetic technology for petrol engines in both passenger cars and light-rail transporters.

It’s specially made for lubricating state-of-the-art vehicles such as hybrid and ECO models. They’re known to require an SAE 0W-20, and run on diesel and /or ethanol-containing fuels up to E85.

In conjunction with a special additive component, Motor Oil SN 0W- 20 is built upon synthetic base oil for all of the following properties:

• Excellent stability of thermal and oxidation.
• Great cold starting temperature properties.
• Excellent qualities of spreading and detergent.
• Properties to conserve gasoline because of low friction.
• Outstanding anti-wear, anti-corrosion, and anti-foam properties.
• Long interval to needing an oil change.
• Low synthetic viscosity which increases fuel efficiency.
• Recommended in the cold environment because of its quick start and fast lubrication.
• The synthetic nature protects the moving parts of your vehicle.
• This oil supplies the vehicle with extra energy.

Uses of 0w20 Oil

To maximize fuel economy, a rising list of car manufactures proposes low-viscosity oils such as 0W to 20.

The line-up of 0W-20 oils has now grown to include high-mileage trucks, lorries, and SUVs. In addition to individuals interested in comprehensive drain oils.

You can also use Motor oil 0W-20 when 5W-20 is recommended.

Benefits of Using 0w20 Oil

Thousands of cars in factories opt for synthetic 0W-20 fuel oil. In a world where pollution is still rising, it offers increased overall engine performance and better environmental conditions.

Since it’s cold, only very minor losses occur in the crude, and that’s mostly because of the poor viscosity.

In most situations, synthetic fuel oil 0W-20 can be more costly than 5W-30 and can be a very useful investment in the lifetime of the car.

In the coming years, most vehicles will most likely add 0W-20 synthetic motor oil to their engine oil. Automakers are doing their hardest to reduce fuel consumption and boost overall performance.

About 5w30 Oil

Another very strong and highly effective motor oil is the 5W-30 motor oil. It’s a pretty put-together oil that is built in a way that will allow it to operate in conditions where extreme cold and excessive heat exist.

The 5W-30 motor oil provides good start-up and low-temperature safety for all machine operators. For example, in a 5W-30, 5 is the viscosity of the oil at a low 5 degrees Celsius temperature.

The lower the number, the stronger the starting cold and the thinner the fuel oil will be. W is winter, and number 30 explains how thick the oil will be at the engine’s working temperature.

Motor oils such as the 5W-30 are also very common and usually embraced by motor users, especially car users, rather than the 0W-20.

They’re generally more popular because they operate very well at any given season, from very high to very low temperatures. 5W-30 engine oil is commonly known to be multi-level engine oil that means that the engine oil can be graded into two degrees of viscosity.

Some people prefer motor oil 5W-30 to motor oil 0W-20, despite the mild winters and ready motor oil supply. The standard lubrication 5W-30 engine oil is more easily found than 0W-20 engine oil.

It too often seems that engine oils of 0W-20 are at the top of the line in terms of effectiveness as motor oils, and that’s mostly because, almost all cars, already in use, and the ones which are still in production, still recommend motor oils of 0w-20.

However, the popularity of the 5W-30, the fuel oil, particularly during a warm winter season, is slowly gaining traction as it is adjusted to different weather conditions.

Features of 5w30 Oil

5w30 has many advantages and special characteristics.

Firstly, the motor oil 5w30 fulfills API SN specifications and depending on the oil brand, also has an ACEA rating. Even MB clearance is available in 5w30.

The approval of MB refers to the requirements of Mercedes Benz which assigns the engine oil a certain grade. The 5w30 MB grade depends once again on the oil brand.

In fact, the Ford oil requirements and Porsche oil specifications are included in 5w30 VW clearance (Volkswagen oil specifications).

In addition, there are some features worth mentioning:

• It forms a continuous layer of overall motor components.
• Reduces friction between moving components.
• During start/stop operation, they reduce wear and tear while keeping the engine cool.
• The engine parts are also secured from rusting.
• Overall, it increases motor oil’s lifespan.
• They have superior thermal stability, that is, even though the temperature is highly unpredictable.
• They preserve their properties.
• Oil consumption is reduced as very little motor oil is enough lubricant for an engine.

Uses of 5w30 Oil

5w30 is used in the areas of light-duty petrol, light-duty oil, and gasoline engines.

For motors operating in cold climates, 5w30 motor oil is chosen because it gives strong flux at a lower temperature.

Benefits of Using 5w30 Oil

The 5W-30 oil is a very strong multi-degree oil with low starting and high summer temperatures. Moreover, it makes the motions of the rotating engine parts less power efficient.

The 5W-30 oil is produced to be used in machinery located where the temperature is below -22 degrees F.

Automotive engineers worldwide focus on fuel economy. Motor oil, like the 5w-30, produces little to no pressure in the engine and hence helps in increasing the fuel economy. The car manufacturers normally suggest a thinner motor oil like the 5W-30.

However, it must be noted that the increase in fuel consumption will in some cases also lead to a rise in engine wear and tear.

0w-20 vs 5w30 – Differences

Let’s talk about the key differences of 0w20 vs 5w30 oil.

Oil 0W-20 is mostly used or suggested for car manufacturers, such as Honda or Toyota and others, which require low viscosity oils.

0w20 can also be used interchangeably with the 5w20.

0W-20 extends to 10,000 miles or 12 months as synthetic crude. The 0W-20 oil responds at a cold temperature like SAE 0 oil but at high temperatures, it behaves like SAE 20 oil.

For the engine, 0W-20 is certainly safe. For a quart, it’s pretty pricey, but it’s considered the best match for your car, as recommended by most manufacturers.

In the cold atmosphere, 5W-30 oils are stronger. 5W-30 as multi-grade crude, whether it is warm or cold, is used widely in harsh conditions. 5W -30 oils are versatile, run well at low temperatures and reveal their strength at high temperatures.

However, their viscosity is not equal in any location, you have to use the individual viscosity according to the environment in different places.

Which is Better: 0w20 or 5w30?

The best here is very subjective. Changing the lower number by 5 usually doesn’t matter that much. It also isn’t a big deal to change the upper number by 10.

This could change them a little bit, but not so much. The first numbers are typically so small because of the manufacturers’ very particular explanations for cam and limited openings and control valves.

The second number refers mostly to the clearance of pistons and to the reduction of oil tolerances in most industrial engines. Since standards are in good shape for normal ambient temperatures and engines, you will have a reasonable excuse to swap weights.

In most cases, such a reasonable excuse includes serious climates or high miles.

In any case, one would not change the lesser number by more than 5 if they had a modern engine in mind. One could also consider raising the top number by 10 when the engine in question is a high mileage one.

You can also Look out for guidelines based on the atmospheric temperature in your users’ manual.

5w30 oil vs 0w20: The recommended products

Top Rated 0w20 Oils

Castrol 03124 EDGE 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil

This is a complete synthetic oil of good quality and one of the most consistent items reviewed. It’s manufactured by a trustworthy firm – Castrol. It also provides outstanding miles and good performance, as it’s fully synthetic.

This oil does not trick you when it comes to overall results. This beats the efficiency of other oils by its formulation. The advanced formula will effectively provide high pressure to your engine, which is critical for optimum fuel efficiency and power output.

You don’t have to think about the engine and other parts, because this oil provides full safety.
Its high lubrication capacity ensures a smooth flow. Instead of screeching metals, they glide effortlessly, which reduces the wear and tear of the motor components.

Get it at Amazon here >>

Pros

• Can withstand high pressure
• Keeps engine free of debris and waste
• Very good lubricant for the engine
• Uses a patented titanium technology
• Cost-effective

Cons

• For a cold start, it’s not the best oil to use

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Castrol EDGE with Fluid TITANIUM

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil

The average performance of this motor oil is good. It’s also fully organic, which is an added perk. On top of that, it’s a product that guarantees fuel savings.

It’s ideal for use at low and high temperatures. And another awesome feature is that it doesn’t quickly lose protection.

The viscosity at high temperatures prevents it from becoming thin too soon. And it preserves its output throughout the day with low-temperature tolerance.

This oil has a strong mile scope, unlike other traditional oils. This can be attributed to the formulation, which provides an excellent balance.

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Pros

• Has great anti-wear additives
• Increased oil efficiency is guaranteed
• Can be used with turbocharging and supercharge vehicles

Cons

• The canister is not ergonomic, so it might be difficult to use

Royal Purple 51020 SAE 0W-20 High-Performance Synthetic Motor Oil

Royal Purple, the corporation that makes this particular product, earned its name from partnering with racing cars. This means that the manufacturer is mindful that even under the greatest possible strain the oil will work.

Overall, it is an oil that is entirely organic and designed to protect the engine from metal contact under any circumstance.

If your car can withstand it, I would suggest you just get this particular gasoline. While some models and car manufacturers appear to dislike this particular brand of oil, it’s worth noting that it’s still compliant with ethanol-based fuels and engine oils.

Check the price at Amazon >>

Pros

• Many mechanics would recommend it
• Better wear protection
• High fuel efficiency
• Compatible with ethanol-based fuels

Cons

• Won’t work with all types of cars

Top Rated 5w30 Oils

Mobil 1 94001 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil

The Mobil 1 94001 formula provides engine safety year-round and addresses the needs of diesel cars.

The oil is also compliant with conventional vehicles such as fuel-injected multi-valve, supercharged diesel, and turbocharged engines. In short, for lorries, light trucks, and cars.

This oil holds engines running well. Your engine more than, won’t get worn out daily. It also keeps the engine clean, which makes it faster and smoother.

The viscosity level for GM cars and other imported vehicles is the form recommended. The formula also contains the patented Mobil 1 formula to maximize performance.

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Pros

• Great protection against engine waste
• Sludge formation reduction
• Great performance at high and low weather

Cons

• Old engines won’t get half of the benefits this oil offers.

Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 5W-30 Motor Oil

This oil concentrates on three areas for the management of engine stress: tear, deposits, and heat. Running motors in very cold or high heat allow motors to operate faster, leading to a failure of engines. Valvoline improves the engine to withstand high temperatures.

Valvoline contains custom clothing ingredients as well. For better safety, these additives stay in the crude. In fact, the special solution is consistent with a wide variety of cars and other equipment in terms of a fuel efficiency boost.

Valvoline products are known for their performance, which is obvious to this oil when dealing with supercharged, turbo-loaded vehicles, and natural aspirations. Changing every four thousand to five thousand miles results in a great performance.

Get it now at Amazon here >>

Pros

• Improves fuel efficiency
• Compatible with almost all major car brands in the United States

Cons

• If you’re using an older car, you might need to use more oil

Royal Purple 51530 API-Licensed SAE 5W-30 High-Performance Synthetic Motor Oil

You need to be particularly careful when you choose the oil for a motor running on fuel containing ethanol. Some oils are compliant, but for the Royal Purple 51530, this is not a concern. In addition to being fully compliant with this special product, fuel efficiency is also improved.

This special oil works very quickly and excels to dissolve layers of sludge. It has a sophisticated recipe for rising energy and improving the smoothness of high-performance motor vehicles.

The oil helps boost engine performance and shelf life by enhancing tear safety and better corrosion resistance. It may also be used with other organic and mineral oils.

Check the price at Amazon here >>

Pros

• Great wear and corrosion protection
• Compatible with ethanol-based fuels
• Gives increased fuel economy

Cons

• Most diesel engines aren’t compatible with it

What’s the Effect of Using the Wrong Type of Oil?

The effects aren’t major in most cases, except in extremely cold environments.

The majority of low / multi-viscosity lubricants have similar behavior. If it’s even observable at anything less than 50 degrees below zero or in any other Arctic environment, the difference between 0 and 5 weight is almost negligible.

And if, like death valley hot (125 F), you stay in a very hot environment, then making weight at the top 30 really is a slight blast, but again at the boundary. The low-weight engine oils that you can use at the moment, like 0W20, are typically best for fuel economy.

The problem is, you will have to put 90-weight gear oil in the engine of your car to actually make a change in material consumption of fuel.

Today’s cars are controlled by computers and have features such as variable valve timing, VTEC, etc. The use of a thicker oil for these engines is not recommended. To perform properly, the variable valve timing mechanism must operate on thinner oils.

That’s why it’s always advisable to stick with the recommended oil given to you by the manufacturer. Even though, in most cases, interchanging some oil grades with others won’t make a vast difference, except in extreme cases.

0w20 vs 5w30 – The Conclusion

We really hope this guide helps narrow down the differences between 0w20 vs 5w30.

The engine oil of your machine is very valuable and necessary for your vehicle, and you particularly must have it regularly changed.

An oil shift is required for a vehicle every 10000 miles. Motor engines are the foundation of your equipment and that’s why you must check the correct oil for your vehicle at frequent intervals.

In short, when comparing both oils together, we’ve realized that 0w20 is superior when it comes to efficiency. It’s might be a bit more pricey and isn’t easily found though. For that type, we recommend the Castrol 03124 EDGE 0W-20 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil.

While 5w30 is just as good as 0w20, and might even withstand a variety of temperatures that the 0w20 can’t tolerate. If you’d like to use it, we suggest Mobil 1 94001 5W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil.

We hope this helped answer your question.

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API