A motor oil delivers the needed lubrication for the moving parts of your engine. The motor oil will do its job and function as a lubricant. This lubrication will allow the pistons to move in the engine block and not make any excess wear.
As a result, your engine will be in good shape and will be in good condition. Motor oil is essential for your engine. You should also know that the type of oil you choose is just as important.
The 15w40 motor oil and the 5w30 motor oil are rumored to be okay if they are interchanged. However, car drivers are also curious about the differences between these motor oils.
In this article, we will discuss the differences between 15w40 motor oil and 5w30 motor oil. Let us get started.
Table of Contents
What Is the Difference Between 15w40 and 5w30 Oil?
We will discuss the differences between 15w40 motor oil and the 5w30 motor oil based on viscosity, hot weather, and fuel economy. Let us begin.
Viscosity
The 15w40 motor oil has the same viscosity as SAE 15w motor oil in cold temperatures. In high temperatures, it also has the same viscosity as the SAE 40 motor oil. The 5w30 motor oil has a viscosity range that can lubricate, protect, and internal sea components of your engine.
Fuel Economy
The automobile manufacturers are persuading the engineers to increase the fuel economy to meet the government’s regulations. This is also so that they can also provide an edge over their competitors. The thinner motor oil like 5w30 will be providing less friction in the engine.
As a result, it will have an increased fuel economy. However, some manufacturers would always recommend using a thinner oil.
But the 15w40 motor oil can also offer good fuel economy. So you have to follow the recommended motor oil for your engine.
Hot Weather
The 15w40 motor oil is multi-grade motor oil. The motor oil will work efficiently in both the summer season and winter seasons. It has a viscosity of 15w if it is cold, and it has a viscosity of SAE 40 if it is hot.
As a result, this motor oil will work in all temperatures. On the other hand, the 5w30 oil has a viscosity grade of forty, and it is less vicious in high temperatures than a motor oil like 5w50 motor oil.
Can I Use 15w40 Instead of 5w30?
Yes, you can if you want to and if you have no other choice. However, it does not mean that you should do it and especially make it a habit. The rule is always to use the motor oil that your manufacturer recommends.
Every vehicle has a recommended motor oil suitable for your engine, which should be the one that you should use. If you use a 15w40 motor oil in your 5w30 or vice versa and the other motor oil is not on the recommended list, there might be a difference in the benefits you can get from your engine. So again, the rule is always to use the recommended motor oil by your manufacturer.
Accidentally Used 15w40 Instead of 5w30: Is It Ok?
Yes, it is okay in the sense that there will not be any severe or significant damage. The 5w30 motor oil provides cold start properties. If you have accidentally used 15w40 motor oil instead of 5w30 motor oil, it can increase your fuel consumption.
This is because it will load more in the crank in your engine. Again, it is okay in the sense that there will be no permanent damage to your vehicle. But you must always stick with the recommended motor oil for your engine.
If the 15w40 motor oil is on the recommended list, then you can use it. However, you should avoid it if you can.
15w40 vs 5w30 High Mileage
Using a 15w40 motor oil can be used in engines that have high mileage. On the other hand, a 5w30 motor oil is best used for high mileage vehicles.
Which Is Better, 15w40 or 5w30 Oil?
This is a bit tricky. One motor oil cannot be the best of all engines. So the answer to this is that the best motor oil for your engine is what your manufacturer recommends because your manufacturer knows best the suitable motor oil for your engine and not anybody else.
When Should I Use 15w40 And When 5w30?
The first thing you should take note of here is your owner’s manual. You must refer to your owner’s manual. In your owner’s manual, there is the recommended viscosity of the motor oil that you should put into your engine.
For example, if the 15w40 motor oil and 5w30motor oil are recommended in your owner’s manual, you can use both motor oils, but you also have to consider the weather conditions. You also need to consider the location.
15w40 vs. 5w30 Toyota
The recommended oil for all Toyota engines is 5w30 motor oil. So you can use 5w30 motor oil for your engine because it is recommended and suitable. However, there is no mention of the 15w40 motor oil for these engines, so it might be better to avoid it.
The 15w40 motor oil can be used in off-highway diesel equipment, farm tractors, over-the-road diesel trucks, passenger cars, and many more. Still, refer to your owner’s manual.
15w40 vs. 5w30 Nissan
The recommended motor oil for Nissan vehicles is 5w30 and 10w30. So you can use 5w30 motor oil for your engine because it is recommended and suitable. There is no mention of the 15w40 motor oil for these engines, so it might be better to avoid it.
The 15w40 motor oil can be used in off-highway diesel equipment, farm tractors, over-the-road diesel trucks, passenger cars, and many more. But you must follow the recommended motor oil for your engine.
15w40 vs. 5w30 Subaru
The recommended motor oil for all Subaru engines is 0w20 and 5w30. So you can use 5w30 motor oil for your engine because it is recommended and suitable.
There is no mention of the 15w40 motor oil for these engines, so it might be better to avoid it. The 15w40 motor oil can be used in off-highway diesel equipment, farm tractors, over-the-road diesel trucks, passenger cars, and many more. Still, refer to your owner’s manual.
15w40 vs. 5w30 Mazda
Almost all the vehicles and SUVs of Mazda will need 0w20 motor oil. However, their lone standout might be used with some 5w30. So if you have a lone standout Mazda, you can use the 5w30 motor oil.
There is no mention of the 15w40 motor oil for these engines, so it might be better to avoid it. The 15w40 motor oil can be used in off-highway diesel equipment, farm tractors, over-the-road diesel trucks, passenger cars, and many more. But always pick the recommended motor oil by your manufacturer.
15w40 vs. 5w30 BMW
For all BMW engines, they are recommending 5w30 motor oil. So you can use 5w30 motor oil for your engine because it is recommended and suitable. There is no mention of the 15w40 motor oil for these engines, so it might be better to avoid it.
The 15w40 motor oil can be used in off-highway diesel equipment, farm tractors, over-the-road diesel trucks, passenger cars, and many more. But you must follow the recommended motor oil for your engine.
15w40 vs 5w30 Ford
According to the 2020 ford owner’s manual, almost all of their engines must be using a 5w30 motor oil or 0w30 motor oil. So you can use 5w30 motor oil for your engine because it is recommended and suitable.
There is no mention of the 15w40 motor oil for these engines, so it might be better to avoid it. The 15w40 motor oil can be used in off-highway diesel equipment, farm tractors, over-the-road diesel trucks, passenger cars, and many more. Still, refer to your owner’s manual.
15w40 vs 5w30 Chevrolet
For Chevrolet, the recommended oil is 5w20, 5w30, or 10w30 in some engines. And according to the owner’s manual of a 2020 chevy, they would recommend 0w20 motor oil or 5w30 motor oil. So you can use 5w30 motor oil for your engine because it is recommended and suitable.
There is no mention of the 15w40 motor oil for these engines, so it might be better to avoid it. The 15w40 motor oil can be used in off-highway diesel equipment, farm tractors, over-the-road diesel trucks, passenger cars, and many more. But you must follow the recommended motor oil for your engine.
15w40 vs. 5w30 Jeep
The recommended viscosity for jeep vehicles is 0W20, 5W20, 5W30, or 10W30. So you can use 5w30 motor oil for your engine because it is recommended and suitable.
There is no mention of the 15w40 motor oil for these engines, so it might be better to avoid it. The 15w40 motor oil can be used in off-highway diesel equipment, farm tractors, over-the-road diesel trucks, passenger cars, and many more.
15w40 vs. 5w30 Volkswagen
Their recommendation is only 5w30 and 0w20. So you can use 5w30 motor oil for your engine because it is recommended and suitable. However, there is no mention of the 15w40 motor oil for these engines, so it might be better to avoid it.
The 15w40 motor oil can be used in off-highway diesel equipment, farm tractors, over-the-road diesel trucks, passenger cars, and many more. But always pick the recommended motor oil by your manufacturer.
Summary
In summary, as much as motor oil is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s excellent condition, knowing the right and recommended motor oil for your engine is very important too. The use of 15w40 motor oil or 5w30 motor oil will depend on a lot of conditions.
Before using any of them, you need to look into your owner’s manual and look for the recommended motor oil for your vehicle. Your manufacturer knows very well the suitable motor oil for your vehicle.
Related:
Resources
Image credits – Canva
