Motor oil is used for almost all automobiles, like motorcycles, generators, cars, and many other machines. They will provide prevention wear in all the parts of the engines, and at the same time, they will also lubricate those moving parts in your engine. And motor oil is the identifier of how your engine will last over a long period.
They will also cool down your engine and prevent some overheating. They do this by diverting any heat that you get from the moving parts in your vehicle. This is also the reason why you need to have an oil change as often as needed.
So as a car driver, you should know the vital role that motor oils play in your engine. It is also essential to know about the different motor oils and how they differ from each other. So in this article, we’ll be focusing on 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil.
We will be comparing these two and get to know them more. Let us start!
Table of Contents
What Is the Difference Between 15w50 and 15w40 Oil?
Motor oil is used so that it will offer lubrication for internal combustion engines. Motor oils are crucial for your vehicle because they will assist you to avoid any tear and wear that you can get from the moving parts in your engine when the vehicle is running.
In addition, motor oil will give development to your piston sealing. So let us differentiate 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil in terms of fuel economy, hot weather, and viscosity.
Viscosity
The 15w50 motor oil acts as a lubricant, and it is slightly viscous in viscosity compared to 15w40 motor oil. Therefore, this motor oil provides good lubrication and protection to your engine. This motor oil is also known for its excellent drain interval.
The oil change can be around six hundred kilometers. Therefore, the 15w40 motor oil can be recommended for diesel engines and used in a warmer climate.
The viscosity of 15w50 motor oil is more than the 15w40 motor oil. However, they may have the same low-temperature oil viscosity and high-temperature viscosity.
Fuel Economy
If your vehicle is new and residing in a cold area, you can use 15w40 motor oil. But stick with the recommended motor oil for your vehicle to have the best fuel economy. The 15w50 motor oils have a viscosity that is recommended for those engines that are high performance.
It is also used today for motorsports racing if your engine is stressed in high revving and heat. You can also use this in a high-performance turbocharged engine.
In terms of fuel economy, there is no distinct difference between them. You have to use the recommended motor oil to have the benefit of fuel economy.
Hot Weather
The 15w40 motor oil can be used both in temperatures. The number fifteen in the name of the motor oil does not mean that the low temperature will limit to fifteen.
The lower the first number is, the lower will also be the temperature. More fluid will also be in the oil. In cold weather, it is advisable to use thicker oil.
The 15w40 motor oil will be the best choice. However, the 15w50 motor oil can also be used in both temperatures.
Can I Use 15w50 Instead of 15w40?
You can use 15w50 motor oil if you want to, but it is not recommended. This means that the best thing to do is always stick with the recommended motor oil for your engine. There are exceptions to this, though.
There are times where car drivers need to top their current oil because they have no choice. For example, you might be in a remote area and run out of motor oil, and the options in the area are minimal. You can do an oil change.
Accidentally Used 15w50 Instead of 15w40: Is It Ok?
It is okay in a sense there are no severe damages to your engine. This means that there are no significant bad results on your engine.
But you must avoid using 15w50 motor oil if you can. Instead, you should stick with the recommended motor oil by your manufacturer.
15w50 vs 15w40 High Mileage
The 15w50 motor oil has been used for high-performance engines. It is mostly used today for motorsports racing when engines are stressed because of high revving and heat.
On the other hand, using a 15w40 motor oil can be used in engines that have high mileage.
Which Is Better, 15w50 or 15w40 Oil?
The motor oil is rated by viscosity. It will also vary with the temperature. In high temperatures, it will run down in fifteen seconds. In cold temperatures, it will take twenty to fifty seconds.
The 15w40 motor oil is suitable for heavy engines in hot temperatures and hot temperatures. However, the 15w40 motor oil might be hard for your engine. It will also reduce horsepower in cold temperatures.
So you have to consider the areas that you live in. You also have to consider the temperature of the engine. But the best answer is still the recommended motor oil by your vehicle manufacturer.
When Should I Use 15w50 And When 15w40?
The 15w50 motor oil has a viscosity grade of forty. This means that this motor oil is much heavier in comparison to the 15w40 motor oil. Therefore, this motor oil is recommended for those engines that have high performance.
They are mainly used in motorsports, and they are equipped to operate in heated and stressful conditions. But you should use 15w40 motor oil or 15w50 motor oil if your vehicle manufacturer has recommended it.
15w50 vs. 15w40 Toyota
For Toyota, the recommended motor oil for their engines is 5w30 motor oils. The 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil are not included in the recommended list, but you can use them if you want to, but they might not be suitable.
You can use 15W-50 for high-performance engines. In addition, the 1540 motor oil can be used in gasoline engines.
15w50 vs. 15w40 Nissan
The recommended motor oil for Nissan vehicles is 5w30 and 10w30. The 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil are not included in the recommended list, but you can use them if you want to, but they might not be suitable.
You can use 15W-50 for high-performance engines. In addition, the 1540 motor oil can be used in gasoline engines.
15w50 vs. 15w40 Subaru
The most common recommended motor oil for all Subaru engines is 0w20 and 5w30. The 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil are not included in the recommended list, but you can use them if you want to, but they might not be suitable.
You can use 15W-50 for high-performance engines. In addition, the 1540 motor oil can be used in gasoline engines.
15w50 vs. 15w40 Mazda
According to Mazda, almost all their vehicles and SUVs will need 0w20 motor oil. Their lone standout might be used with some 5w30. The 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil are not included in the recommended list, but you can use them if you want to, but they might not be suitable.
You can use 15W-50 for high-performance engines. The 1540 motor oil can be used in gasoline engines. But you have to stick with what is recommended.
15w50 vs. 15w40 BMW
For all BMW engines, they are recommending 5w30 motor oil. The 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil are not included in the recommended list, but you can use them if you want to, but they might not be suitable.
You can use 15W-50 for high-performance engines. The 1540 motor oil can be used in gasoline engines.
15w50 vs. 15w40 Ford
Almost all of the Ford engines use 5w30 motor oil or 0w30 motor oil. The 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil are not included in the recommended list, but you can use them if you want to, but they might not be suitable. You can use 15W-50 for high-performance engines.
The 1540 motor oil can be used in gasoline engines. The best choice is to look for your owner’s manual and read the recommended motor oil for you.
15w50 vs. 15w40 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. The 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil are not included in the recommended list, but you can use them if you want to, but they might not be suitable.
You can use 15W-50 for high-performance engines. The 1540 motor oil can be used in gasoline engines. But you have to stick with what is recommended.
15w50 vs. 15w40 Jeep
For Jeep, you can use 0w20 motor oil or 5w30 motor oil, depending on your car model. The 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil are not included in the recommended list, but you can use them if you want to, but they might not be suitable.
You can use 15W-50 for high-performance engines. The 1540 motor oil can be used in gasoline engines. The best choice is to look for your owner’s manual and read the recommended motor oil for you.
15w50 vs. 15w40 Volkswagen
For Volkswagen, their recommendation is only 5w30 and 0w20. The 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil are not included in the recommended list, but you can use them if you want to, but they might not be suitable.
You can use 15W-50 for high-performance engines. The 1540 motor oil can be used in gasoline engines.
Summary
In summary, every engine needs specific motor oil. With that, it is essential to know what is the right and recommended motor oil to use for your engine.
The 15w50 motor oil and 15w40 motor oil might be interchanged, but it is not recommended. The rule of thumb is to consult an expert or read your owner’s manual for instructions and recommendations.
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