The 5w30 motor oil is generally used in diesel engines and patrol. A 5w30 motor oil is a multi-graded motor oil that would range from a high viscosity grade of about thirty (30) into a lower viscosity of five (5). On the other hand, the motor oil 5w40 is a motor oil that has a weight and viscosity tested by the society of automotive engineers of what they call the SAE.
Car owners have been interchanging these two motor oils. So now, we will put enlightenment to all these confusions.
In this article, we’ll talk about the difference between 5w30 motor oil and 5w40 motor oil. So without further ado, let us get started.
Table of Contents
What Is the Difference Between 5w30 and 5w40 Oil?
The 5w30motor oil has a low viscosity. The win the 5w30 means winter, and the number that is representing its viscosity in high temperatures. There is a numerical code system for grading engine oil, and it was established by the society of automotive engineers or the SAE.
The 5w40 motor oil provides help in the engine so that it can work smoothly and that any overheating in the moving parts will be lessened with heat. The 5w40 motor oil is preventing heat from the combustion cycle. So now, let us distinguish the differences between both these oils in terms of viscosity, hot weather, and fuel economy.
Viscosity
The difference between 5w30 motor oil and 5w40 motor oil in terms of viscosity is that the 5w40 motor oil has a larger viscosity than the 5w30 motor oil. This means that the 5w30 motor oil will be much better than the 5w40 motor oil. The 5w30 motor oil has a low viscosity of five (5) and a high viscosity of thirty (30).
The 5w40 motor oil indicates the viscosity and the weight of the engine. It has a low viscosity of five (5) and a high viscosity of forty (40).
It also has a low viscosity so that it will be thicker. The 5w40 motor oil will not be thick because it has high viscosity. This is defined in how the liquid will flow into the engine.
Fuel Economy
The 5w30 motor oil will flow freely into the engine because it has a high pressure but less flow. If we compare 5w30 motor oil and 5w40 motor oil in terms of fuel economy, the 5w30 motor oil will be much more economical than the 5w40 motor oil. These motor oils will work very well in a set of vehicles.
Hot Weather
The 5w30 motor oil has a lower viscosity. This means that it is more suitable to use in hot weather or low temperatures. The 5w40 motor oil has a higher viscosity.
This means that it is not suitable for all temperatures. The 5w30 motor oil is multi-graded and is suitable to use in low temperatures. The 5w40 motor oil is crude oil, and it can be used in a vehicle that has unleaded and leaded gasoline.
The 5340 motor oil can also be used in a temperature range of negative two hundred fifty (-250) degrees celsius to three hundred fifty (350) degrees celsius. On the other hand, the 5w30 motor oil will be used in a temperature range of negative two hundred fifty (-250) to three hundred fifty (350) degrees Celsius.
Can I Use 5w30 Instead of 5w40?
The answer is that it will depend on the duty cycle of your vehicle. If you do tow, stop and go traffic, and live in a hot place, you can experience some issues. The motor oil will be much thinner, and it will thin out even more if it is heated.
If the oil film is broken, there will be a metal-to-metal contact. This contact will then create more heat in your engine. If your car has a stop or start technology, there can also be some wear in your bearing because it will take longer for the motor oil to get to the bearing.
This is because the oil pump is being sized for 5w40 motor oil and not 5w30 motor oil. If your vehicle is a European vehicle with an extended drain interval, it will be shortened.
Related: Can you mix 5w30 and 5w40?
Accidentally Used 5w30 Instead of 5w40: Is It Ok?
Yes, it can be okay. You have to make sure that the oil pump is producing enough pressure to have the oil flowing into all the engine’s vital parts. If that is the case, then there will seem no problem. If the oil pressure light will also not go on when you are idling, it also means that there is no problem and that there are no damages.
If the oil pump can give the pressure, then it can work. Some people say that it can be an issue because the 5w40 motor oil has a VW standard. The additives are also not common.
So if you are bothered, you can always have your oil change. The damage, though, is pretty unlikely and very low. Some people also say that it is okay depending on the particular engine.
15w40 vs 5w30 High Mileage
A 5w30 motor oil is best used for high mileage vehicles. On the other hand, mechanics are using 5w40 motor oil to support high mileage engines.
This is because it is thicker under hear than any other motor oil. It also lubricated moving parts even better.
Which Is Better, 5w30 or 5w40 Oil?
The function of the motor oil is to protect your vehicle by reducing friction and wear on the moving parts of your engine. There is a large variety of motor oils in the market. However, people are curious about what motor oil is better, the 5w30 or the 5w40 motor oil.
So both of these motor oils are effective and good. They also function well in cold temperatures, and they will lubricate the engines properly.
However, both of them are used for warm temperatures. So the answer to this is that it depends on the vehicle. So always use the recommended motor oil for your engine.
When Should I Use 5w30 and When 5w40?
The 5w30 motor oil has a low viscosity, and you can use the 5w30 motor oil in hot or lower temperatures. On the other hand, the 5w40 motor oil has a high viscosity. This means that it is not suitable for all temperatures.
But the 5w30 motor oil is suitable for automotive gasoline engines. But use only these motor oils if included in the recommended motor oils for your vehicle by your manufacturer.
5w30 vs. 5w40 Toyota
The recommended motor oil for all Toyota engines is 5w30 motor oil. The 5w40 motor oil is not included in the recommended oils for Toyota. However, you can still use it if you want to.
The 5w40 motor oil is recommended for performance engines in European vehicles with gas-powered engines. However, it is still the choice of the owner’s manual if it is stated there.
5w30 vs. 5w40 Nissan
The recommended motor oil for Nissan vehicles is 5w30 and 10w30. The 5w40 is not in the recommended motor oil, but you can still use it if you want to. The 5w40 motor oil is recommended in performance engines.
5w30 vs. 5w40 Subaru
The recommended motor oil for all Subaru engines is 0w20 and 5w30. The 5w40 motor oil is not included in the recommendation list, but you can use it if you want to.
Just know that it is not recommended. The 5w40 motor oil is most recommended for performance engines.
5w30 vs. 5w40 Mazda
Almost all the vehicles and SUVs of Mazda will need 0w20 motor oil. Their lone standout might be used with some 5w30.
But the 5w40 motor is not on their recommended list. A 5w40 motor oil is mainly used in performance engines, but you should refer to your owner’s manual about it.
5w30 vs. 5w40 BMW
For all BMW engines, they are recommending 5w30 motor oil. The 5w40 motor oil is not on their recommendation list, but it can still be used. In performance engines, 5w40 motor oil is usually recommended.
5w30 vs. 5w40 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. There is no mention of the 5w40 motor oil. It is usually recommended in performance engines in European vehicles, but you must still refer to your owner’s manual.
5w30 vs 5w40 Chevrolet
For Chevrolet, the recommended oil is 5w20, 5w30, or 10w30 in some engines. There is no mention of 5340 motor oil. You can use it, though, if you want to.
The 5w40 motor oil viscosity is recommended in performance engines. But, again, refer to your owner’s manual.
5w30 vs. 5w40 Jeep
The recommended viscosity for jeep vehicles is 0W20, 5W20, 5W30, or 10W30. The 5w40 motor oil is not on their list of recommendations. The 5w40 motor oil is usually recommended in performance engines.
5w30 vs. 5w40 Volkswagen
Their recommendation is only 5w30 and 0w20. There is no mention of the 5w40 motor oil so avoid it, but you can use it. The 5w40 motor oil is suitable for performance engines in European vehicles.
Summary
In summary, 5w30 motor oil and 5w40 motor oil can be interchanged sometimes. People have also been asking if they can switch places and what the differences are between these two.
5w30 motor oil and 5w40 motor oil have their differences. However, they also have their similarities. However, in choosing between the two, always refer to your owner’s manual.
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