Updated at: 08-03-2022 - By: micdot

The type of engine oil required by each vehicle is specific to that vehicle. The viscosity and weight of each motor oil are different.

When used in conjunction with a specific brand and type of motor oil, it is also highly recommended. This article will discuss the differences between 10w40 and 20w50 motor oils. Let’s get started now.

What Is the Difference Between 10w40 and 20w50 Oil?

On the basis of viscosity, fuel efficiency, and temperature, we will compare 10w40 and 20w50 oils. Start now.

Viscosity

The 10w40 motor oil has a viscosity grade of ten and a weight of forty. The 20w50 refers to the weight and viscosity grade of the fluid. This indicates that at 100 degrees celsius, a 20 viscosity grade will be half as thick as one at 0 degrees.

Fuel Economy

In terms of fuel economy, the 20w50 motor oil does not outperform the 10w40. There might be no noticeable gain in gas mileage or vehicle performance by changing your oil to 20w50 motor oil if your car has already exceeded 200,000 miles. However, it will maintain your engine running at peak performance.

In terms of high mileage, the 10w40 is no better than the 20w50. This is the main difference between 10W40 and 20W50: 20W50 is thicker.

Hot Weather

In hot weather, the engine oil behaves differently if the temperature is cool rather than warm. Oil thickens when the temperature drops.

Therefore, it will not adequately lubricate. Consequently, high-temperature applications require 20w50 viscosity, while low-temperature applications require 20w50.

Can I Use 10w40 Instead of 20w50?

You can’t generalize because every car is different. It’s important to know what type of motor oil to use for your car based on its age, the time of year, and a variety of other considerations. Damages can be caused by using a 10w40 motor oil in a 20w50 engine for an extended period of time.

When using a 20w50 on a vehicle that requires 10w40, the same rules apply. There are some mechanics that recommend using 10w40 or 20w50 oil, no matter what kind of vehicle you’re currently utilizing. But reading your owner’s handbook and following the manufacturer’s recommendations is the best option.

Accidentally Used 10w40 Instead of 20w50: Is It Ok?

It all depends. There is no need to worry if your vehicle is compatible with 10w40. If the manufacturer advises it, then the 20w50 motor oil should be used.

The 20w50 oil can also be used in engines designed to operate at high temperatures. Other manufacturers’ suggestions suggest utilizing 20w50 in vehicles designed for colder climates. So, if your car is modern and it’s warm outside, you can use 10w40 motor oil.

10w40 vs 20w50 High Mileage

For automobiles with a lot of miles on the clock, a 10w40 motor oil should be used. Thick oils, such as 10w40, are more ferocious, and they can assist older engines tolerate high temperatures and prevent wear and tear. If the motor oil is thicker, it will help extend the life of your engine by reducing wear and tear.

This oil’s viscosity level, on the other hand, is geared toward racing engines rather than those with a long service life. Engines with a lot of mileage run hot and require a lot of work.

Which Is Better, 10w40 or 20w50 Oil?

Which one depends on what you ask. This will depend on the make and type of your car, as well as a slew of other variables. To put it another way, if your engine is designed to withstand low temperatures or cold starts, 10w40 motor oil is the best choice.

Using 20w50 motor oil in a car with a high-temperature or warm-weather engine will improve its performance. However, the general rule of thumb is to follow the recommendations of your product’s manufacturer. To get the most out of your engine, you need to seek the advice of an expert.

Consider the fact that certain automobiles today are designed to run on 10w40 motor oil. So if you have a new car, you must use 10w40.

When should I use 10w40 and when 20w50?

If you have a newer car, you should remain with the 10w40 motor oil recommended. You can use 20w50 motor oil to keep sludge out of your engine if you do an oil change on engines that are designed to withstand greater temperatures and harsh weather conditions. As a result, you should keep in mind that if you perform an oil change on a regular basis, you may not have any issues with sludging if you use a 10w40 motor oil or even a 20w50 motor oil in the summer.

Winter vehicles will also be affected by this. In general, if your car requires 10w40 motor oil, you can use it, but if your vehicle requires 20w50 motor oil, you can use it as well.

10w40 vs. 20w50 Toyota

If you live in a hotter climate, you should use 20w50 motor oil. As a result of the high temperature, the oil will become too thin and hence ineffective. This high-viscosity motor oil provides cushioning and protection from metal-to-metal contact.

Because 10w40 motor oil is recommended for use in warmer climates, those who live there must also use it. This is critical; keep it in mind. As a result, Toyota recommends using 5w30 motor oils in all of its engines. However, if you’re going to use 10w40 or 20w50 on your vehicle, you’re going to run into trouble soon.

10w40 vs. 20w50 Nissan

Using 20w50 motor oil in hot areas is recommended. The viscosity of this oil is really high. You can also use 10w40 if you live in a hotter climate.

The recommended motor oil for Nissan automobiles is 5w30 and 10w30, therefore you’ll need to consult your owner’s manual before using any of these two oils. It’s possible to use 10w40 instead of 20w50, but you run the risk of running into issues quickly.

10w40 vs. 20w50 Subaru

Warmer regions necessitate the usage of 20w50 motor oil. Even in hotter climates, the 10w40 may be utilized effectively. The owner’s manual still recommends it for Subaru.

In general, 0w20 and 5w30 motor oils are the most commonly recommended for Subaru engines. So if you want to use 10w40 instead of 20w50, you can, but it might not be healthy for your engine.

10w40 vs. 20w50 Mazda

Using 20w50 motor oil in cold areas and 10w40 motor oil in warmer or hotter regions are both acceptable. If you’re not sure whether to use 10w40 or 20w50 motor oil, consult your Subaru’s owner’s manual.

Mazda claims that 0w20 engine oil is required in nearly all of its cars and SUVs. There is no mention of using 10w40 vs. 20w50 with their lone standout, but it may be utilized with some 5w30. When in doubt, consult your owner’s manual.

10w40 vs. 20w50 BMW

In hotter climates, 10w40 and 20w50 motor oils are acceptable. This is not, however, the basis for deciding on the type of motor oil you should use.

Because BMW recommends 5w30 motor oil for all of its engines, the best place to start is with your owner’s handbook. Using a 10w40 instead of a 20w50 may be possible, but it may not be appropriate for your engine.

10w40 vs. 20w50 Ford

Warmer and hotter places can benefit from using 10w40 and 20w50 motor oils. To be clear, this doesn’t mean that if you’re driving in a hot climate, you can just use the 10w40 vs. 20w50 recommended in your owner’s manual. And according to the 2020 Ford Owner’s Manual, practically all of their engines require a 5w30 or 0w30 motor oil to function properly.

10w40 vs 20w50 Chevrolet

20w50 and 10w40 should be used in warm and hot climates. But the optimum oil for your vehicle is the one recommended by the manufacturer.. Always follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual.

Some Chevrolet engines use 5w20, 5w30, or 10w30 oil, depending on the model. And a 0w20 or 5w30 motor oil is recommended in the owner’s manual of a 2020 Chevrolet.

10w40 vs. 20w50 Jeep

The general rule of thumb is to follow the recommendations of your manufacturer. Use 10w40 or 20w50 in warm locations and hot temps unless an expert tells you to use a different oil.

There is no need to avoid using these oils. However, you must be prepared for any potential harm.

10w40 vs. 20w50 Volkswagen

Only 5w30 and 0w20 are recommended by Volkswagen. When it comes to colder climates, 10w40 and 20w50 motor oil is preferred.

But we don’t know if it will cause any harm in the future. As a result, reading the owner’s manual is highly recommended.

Summary

In summary, each engine requires a different type of motor oil. Because of this, you need to know which motor oil is best for your vehicle’s engine.

10w40 and 20w50 are utilized in warm locations, however this is not the only factor to consider when choosing a motor oil. Always seek the advice of an expert or check your owner’s handbook for guidance.