Updated at: 10-03-2022 - By: micdot

All types of vehicles, from motorbikes and generators to automobiles and other machinery, utilize motor oil. In addition to preventing wear in the engine’s moving parts, these lubricants will also help keep your engine running smoothly. The quality of your engine’s oil can tell you a lot about how long it will run. They’ll also keep your engine from overheating by circulating coolant through it. They accomplish this by directing the heat generated by your vehicle’s moving parts. As a result, it is imperative that you get your oil changed on a regular basis.

Since you’re operating a motor vehicle, you should be aware of the critical role that motor oils play. Knowing about the various motor oils and how they differ is also vital. We’ll be focusing on 15w50 and 15w40 motor oils in this article. We’ll compare and contrast these two to gain a better understanding of them. Let’s get this party started!

What’s the Difference Between 15w50 and 15w40 Oils???

Internal combustion engines require lubricant, which is why motor oil is utilized. When your car is running, moving parts in your engine might wear and tear, therefore it’s important to keep your engine’s moving parts lubricated using motor oils. Your piston sealing will also benefit from using motor oil. When it comes to fuel economy, hot weather, and viscosity, let’s take a closer look at 15w50 motor oil vs 15w40 motor oil.

Viscosity

The viscosity of 15w50 motor oil is slightly higher than that of 15w40 oil, making it a lubricant. You may rest easy knowing that this motor oil is capable of lubrication and protection. Known for its long drain intervals, this motor oil is also well regarded. After traveling for about 600 kilometers, it’s time for an oil change. The 15w40 motor oil is therefore appropriate for diesel engines in hotter climates.

Motor oil with a viscosity rating of 15w50 has a higher viscosity rating than that of 15w40. Low-temperature and high-temperature oil viscosity may be the same for both types of oil.

Fuel Economy

For brand-new vehicles in cold climates, 15w40 motor oil is recommended. To get the highest gas mileage, though, stick to the manufacturer’s suggested engine oil. Engines that require a high level of performance should use 15w50 motor oils. You can even use it for racing if your engine is overworked in high-revving and hot conditions. Turbocharged engines can also benefit from this.

There is no significant difference in terms of fuel economy between the two. To reap the benefits of increased fuel efficiency, you must use the proper motor oil.

Hot Weather

You can use 15w40 motor oil in both hot and cold conditions with no problems. When you see “Fifteen” in the motor oil label, it does not suggest that the temperature will be limited to fifteen degrees Fahrenheit at all times. There is a direct correlation between a lower first number and a lower second number. The oil will also be lubricated by more fluid. It’s best to use a heavier oil in the winter. The optimum motor oil to use is 15w40. The 15w50 motor oil, on the other hand, is suitable for usage in both hot and cold conditions.

Can I Use 15w50 Instead of 15w40?

However, 15w50 motor oil is not advised and should be avoided. For this reason, stick to the prescribed motor oil for your engine at all times. Although this is generally true, there are certain exceptions. There are occasions when drivers have no choice but to top off their existing oil. If you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere and run out of motor oil, your alternatives are limited. An oil change is something you can accomplish on your own.

Accidentally Used 15w50 Instead of 15w40: Is It Ok?

In the sense that your engine has not been severely damaged, everything is fine. This signifies that your engine has not been adversely affected in any way. Nonetheless, 15w50 motor oil must be avoided if at all possible. Instead, stick with the oil that your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends.

15w50 vs 15w40 High Mileage

High-performance engines have long relied on 15w50 motor oil. Because of the high revving and tremendous heat, it is mainly used for racing today.

Using a 15w40 motor oil, on the other hand, can be utilized in engines with a lot of miles on them.

Which Is Better, 15w50 or 15w40 Oil?

Viscosity is used to assign a grade to motor oil. Temperature also has an effect. It will be depleted in fifteen seconds if it is exposed to extreme temperatures. It takes twenty to fifty seconds in chilly weather.

Using 15w40 motor oil in hot and humid conditions is recommended for heavy-duty engines. Your engine may not be able to handle the 15w40 motor oil, for example. In cold weather, it will also reduce the amount of horsepower. As a result, your surroundings must be taken into account. The engine’s temperature is another factor to consider. However, the ideal option is to use the oil that was recommended by the manufacturer of your car.

When Should I Use 15w50 And When 15w40?

The viscosity of the 15w50 motor oil is forty. To put it another way, it’s a lot heavier than regular 15w40 motor oil. For high-performance engines, this motor oil should be used instead.

They’re most commonly seen in racing, where they’re put to the test under extreme heat and pressure. However, if your car manufacturer recommends 15w40 or 15w50 motor oil, you should use that.

15w50 vs. 15w40 Toyota

5w30 motor oils are suggested by Toyota for use in their engines. In addition to the oils listed above, you can use 15w50 and 15w40 motor oils if desired, but it is possible that they will not be suitable. For high-performance engines, you can choose 15W-50, which is a good choice. 1540 motor oil is also suitable for gasoline engines.

15w50 vs. 15w40 Nissan

Nissan automobiles should be lubricated with 5w30 or 10w30 synthetic motor oil. It is not suggested to use 15w50 or 15w40 motor oil, but you can use them if you choose, but they may not be suitable.

For high-performance engines, you can use 15W-50. 1540 motor oil is also suitable for gasoline engines.

15w50 vs. 15w40 Subaru

0w20 and 5w30 synthetic motor oils are the most frequently recommended lubricants for Subaru engines. In addition to the oils listed above, you can use 15w50 and 15w40 motor oils if desired, but it is possible that they will not be suitable.

For high-performance engines, you can use 15W-50. 1540 motor oil is also suitable for gasoline engines.

15w50 vs. 15w40 Mazda

Mazda claims that 0w20 motor oil will be required by nearly all of their vehicles and SUVs. The only thing they have going for them is a 5W-30 oil. It is not suggested to use 15w50 or 15w40 motor oil, but you can use them if you choose, but they may not be suitable.

For high-performance engines, you can use 15W-50. Engines that run on gasoline can utilize the 1540 motor oil. However, you must adhere to the guidelines that have been set out for you.

15w50 vs. 15w40 BMW

They recommend 5w30 motor oil for all BMW engines. It is not suggested to use 15w50 or 15w40 motor oil, but you can use them if you choose, but they may not be suitable.

For high-performance engines, you can use 15W-50. Engines that run on gasoline can utilize the 1540 motor oil.

15w50 vs. 15w40 Ford

Ford engines almost universally utilize 5w30 or 0w30 motor oil. It is not suggested to use 15w50 or 15w40 motor oil, but you can use them if you choose, but they may not be suitable. For high-performance engines, you can use 15W-50.

Engines that run on gasoline can utilize the 1540 motor oil. The best thing to do is to check your owner’s handbook and see what motor oil is recommended for your vehicle.

15w50 vs. 15w40 Chevrolet

In some Chevrolet engines, 5w20, 5w30, or 10w30 is the recommended oil. 0w20 or 5w30 motor oil would be recommended by the 2020 Chevy owner’s manual. It is not suggested to use 15w50 or 15w40 motor oil, but you can use them if you choose, but they may not be suitable.

For high-performance engines, you can use 15W-50. Engines that run on gasoline can utilize the 1540 motor oil. However, you must adhere to the guidelines that have been set out for you.

15w50 vs. 15w40 Jeep

If you have a Jeep, you can use either 0w20 or 5w30 motor oil. It is not suggested to use 15w50 or 15w40 motor oil, but you can use them if you choose, but they may not be suitable.

For high-performance engines, you can use 15W-50. Engines that run on gasoline can utilize the 1540 motor oil. You should consult your owner’s handbook to find out what type of motor oil is recommended for your vehicle.

15w50 vs. 15w40 Volkswagen

Only 5W30 and 0W20 are recommended by Volkswagen. It is not suggested to use 15w50 or 15w40 motor oil, but you can use them if you choose, but they may not be suitable.

For high-performance engines, you can use 15W-50. Engines that run on gasoline can utilize the 1540 motor oil.

Summary

To sum it up, each engine requires a unique type of motor oil. That’s why it’s important to know which motor oil is best for your engine.

Using 15w50 and 15w40 motor oils interchangeably is possible, but not advised. A good rule of thumb is to get advice from a professional or study your owner’s manual.