Updated at: 20-03-2022 - By: micdot

This article contains affiliate links. A little commission will be paid to me if you purchase something through one of the links. To put it another way, different weights of motor oils have a purpose. Motor oils of varying weights or viscosities are required because of the architecture of automobile engines. Choosing between 5W30 and 10W40 motor oils might be a difficult decision. Here is a full comparison of these two oils of differing viscosity and weight.

5w30 oils are lighter than 10w40 oils, however they have different uses. To be clear, your engine would not suffer any damage if you used a different oil than the one advised in your owner’s manual. You may even be able to get better performance from your engine by using an oil that isn’t recommended by your car’s manufacturer.

What is a 5w30 Engine Oil?

Because of the thinner consistency in cold weather, the oil stated as 5w30 will still serve its primary job of protecting the engine and lubricating its moving parts to prevent friction. A 5w30, on the other hand, would not provide the same level of protection as a 10w40 due to its thinner consistency in extreme temperatures. 5w30 oils are commonly used in modern engines, however they aren’t always superior to other types of oil. If you reside in an area with year-round low temperatures, 5w30 may be the best choice here. Using a 5W30 oil instead of a 10W30 or 10W40 would allow it to flow more easily at lower temperatures.

What is a 10w40 Engine Oil?

10w40 signifies that the oil will flow smoothly in both low and high temperatures, but it will not flow as quickly as a 5w20 or 5w30. A benefit of 10w40 oils over lighter oils is that they provide additional protection. As a “thick” oil, 10w40 won’t flow readily no matter how hot the engine is run. It’s a good idea to use this type of oil in vehicles that are utilized for “heavy-duty” duties or in cities with high temperatures.

If your city’s temperature is below freezing, you should use a 10w40 oil. A 10w40 oil won’t be able to effectively lubricate the moving parts of your engine at these low temperatures, resulting in engine damage. So, does this mean that the temperature of your city or state decides what kind of oil you should use in your car? For the most part, automakers require specific types of oil because they have reasons for doing so. Your engine’s performance is likely to suffer as a result of using the wrong oil, and eventually the engine or its components may begin to fail.

5w30 Vs 10w40 Engine Oil: Which Is Best For You?

It’s true that if you want to get the most out of your engine, you’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. It’s best to use the recommended oil, in this case 5w30, but it’s good if you don’t use the precise brand. It’s also a good idea to stick with the 10w40 oil recommendation if your engine is set for that. A universal 10w40 or 5w30 oil of the same weight and specifications can save you money if the brand suggested by your OEM costs a lot of money. When switching from 10w40 to 5w30, you must take into account how your city’s temperature can rise or fall so dramatically.

Conclusion

5w30 and 10w40 are both good choices based on the architecture of your engine and the temperature where you live. Another crucial factor to keep in mind: Different additives go into the making of motor oils. As a result, depending on the additives in the mix, some may outperform oil.

Buying motor oil from a top brand is a good idea because these lubricants are often manufactured with premium ingredients that have been certified by the original equipment manufacturer. To sum it up, 5w30 oils are less viscous and flow more readily than 10w40 oils at high and low temperatures, respectively. Both oils are suitable for today’s engines and can be purchased in a variety of locations.