Can I Use 5w20 Instead Of 5w30: Updated 2024

Updated at: 18-03-2022 - By: micdot

Affiliate links can be found throughout this piece. There is no additional cost to you, and I may receive a small compensation if you make a purchase after clicking on one of my links. Apparently, you unintentionally poured 5w20 instead of 5w30 in your car’s engine, and now you’re worried about the consequences of your mistake. What happens, however, if you use 5w20 oil instead of 5w30?

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You shouldn’t be concerned about this at all; some drivers even mix synthetic and conventional oils with no bad effects. True, mixing motor oils does not directly influence the engine, but it does have an impact on certain engine components. Just because you put 5w20 in an engine that normally runs on five weights of oil doesn’t guarantee a disastrous engine failure while driving. What are the possible consequences of using the wrong oil in your engine?? Talk to you later.

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5w20 vs. 5w30: The Differences and Similarities

Because of their low viscosity in cold temperatures, these two oils would flow at the same rate in cold weather. In both oil containers, the number “5” appears before the letter “W” as a representation of this fact. As a result of their different mass and weights, the oils in question cannot provide the same amount of protection for engine seals and other flammable parts, reducing their usefulness.

Oils of these two types flow differently at high temperatures. The 5w30 would operate better in high temperatures than the 5w20 would in low temperatures. Is this something you’d be concerned about? You should be worried about it. A specific type of oil is recommended by automobile manufacturers for a specific type of engine. Engines in contemporary cars often have a 5w20 standard, whilst those in older vehicles typically have a 5w30 specification. The following are the most important takeaways from this comparison of two different motor oils.

When it’s chilly outside, the 5w20 would flow well, but it’s likely to thin out when it’s hot. Using a 5w30 is preferable. As with 5w20, it’s easy to work with (and flows readily), but it performs better in high temperatures because it has a heavier weight (“30”) than 5w20. What if you accidentally put 5w20 into an engine that requires 5w30?

What Happens When You Accidentally Put 5w20 Instead Of 5w30?

There would be no major consequences. Yes, your engine is safe (not even after some days). Engine performance, fuel efficiency, and possible sludge buildup are all harmed when oils are mixed. When it comes to mixing motor oils, these various faults can’t harm your engine; they’ll just make driving a little less enjoyable and shorten the period between oil changes. It’s getting a little unnerving, isn’t it? There’s no need to be alarmed. It’s as if you were to use a 5w20 oil and then mixed it with a 5w30 oil before pouring it into your automobile as if you were doing that.

For example, you may notice a major decline in performance and other unexpected symptoms that indicate that you’re not using the appropriate motor oil for your engine at first. As a result, it’s recommended that you drain the oil and replace it with the proper grade after accidentally using 5w20 instead of 5w30. In the long term, if you leave the 5w20 in your engine, it will try to mix the remaining 5w30 in your oil reservoir; consequently, none of the oils will provide maximum protection to the moving parts of your car engine.

What More?

If you’re worried that using 5w20 instead of 5w30 would void your car’s warranty, here’s what you need to know. In order to determine the particular type of oil you used, however, your manufacturer will need to do an in-depth analysis of the oil itself.

However, if you don’t tell them what you’ve done, your warranty is still valid. Apart from warranty issues, a 5w20 oil change won’t hurt a 5w30 engine because the two oils operate nearly identically. Only if you’re driving through hotter regions should you be concerned (or deserts, chuckles). Wait until your next scheduled oil change and drain the 5w20 before resuming use of the 5w30 you have previously used.