Updated at: 14-03-2022 - By: micdot

Choosing the right viscosity grade for your vehicle’s motor oil is critical. Motor oil is an essential component of your engine. That’s why it’s important to know about the various viscosities. This allows you to reduce engine wear and tear, increase horsepower, and even improve fuel economy, all while saving you money on gas. Most people associate 10w40 motor oil with 10w30 motor oil. These oils are multi-grade because they are both.

Even in chilly conditions, they perform admirably. 10w40 and 10w30 motor oils are very similar, yet you may not be aware of the differences. Here, we’ll concentrate on these two. Let’s get this party started.

What Is the Difference Between 10w40 and 10w30 Oil?

Similarities between 10w40 motor oil and 10w30 motor oil exist. However, there are certain variances between them. As a result, we’ll examine the fuel economy, hot weather, and viscosity differences between 10w40 and 10w30 motor oils.

Viscosity

It is well-known that both the 10w40 and the 10w30 motor oils are low viscosity oil grades. This type of oil thickener has polymers in it that can change the rate at which the oil thickens. Conventional 10w40 and 10w30 motor oils are available in both synthetic and pure forms. In the summer, you can use either 10w40 or 10w30 motor oil, but the 10w40 motor oil will do a better job of protecting your engine. Your engine will not get hotter, but the viscosity of your motor oil will. This is why it is so important to know where you live in order to get the best motor oil for your vehicle. In frigid temperatures, 10w30 motor oil performs better. A 10w40 motor oil, on the other hand, will help keep your car in good working order even when it’s hot outside.

Fuel Economy

The most popular and widely accessible motor oil is a 10w30. This is why it isn’t a lot of money to get. Motor oil 10w30, rather than 10w40, is preferred by many car owners. However, you should check with your car’s manufacturer to see if this is something they recommend. Fuel efficiency doesn’t differ significantly between 10w40 and 10w30 motor oils. As a general rule, the 10w30 motor oil is thought to be more fuel-efficient than the 10w40 motor oil in principle. That’s why it’s important to use the motor oil recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.

Hot Weather

A multi-grade oil is a 10w30 motor oil. As a result, it has a two-tiered viscosity. As a bonus, a 10w30 motor oil provides excellent cold start flow characteristics. Temperature thickens to 30 degrees in the summer. The viscosity at high temperatures is what makes 10w40 motor oil different from 10w30 motor oil. As a result, the 10w40 motor oil is significantly thicker than the 10w30 motor oil under extremely hot conditions.

Can I Use 10w40 Instead of 10w30?

It’s up to you whether or not you want to use it. This, however, is not something you should do on a regular basis. You should only use the recommended type of motor oil in your car. Use 10w40 motor oil if you live in a hot climate. An added benefit of using this oil is that it will keep your engine running smoothly even when temperatures rise above 100°F (38°C). However, in warm conditions, 10w30 motor oil will thin down much more quickly than 10w40 motor oil.

Use 10w30 motor oil if you live in a chilly environment. It will work better for your car. Engine temperatures can be reduced by using 10w30 motor oil, however it will also heat up in bad weather. Motor oil with a viscosity rating of 10w30 is more common than one with a rating of 10w40.

Accidentally Used 10w40 Instead of 10w30: Is It Ok?

So it’s all right? Don’t worry if you think your engine is in need of repair or replacement; it’s fine. Even at zero degrees Fahrenheit, both 10w40 and 10w30 motor oils are able to resist solidifying. In comparison to the 10w30 motor oil, the 10w40 motor oil will hold its thickness or viscosity significantly longer. As a result, the 10w40 motor oil has a higher viscosity than the 10w30.

10w40 vs 10w30 High Mileage

High-mileage automobiles should be oiled with 10w40 motor oil. To help older engines withstand high temperatures, thicker oils are needed, such as 10w40 motor oil, which is more aggressive. An engine’s lifespan can be extended if the oil is thicker, as this will help prevent wear and tear. A 10s30 motor oil, on the other hand, is recommended for vehicles with heavy mileage. Synthetic base and well-balanced additional components make up the recipe.

Which Is Better, 10w40 or 10w30 Oil?

It all relies on a variety of factors. The best motor oil for one vehicle may not be the best for another. You must take into account not just the outside temperature, but also the road conditions. For this reason, you should consult your owner’s manual before deciding between 10w40 and 10w30 motor oil. These motor oils differ slightly from one another. Temperature changes, consumer preferences, and engine condition are only some of the variables between them.

When Should I Use 10w40 and When 10w30?

If you live in a cold climate, you should use a 10w30 motor oil. This is due to the fact that your engine’s heat output will not be affected by the surrounding temperature. Even so, you should be able to keep your engine oil at its most effective, most protective level. 10w40 motor oil is the best choice for those who reside in places where temperatures frequently exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a little more critical on hot summer days. Furthermore, both 10w30 motor oils will thin out rapidly, meaning that they will not protect your engine.

10w40 vs. 10w30 Toyota

All Toyota engines should be lubricated with 5w30 motor oil. The 10w40 and 10w30 synthetic motor oils aren’t on Toyota’s list of recommended motor oils. If you live in a hot climate, you can use 10w30 motor oil in your car’s gasoline or diesel engine. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also use 10w40 motor oil. The owner’s manual is still a better resource.

10w40 vs. 10w30 Nissan

A 5w30 or 10w30 oil is suggested for Nissan automobiles. For Nissan engines, the 10w40 motor oil is not on the recommended list of motor oil. However, if you live in a hot climate, you can use 10w30 motor oil in your automobile gasoline or diesel engines. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also use 10w40 motor oil.

10w40 vs 10w30 Subaru

For all Subaru engines, the recommended oil is 0w20 or 5w30. Subaru engines aren’t supposed to use 10w40 or 10w30 motor oils, because those are too thick. If you live in a hot climate, you can use 10w30 motor oil in your car’s gasoline or diesel engine. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also use 10w40 motor oil. The owner’s manual is still a better resource.

10w40 vs. 10w30 Mazda

0w20 motor oil is required by nearly all Mazda automobiles and SUVs. It’s possible, however, that they may be utilized with some 5W-30. The 10w40 and 10w30 synthetic motor oils aren’t on Toyota’s list of recommended motor oils. If you live in a hot climate, you can use 10w30 motor oil in your car’s gasoline or diesel engine. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also use 10w40 motor oil.

10w40 vs 10w30 BMW

They recommend 5w30 motor oil for all BMW engines. Neither the 10w40 motor oil nor the 10w30 motor oil are recommended for BMW engines. If you live in a hot climate, you can use 10w30 motor oil in your car’s gasoline or diesel engine. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also use 10w40 motor oil. The owner’s manual is still a better resource.

10w40 vs 10w30 Ford

Ford’s 2020 owner’s manual specifies that a 5w30 motor oil or a 0w30 motor oil must be used in nearly all of their engines. The 10w40 and 10w30 motor oils aren’t on Ford’s list of recommended motor oils. If you live in a hot climate, you can use 10w30 motor oil in your car’s gasoline or diesel engine. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also use 10w40 motor oil.

10w40 vs 10w30 Chevrolet

In some Chevrolet engines, 5w20, 5w30, or 10w30 is the recommended oil. Motor oil with a viscosity rating of 10w40 isn’t recommended for use in Chevrolet engines. If you live in a hot climate, you can use 10w30 motor oil in your car’s gasoline or diesel engine. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also use 10w40 motor oil. The owner’s manual is still a better resource.

10w40 vs. 10w30 Jeep

5W20, 5W30, 10W30 are the recommended viscosities for jeep vehicles. Because of this, the 10w40 motor oil is not recommended for use in Jeep vehicles. However, if you live in a hot climate, you can use 10w30 motor oil in your automobile gasoline or diesel engines. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also use 10w40 motor oil. The owner’s manual is still a better resource.

10w40 vs. 10w30 Volkswagen

Only 5w30 and 0w20 are recommended by them. For Volkswagen engines, the manufacturer does not recommend using 10w40 or 10w30 motor oils. If you live in a hot climate, you can use 10w30 motor oil in your car’s gasoline or diesel engine. If the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, you can also use 10w40 motor oil.

Summary

As a result, some automobile owners shift between 10w40 and 10w30 motor oils. It’s true that these two motor oils aren’t identical, but they do have several characteristics. You should still consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine the proper motor oil for your vehicle. Your car’s owner’s manual is the best source of information on how to care for it.