Updated at: 13-03-2022 - By: micdot

Some people may have no problem understanding motor oil, but for others, it might be a bit of a mystery. There are a plethora of various types of motor oils on the market, making the decision process difficult. These motor oils come in a variety of brands and types, depending on their intended use. Choosing the right motor oil is critical because the wrong one can do serious damage to your car. Let’s put an end to this misunderstanding now. Let’s have a look at the differences between 5w40 and 10w40 motor oils in this article.

In some cases, drivers shift between these two types of engine oil. It’s time to talk about the 5w40 and 10w40 motor oils, respectively. We’re off!

What Is the Difference Between 5w40 and 10w40 Oil?

Engine lubrication is a must for all autos. Lubrication is achieved by the use of motor oils. lubricate the engine, reducing any internal wear and tear produced by the movement of the engine’s moving parts. Motor oil also protects your engine from corrosion. Motor oil, on the other hand, will also keep your engine clean.

The best and most appropriate motor oil for your car is so critical. The viscosity, fuel efficiency, and hot weather are all factors to consider when comparing 5w40 and 10w40 motor oils presently.

Viscosity

Compared to 10w40 motor oil, 5w40 is a lot thinner. Designed to penetrate the engine’s moving parts, this motor oil is ideal for use in automobile engines. As a result, “40” refers to the oil’s thickness. A heavier motor oil, the 5w40 has a higher viscosity rating than others. Because of this, it provides superior lubrication for any engine than standard motor oil.

Fuel Economy

The 5w40 motor oil is preferred by vehicle makers and mechanics. This is due to the fact that this particular motor oil has a high mileage rating. It’s normal for this 5w40 motor oil to be thicker than most other motor oils. The 5w40 motor oils, on the other hand, are better able to withstand heat. So if you live in a chilly climate, 5w40 motor oil is a suitable choice. At temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius, 5w40 motor oil provides great pumping power for your engine.

As a result, when comparing 5w40 and 10w40 motor oils, the 10w40 oil comes out on top as being thicker. However, the fuel efficiency of 5w40 and 10w40 motor oils are nearly indistinguishable.

Hot Weather

The 5w40 motor oil differs from the 10w40 motor oil in a number of ways. The first number on the motor oil indicates the temperature at which your vehicle is designed. W stands for winter. In the specification of 10w40 motor oil, the tenth digit is used. The letter w can also be used to denote the season of the year. In low temperatures, the 5w40 motor oil is thinner than the 10w40 motor oil; nevertheless, when the temperature rises, both oils perform similarly with the same viscosity.

Can I Use 5w40 Instead of 10w40?

Your best bet is to stick with the recommended motor oil viscosity by your vehicle’s manufacturer. In other words, if your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends 10w40 motor oil, use that. If your manufacturer suggests 5w40 motor oil, use that. Because of these harsh conditions, it may be necessary to adjust your motor oil viscosity as well.

Depending on whether you’re driving in the cold or the heat, you may need a different viscosity. The oil viscosity range provided by your manufacturer may also vary depending on the conditions in which you operate. You can also see your owner’s handbook for additional information. For most of us, the 10w40 motor oil is enough for ambient temperatures. You can, however, use a 5w40 motor oil in place of a 10w40 motor oil to answer the question. The general rule of thumb, though, is to stick with what has been approved.

Accidentally Used 5w40 Instead of 10w40: Is It Ok?

Yes, that’s OK. Nothing major will go wrong, and you won’t have to deal with anything major. Some drivers have claimed that if you use 10w40 motor oil instead of the required 5w40, you could damage your vehicle. Both motor oils are 40wt when used at normal operating temperatures. However, both 5w40 and 10w40 motor oils are thicker than 40wt at operating temperatures in cold weather.. Additionally, the 5w40 motor oil is a lot more synthetic. A 10w40 motor oil, on the other hand, is derived from petroleum.

5w40 vs 10w40 High Mileage

In order to support high mileage engines, mechanics use 5w40 motor oil. A thicker-than-average motor oil is why this is so. It also improved the lubrication of moving parts. However, a 10w40 motor oil is advised for vehicles with a lot of miles. Thick oils, such as 10w40, can better withstand high temperatures and even prevent wear and tear on older engines. An engine’s lifespan can be extended if the oil is thicker, as this will help prevent wear and tear.

Which Is Better, 5w40 or 10w40 Oil?

A lot of elements come into play, including your car, the weather, and so on. This one is thicker than the other. In low temperatures, 5w40 motor oil is thinner than 10w40 motor oil. Both motor oils operate similarly when the temperature is high. As a result, there isn’t a single oil that’s ideal for every car. Each engine is unique, and the manufacturer will recommend a different motor oil for each one. As a result, the best course of action is to consult your owner’s manual in order to determine the proper motor oil to use.

When Should I Use 5w40 And When 10w40?

If you live somewhere with cold winters, you’ll need to know the difference between 5w40 and 10w40 motor oil. When the temperature drops below freezing, your engine will start considerably easier using 5w40 motor oil. You’ll get better results if you put it in a precise location. You must use 10w40 motor oil when driving in hot weather. Up to 104 degrees Fahrenheit is the maximum operating temperature for the 10w40 motor oil. If you plan to put a lot of stress on your engine, 10w40 motor oil is the best choice. Commercial vehicles may also be affected by this. The 10w40 motor oil has a substantially thicker viscosity to deal with greater loads. Metal-to-metal contact can be reduced as a result.

5w40 vs. 10w40 Toyota

All Toyota engines should be lubricated with 5w30 motor oil. The recommended motor oil for Toyota engines does not specify 5w40 or 10w40 oil. When driving in hot weather or under heavy loads, opt for the 10w40 motor oil. The 5w40 motor oil, on the other hand, is better for starting your engine in cold weather.

5w40 vs. 10w40 Nissan

5w30 and 10w30 are the recommended motor oils for Nissan automobiles. The recommended motor oil for Toyota engines does not specify 5w40 or 10w40 oil. When driving in hot weather or under heavy loads, opt for the 10w40 motor oil. The 5w40 motor oil, on the other hand, is better for starting your engine in cold weather.

5w40 vs. 10w40 Subaru

All Subaru engines should be lubricated with 0w20 or 5w30 motor oil. The recommended motor oil for Toyota engines does not specify 5w40 or 10w40 oil. When driving in hot weather or under heavy loads, opt for the 10w40 motor oil. The 5w40 motor oil, on the other hand, is better for starting your engine in cold weather.

5w40 vs. 10w40 Mazda

The majority of Mazda automobiles and SUVs require a 0w20 motor oil. Their lone bright spot might be combined with a 5w30 lubricant. The recommended motor oil for Toyota engines does not specify 5w40 or 10w40 oil. When driving in hot weather or under heavy loads, opt for the 10w40 motor oil. The 5w40 motor oil, on the other hand, is better for starting your engine in cold weather.

5w40 vs. 10w40 BMW

They recommend 5w30 motor oil for all BMW engines. The recommended motor oil for Toyota engines does not specify 5w40 or 10w40 oil. When driving in hot weather or under heavy loads, opt for the 10w40 motor oil. The 5w40 motor oil, on the other hand, is better for starting your engine in cold weather.

5w40 vs. 10w40 Ford

Most Ford engines require a 5w30 or 0w30 motor oil, according to the owner’s manual for the 2020 model year. The recommended motor oil for Toyota engines does not specify 5w40 or 10w40 oil. When driving in hot weather or under heavy loads, opt for the 10w40 motor oil. The 5w40 motor oil, on the other hand, is better for starting your engine in cold weather.

5w40 vs. 10w40 Chevrolet

It is advised that 5w20, 5w30, or even 10w30 motor oil be used in some Chevrolet engines. And a 0w20 or 5w30 motor oil is recommended in the owner’s manual of a 2020 Chevrolet. The recommended motor oil for Toyota engines does not specify 5w40 or 10w40 oil. When driving in hot weather or under heavy loads, opt for the 10w40 motor oil. The 5w40 motor oil, on the other hand, is better for starting your engine in cold weather.

5w40 vs. 10w40 Jeep

Jeep vehicles should be lubricated with 0W20, 5W20, 5W30, or 10W30 viscosity motor oil, depending on their age. The recommended motor oil for Toyota engines does not specify 5w40 or 10w40 oil. When driving in hot weather or under heavy loads, opt for the 10w40 motor oil. The 5w40 motor oil, on the other hand, is better for starting your engine in cold weather.

5w40 vs. 10w40 Volkswagen

Only 5w30 and 0w20 are recommended by them. The recommended motor oil for Toyota engines does not specify 5w40 or 10w40 oil. When driving in hot weather or under heavy loads, opt for the 10w40 motor oil. The 5w40 motor oil, on the other hand, is better for starting your engine in cold weather.

Summary

In general, 5w40 and 10w40 motor oils are interchangeable and can be used interchangeably. You should always follow the instructions in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. There is a motor oil that is recommended by each manufacturer for your engine. Because they built the car, they are the experts.