What happens if you put in 5W-30 oil instead of 5W-20? Perhaps, something dastardly can happen or nothing at all. I understand you might be tempted to sometimes switch from 5W-20 to 5W-30, but could this be dangerous for your car?
Not so much happens in the short time if you put in 5W-30 oil instead of 5W-20, at least if you do not make it habitual. Perhaps, nothing at all will happen, but you must not regularly use the wrong oil in your car. Note, however, that the 5W-30 oil is thicker than 5W-20 but the good thing is that no catastrophic damage will happen, especially if done accidentally.
You can always use an additive, if using 5W-30 instead of 5W-20, to make it thinner. It could be Lucas or STP, and your car engine should be fine.
What Happens if You Put in 5W-30 Oil Instead of 5W-20
It is okay to use 5w30 instead of 5w20 oil, however, this depends on your car and the VVT system, or variable cylinder system. This will also mean that you are reducing the power of your engine either significantly or slightly, depending on the operating conditions. This is because of the hydraulic systems and oil viscosity which drive pressure and changes. You will also experience a bit of a drag that can cost you about a tenth of MPG.
Nevertheless, using 5w30 engine oil instead of 5w20 makes little to no difference in some vehicles. For instance, the 5w30 oil is recommended for the 2012 Grand Cherokee with the 3.6 engine. In 2014, 5w20 oil was recommended for the engine. This means I could use the 5w30 despite 5w20 being the newly recommended engine oil.
I have also tested the 5w30 on a Chrysler that requires 5w20 and, although 5w20 oil is thinner, the optimal performance was still there.
You might still even want to continue with the 5w30 oil instead of 5w20 if you frequently drive up the mountains because oil temperature can go up to 109 degrees C from the normal 93-97 109 degrees C on level ground.
In essence, there may not be any significant difference when you switch or accidentally use 5w30 oil in place of 5w20. Apart from the slight increase in oil pressure, and a drop in fuel economy due to drag or friction, you are good to go.
What is 5w30 Engine Oil?
- 3X stronger against viscosity breakdown than leading full synthetic, based on Kurt Orbahn test in 5W-30 grade
- 10X better high temperature performance, as measured in Sequence IIIH engine test vs. API SP test limit
- 6X better wear protection
- 1.4X better sludge protection, as measured in Sequence VH engine test vs. API SP test limit
- Meets ILSAC GF-6 to prevent low speed pre ignition (LSPI) and timing chain wear protection
The 5w30 engine oil is commonly used in light-duty petrol and diesel engines. The 5w30 is also a multi-grade oil, which means it ranges from 5 to 30 viscosity grade. The ‘w’ in 5w30 means winter and ‘30’ shows the thickness of the engine oil or viscosity at low temperatures. Therefore, 5w30 shows the oil viscosity at higher temperatures while the engine runs.
What is 5w20 Oil?
- Synthetic blend 5W-20 engine oil that provides durable wear protection and reduces engine wear
- Provides corrosion protection against harmful acids generated by engine contaminants
- Maintains viscosity from start to finish, providing optimal oil film protection
- Helps engines survive daily commutes from high-speed highway operation to repetitive, stop-and-go driving
- Combats engine sludge and deposits
- Formulated to exceed industry specifications: ILSAC GF-6A, API SP/SP-Resource Conserving and all previous categories
- Single 5-quart bottle with ergonomic design for easy handling and pouring
- Meets OEM requirements: Chrysler MS-6395, Ford WSS M2C945-A, Ford WSS M2C945-B1, GM 6094M
- Formerly known as Quaker State Advanced Durability 5W-20 motor oil
The 5w20 is also a commonly used engine oil in cars during colder climates. It performs better in low or freezing temperatures and ensures less friction and drag flowing to the engine components.
The ‘5’ in 5w30 represents the viscosity rating during winter, ‘W’ stands for winter and ‘20’ stands for the oil weight in warmer temperatures. Therefore, 5w20 oil lubricates your car engine just like a 20-weight oil. When the number is higher, the viscosity is higher, meaning that 5w20 engine oil flows better than the 5w30.
5w30 vs 5w20
Even though you would have already known the real difference between the 5w30 and 5w20 oils, let take one last look at both:
- 5W30 motor oil. You will mostly find the 5w30 engine oil in light cars, small sedans, and more. It is also used in both petrol and diesel vehicles and ensures fuel efficiency. Since its viscosity grade ranges from 5 to 30, you get good flowing quality. It is designed for winter and its lowest viscosity level is 5 and 30 is its highest. The 5w30 oil is thicker than 5w20.
- 5w20 motor oil. The 5w20 flows more smoothly through the engine than 5w30. It is a commonly used engine oil and allows for improved driving performance. The 5w20 has a viscosity grade of 5 during winter or cold temperatures. However, its viscosity reaches 20 in hot temperatures. 5w20 oil performance is excellent in winters and flows through the engine smoothly to enhance overall performance.
When Can You Use 5w30 Instead of 5w20 Oil?
Typically, you must ensure to use only oil grade that is suitable for your vehicle engine. You can always refer to the owner’s manual but this will not always be the case. If 5w20 is the recommended oil for your engine, when can you use 5w30?
No doubt, the 5w30 is a multi-grade motor oil you can use in temperatures between 5 degrees C and 30 degrees C. If the seasonal variation in your location is high, the 5w30 motor oil is what you need, especially if you go on the mountains often.
Normally, motor oil designed for cold temperatures do not perform well in high temperatures. However, interchanging the 5w30 with 5w20 will still provide an overall good vehicle performance. This also means that 5w30 can protect your car engine and components designed for 5w20. You may also consider 5w30 instead of 5w20 oil if you travel a long distance.
What if You Use 5w30 Instead of 5w20 Accidentally?
If you use 5w30 motor oil instead of 5w20 accidental, your car should be just okay. In some cases, you will find that your owner’s manual lists 5w30 as an optional motor oil to use. Refer to it to see if 5w30 is recommended as optional, then you know that using it accidentally causes no significant changes.
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FAQs
Is there a big difference between 5W20 and 5w30?
There is not so much of a wide difference between 5W20 and 5w30 motor oil, except that 5W20 is thinner than 5w30 oil. 5W20 also improves fuel efficiency and causes less friction and drag which reduces drag on the valvetrain, crankshaft, and pistons.
Are 5w20 and 5w30 interchangeable?
Not really. 5w20 and 5w30 are not exactly interchangeable but there will be no damaging your engine for using 5w30 instead of 5w20. Whereas 5w20 is thinner, 5w30 is thicker in operating temperatures. Many automakers now produce engines that run on 5w20 oil for fuel efficiency and less drag. According to AMSOIL, a slightly thinner or thicker oil likely won’t cause harm.
Will 5w30 hurt a 5W20 engine?
The 5w30 motor oil will not hurt a 5W20 engine instantly if you put it accidentally or otherwise. You must not continue with the 5W30 motor oil in your 5W20 engine since it is not recommended by your vehicle manufacturer.
Final Thoughts
No worries if you use 5W30 in place of a 5W20 engine. Hop in and get going in your car or flush the oil if you are too worried. Ensure to use the right oil next time because a one-time or second-time use of the wrong winter motor oil does not damage your engine instantly.
Read Also: Diesel oil in gasoline engine?
Bernard is the lead driver and force behind his Big Dog Garage Race Team. He is the General Manager and Chief Mechanic of Jay Leno’s Garage. Bernard and his crew of seven are responsible for all repairs, restoration and fabrication of Jay’s incredible automobile and motorcycle collection.
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