You need to be highly cautious when making decisions about your vehicle in general, engine oil is one such thing you can’t leave. In addition to the quality of the oil, its composition, and the impact it could have on your engine’s health, the weight of the oil is also something to keep in mind.
If you are looking to switch the engine oil for your car and are wondering, “Can I use 10W40 instead of 5W30?” this guide has the answer you are looking for. I will also explore the possible consequences this could have and will answer some related questions for you.
Can You Put 10W40 In A 5W30 Engine?
The simple answer to this question is no, you can not put 10W40 engine oil in a 5W30 engine. This is because it’s not a good idea for the health of your car’s engine to use an engine oil with a viscosity rating different from the one recommended by the manufacturer.
The numbers in the viscosity rating represent the features and characteristics of the engine’s flow. The initial numbers, such as 10W and 5W, indicate the oil’s features in cold temperatures.
The later numbers, i.e., 40 and 30, indicate the flow characteristics of the oil at the operating temperatures. When a manufacturer recommends using 10W40 engine oil, it’s because this viscosity rating is needed to keep the engine lubricated. Using the 5W30 engine oil in its place is only going to worsen the engine’s health.
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What Happens When You Use 10W40 Instead of 5W30?
If you have accidentally put 10W40 engine oil when the recommended oil for your vehicle was 5W30, and you are now worried about the possible consequences this could have on your car and your engine’s overall health, here are all the impacts listed for you.
- Low Cold-Start Lubrication
The 5W30 oil is a bit thinner than the 10W40, and it flows better in cold temperatures. On the other side, the 10W40 oil doesn’t work as well in cold weather, making it hard for the oil to lubricate the engine, leading to the engine’s wear and tear.
- Higher Fuel Consumption
Because of its thickness, the 10W40 engine oil can generate more internal friction within your vehicle’s engine. As a result, reduces fuel efficiency, which increases the need for fuel to lubricate the car’s engine. This way, using 10W40 engine oil instead of 5W30 oil leads to higher fuel consumption.
- Less Engine Protection
The 5W30 engine oil is composed in a way that provides better lubrication and higher protection to the engine manufactured for this oil. If you put 10W40 oil in the engine, this won’t only reduce the lubrication of the engine components but also result in reduced engine protection.
- Overheating Problems
If the engine oil you are using is one other than the manufacturer’s recommended oil, as in this case, the engine can get damaged, especially from overheating of the components due to lower lubrication and higher friction.
Overheating of the engine’s components consequently leads to higher chances of engine wear and tear, reducing the overall functionality of the engine and causing a dent in its longevity.
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Can 5W20 Oil Be Used Instead of 5W30?
Yes, it is acceptable to use the 5W20 oil instead of the 5W30 oil, and it cannot lead to any major damage to the engine’s health. However, it is always best to consult the manufacturer before making such decisions.
Conclusion
With this, the guide on “Can I use 10W40 instead of 5W30?” finally comes to an end. In this guide, I have tried answering all the concerns you might have when switching to a different engine oil and explored all the possible consequences this could have.
Hopefully, the next time you consider switching to a different engine oil for your car, you will keep these things in mind.
