Engine oil 5w30 vs 5w40 what is the difference
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Engine oil 5w30 vs 5w40 what is the difference

In this article, we will give an answer to the question, what is the difference between 5w30 and 5w40 engine oil. Obviously, the answer “viscosity” will not suit anyone, so we suggest that you take a closer look at this topic, since there are even more misconceptions here. By the way, the source of these misconceptions is the rapid progress, for example, 10-15 years ago, according to the xxW-xx parameter, it was possible to determine what kind of oil it was - mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic. Today, manufacturers can produce oils of different classes, but with the same parameters. It is quite possible to find 10w40 both semi-synthetic and mineral water.

First, let's understand what the 5w-30 symbols mean.

What does 5w-30 and 5w-40 mean in oil

To begin with, this parameter is called the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers of the United States).

The first characters before the dash indicate the oil's winter status. In other words, the viscosity of the oil at low temperatures. The W symbol just speaks of winter belonging. The number up to the letter W shows how easily the engine will turn during frost, how well the oil pump will pump oil to lubricate surfaces, as well as how easy it will be for the starter to crank the engine to start and whether the battery has enough power.

Oil 5w30 and 5w40: the main differences and which one is better to choose

What are the winter viscosity parameters?

  • 0W - performs its function in frosts down to -35-30 degrees. FROM
  • 5W - performs its function in frosts down to -30-25 degrees. FROM
  • 10W - performs its function in frosts down to -25-20 degrees. FROM
  • 15W - performs its function in frosts down to -20-15 degrees. FROM
  • 20W - performs its function in frosts down to -15-10 degrees. FROM

The second digits after the dash characterize the summer viscosity range of the engine oil. The lower this number, the thinner the oil, respectively, the higher, the thicker it. This is done so that in the heat and with the engine warmed up to 80-90 degrees, the oil does not turn into too liquid (it will cease to function as a lubricant). What are the summer viscosity parameters and what temperatures do they correspond to?

  • 30 - performs its function in heat up to + 20-25 degrees. FROM
  • 40 - performs its function in heat up to + 35-40 degrees. FROM
  • 50 - performs its function in heat up to + 45-50 degrees. FROM
  • 60 - performs its function in heat up to +50 degrees. From and above

Example. 5w-30 oil is suitable for the following temperature range: -30 to +25 degrees.

What is 5w30?

5w30 - engine oil with a lower viscosity. W in 5w30 stands for "WINTER" and the number represents the viscosity of the oil at high temperature.

Numeric code system for classification motor oil was created by the Society of Automotive Engineers under the name "SAE". They classify oil according to its viscosity characteristic. Since the viscosity of the oil varies with temperature, but multigrade oil protects the temperature range.

The number 5 in 5w30 describes the viscosity of the oil at low temperatures. If the number is lower, then the oil will be thinner, so it will help the engine flow smoothly even at low temperatures.

The number 30 indicates how well the oil performs at normal operating temperature. 

5w30 is also known as an all-purpose oil because in all conditions, such as hot or cold, it is thin enough to flow at low temperatures and thin enough to flow at high temperatures.

This oil is mainly used in passenger gasoline and diesel engines. It ranges from a lower viscosity of 5 to a higher viscosity of 30.

5w30 motor oil differs from others in that it has a viscosity of five, which means that it is less liquid at very low temperatures, and a viscosity of thirty, which means that it is less viscous at high temperatures. It is the most commonly used engine oil and is mainly suitable for all types of vehicles and engines.

5w30

What is 5w40?

5w40 is an engine oil that helps the engine run smoothly and moving parts from overheating due to friction. 5w40 transfers heat from the combustion cycle and helps keep the engine clean by burning by-products and protects the engine from oxidation.

The external and internal temperatures of a running engine affect how well the engine oil will perform.

The number before the W indicates the weight or viscosity of the engine oil. The higher the number, the thicker the flow in the motor will be.

W indicates cold or winter. 5w40 has a lower viscosity of 5 and a higher viscosity of 40.

It is a crude, which can be used in a car running on leaded and unleaded gasoline. The working viscosity of 5w40 oil is from 12,5 to 16,3 mm2 / s .

5w40 motor oil has a winter viscosity of 5, which means it is less viscous at very low temperatures. The higher viscosity grade is 40, which means that it is just viscous at high temperature.

This motor oil is mainly Europeans who have gasoline engines and American diesel pickups.

5w40

The main differences between 5w30 and 5w40

  1. Both 5w30 and 5w40 are engine oils but have different viscosities.
  2. 5w30 runs smoothly on the engine as it is thicker. On the other hand, 5w40 isn't much thicker.
  3. 5w30 works smoothly and regardless of high and low temperatures, high and low i.e. On the other hand, 5w40 works flawlessly at low temperatures.
  4. 5w30 is an expensive engine, and 5w40 is cheap motor oil.
  5. 5w30 is not everywhere, but 5w40 is.
  6. 5w40 has a higher viscosity compared with 5w30.
  7. 5w30 has a lower viscosity rating of five and a higher viscosity rating of thirty. On the other hand, 5w40 has a lower viscosity rating and a higher viscosity rating of forty.
Difference between 5w30 and 5w40

Comparison table

Comparison parameter5w305w40
Value5w30 - engine oil with a lower viscosity of 5 and a higher viscosity of 30.5w40 - engine oil, which indicates the weight and viscosity of the engine. Its lower viscosity is 5 and its higher viscosity is 40.
ViscosityIt has a lower viscosity so it is thicker.5w40 oil is not thicker, has a higher viscosity.
Temperature5w30 has a lower viscosity so is suitable for use at higher or lower temperatures.5w40 has a higher viscosity and is therefore not suitable for all temperatures.
Oil types5w30 is a multi-purpose oil suitable for use at lower temperatures.5w40 is a crude oil that can be used in a car with unleaded и leaded gasoline.
Price5w30 is an expensive motor oil compared to 5w40.5w40 is not expensive motor oil.
AvailabilityIt is rarely available for use.It is always available for use.
oil flowThe oil flows through the engine very smoothly.It has high pressure, but less flow.
Working viscosityIts working viscosity ranges from 9,3 to 12,5 mm2/s.The working viscosity of 5w40 is from 12,5 to 16,3 mm2 / s.
What's the Best Engine Oil Viscosity for the 350Z & G35? (Nissan V6 3.5L) | AnthonyJ350

Summing up

To summarize, what is the difference between 5w30 and 5w40 engine oils? The answer is in their viscosity, as well as the range of temperatures used.

Which oil to choose if all temperature ranges are suitable for your region? In this case, it is better to follow the recommendations of your engine manufacturer (each manufacturer has its own oil tolerances, these tolerances are indicated on each oil canister). See picture.

What are engine oil tolerances?

Oil selection for high mileage

In the case when the engine has already run hundreds of thousands of kilometers, it is better to use a more viscous oil, i.e. give preference to 5w40 over 5w30, why? In the course of a long mileage, the clearances in the engine increase, which entails a decrease in compression and other unfavorable factors. A thicker oil allows more densely filling the increased gaps and, albeit slightly, but improving the performance of the motor.

You may be interested, we have previously considered:

Video what is the difference between 5w30 and 5w40 engine oils

Viscous additives for motor oils Unol tv # 2 (1 part)

One comment

  • Someone

    Did you read this article before posting it, after just running it through google translate?

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