If the oil is too thick (aka, the viscosity is high), your car may not start in cold temperatures (cold weather places more strain on a vehicle in any case). When this happens, the thick liquid can’t properly lubricate every part, and it creates enough resistance to impair the most important function–ignition.
Can using thick oil damage engine?
Not only that, but the engine will waste energy pumping the thicker motor oil, reducing fuel economy. Since thicker oils don’t transfer heat as well as thinner oils, operating temperatures will increase, too, possibly leading to accelerated chemical break down and harmful sludge and deposits.
Does thicker oil affect performance?
Engine Oil DOES Affect Performance
The lower the engine oil viscosity, the better. … Your engine has to work harder to move internal parts with thicker oil in the crankcase, sapping energy before you ever have a chance to use it.
Should you use thicker oil in an older engine?
For an older, high-mileage passenger car, it is recommended to switch to a thicker viscosity oil, such as 10W-30, when approaching and passing 100,000 miles, to lubricate the engine well for preservation.
Is it better to use thicker oil in high-mileage engine?
High-mileage motor oil doesn’t hurt and it could prevent leaks from starting. … Some mechanics recommend switching to a thicker (higher viscosity) oil — such as 10W-30 full synthetic oil instead of 5W-20 full synthetic — or using oil additives to stop leaks.
Is it OK to use 10w40 instead of 5w30?
Your vehicle does not use 5W-30 oil. The recommended oil viscosity for your vehicle, according to Kia documentation, is 10W-40. If you drive the vehicle in exceptionally cold weather, well below 32 degrees, you can use 5W-30 oil but even 10W-40 is still perfectly OK to use if outdoor temperatures are below freezing.
Is it OK to use 0w20 instead of 5w30?
The motor oil that serves best regardless of the temperature and other factors are 5w30 and 0w20. … Using 0w20 oil in winters is better than using 5w30 because the lower the viscosity grade of the motor oil the thinner it is. This clearly shows that 0w20 will perform better in engines than 5w30 during winters.
When should I use 20W50 oil?
20W50 motor oil is suitable for warmer climates, where the higher temperature causes the oil to thin. It is also useful for vehicles subject to hot temperatures and for those used for high-stress activities such as hauling or pulling trailers.
Is 0w20 better than 5w30?
0W-20 OIL. … It readily means that the 0 oil will flow well and better at a cold temperature more than 5W-30 oils even while maintaining the same viscosity. The 0W-20 is said to be the best oil in the market because it helps to reduce environment hassle on waste oil disposal.
Which oil is thicker 5w30 or 10W40?
A 10w-40 motor oil is a thicker oil at startup than a 5w-30 motor oil. Therefore, 10w-40 oil clings to the engine’s moving parts more than the lower viscosity 5w-30 oil.
Which oil is thicker 10W40 or 20W50?
10W40 is not better than 20W50 for high mileage. The difference between 10w40 and 20w50 is simply that the latter is thicker. As far as gas mileage goes, no oil will improve your gas mileage by changing from 10W40 to 20W50 or vice versa.
What is the best oil for old engines?
When you’re choosing the best oil for older cars or high mileage engines, there are several criteria you can look at.
- Pennzoil High Mileage Conventional Motor Oil. …
- Castrol GTX Part-Synthetic High Mileage. …
- Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage Synthetic Blend. …
- Mobil1 High Mileage Engine Oil. …
- Amsoil Premium Protection Motor Oil.
What weight oil is best for high mileage?
Best Motor Oil For High Mileage Engines
- Valvoline (VV150-6PK) MaxLife 10W-40 Higher Mileage Motor Oil. …
- Pennzoil High Mileage Vehicle Oil. …
- Mobil 1 45000 5W-30 High Mileage Motor Oil. …
- Castrol 06470 GTX 20W-50 High Mileage Motor Oil.
Is 10w30 good for high mileage?
Mobil Clean High Mileage 10W-30 is designed for vehicles with more than 75,000 miles. Its advanced formulation helps protect seals and prolong engine life. … These oils protect against sludge and engine rust and corrosion under high and low-temperature operating conditions.
When should you use thicker oil?
If, for instance, clearances between engine components have increased, gotten sloppy, a thicker oil can help to fill the void. Within reason, thicker oil maintains a better lubricant film between moving parts. Some have even used thicker oil in a leaky engine to prevent oil from seeping out.