A few of you must have looked into your car’s manual to find the recommended oil grade, but once something seemed too complicated, you would give up and stick with using whatever was most accessible and cheapest (most likely the standard engine oil grade found in most regional laws) like everyone else around you!
However, if you do some research, you will find all sorts of engine oil grades that can be used other than just “regular” or “premium,” such as 0W-20 (which is classified as a winter grade) and how these different grades could make an engine last longer.
This blog post by Acura of Tempe will start by taking a look at a few internationally used engine grades:
0W-20
When you start the engine, this oil is somewhat thinner. When the motor is cold, 0W-20 has a viscosity of 0. When the engine reaches operating temperature, the density of the oil rises to 20.
0W-30
This is the same principle in action for 0W-30 engine oil. The viscosity is 30 when warm and 0 when cold, making it slightly thicker than 0W-20.
0W-40
The oil is designed to function as a 0 weight oil at startup and a 40-weight oil when the engine reaches its average operating temperature.
5W-30
The most widely available and most frequently used engine oil is 5W-30. The majority of automobile manufacturers recommend this.
5W-40
The synthetic 5W-40 is full synthetic engine oil that works like a 5 weight oil in the cold and 40 weight oil once the engine reaches average operating temperature.
10W-40
10W-40 engine oil is suitable for vehicles with 3.0-liter V6 engines and Triton diesel. It has a 10 weight performance in cold starting temperatures, whereas it offers a 40 weight performance at an average operating temperature of the engine.
15W-40
This oil works well at all temperatures and ensures that the engine functions smoothly regardless of the weather conditions. 15W-40 offers better performance than 5W-30 when there’s a rapid temperature increase during engine startup.
20W-50
You need 20 weight oil for some older vehicles with an upright V8 motor block or a flat block where the filler hole is on the side closer to one bank instead of between both banks. The oil must easily flow down from within the upper part of the cylinder block and have sufficient viscosity to provide the necessary engine protection.
10W-30
If your car owner’s manual specifies this grade, it should be OK for you. If you’re unsure about it and think that 5W-30 might also do a great job, then there is no harm in choosing the latter.
If all of this seems daunting, Acura of Tempe, serving Tempe, AZ, is here to help you! We have a certified team that’s experienced in oil change and replacement, so schedule a service now!
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