What is the difference between 5w20 and 5w30? - ProProfs Discuss
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What is the difference between 5w20 and 5w30?

What is the difference between 5w20 and 5w30?

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Asked by Demi , Last updated: Dec 21, 2024

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5 Answers

E. Reyes

E. Reyes

Building buildings and building intelligence

E. Reyes
E. Reyes, Builder, graduate, Birmingham

Answered Dec 03, 2020

The main difference between 5w20 and 5w30 motor oil is that 5w30 is thicker and less viscous. 5w30 oil works better under high temperatures. When you pour it down into the engine, 5w20 oil will create less friction because the liquid is thinner. This lack of friction means less wear throughout the engine parts, such as the pistons, valve train, and crankshaft.

The lighter fluid of the 5w20 allows the oil pump to move it to the rest of the engine. 5w20 is the better option for vehicle owners who live in colder climates. 5w30, on the contrary, is ideal for hotter climates. The more viscous the motor oil is, the better it will withstand the heat and not break down. 5w30 provides better engine protection than 5w20. 5w30 also works with many kinds of engines, as it works beautifully in various automobiles.

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Steinn

Steinn

Get immense pleasure in travelling and writing about visiting places.

Steinn
Steinn , Corporate employee, Graz

Answered Nov 27, 2020

5W20 and 5W30 are known to be types of motor oil. The 5W20 will come with a lower viscosity as compared to the 5W30. This is also going to be thinner, especially when you would expose it to high temperatures. If you are going to use the motor in colder climates, you are recommended to use the 5W20. If you are going to need something that can work better in warmer climates, the 5W30 may be what you are searching for. Take note that either type of oil will work just fine no matter what the temperature is. You can just choose if in case you feel that the performance of your vehicle will be greatly affected by the motor oil that you will pick.
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E. Stanley

E. Stanley

E. Stanley
E. Stanley, Technical writer, Indianapolis

Answered Aug 06, 2020

5w 20 and 5w30 are the two most common engine oil types used in motor vehicles. The main difference is in their viscosity. 5w20 is better in colder climates, while 5w 30 is preferable when the climate is warmer, and this is because when the engine heats to average operating temperatures, 5w20 begins to lack viscosity necessary to protect all of the parts of the engine. 5w30 is characterized by higher viscosity.

The greater the number, the above average the viscosity of the oil. However, 5w 20 performs well during low and freezing temperatures as it maintains less friction and drag to flow to deeper engine components because it is thinner. In summation, five w30 tends to have more advantages as it provides overall protection from slower startups in colder climates.

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W. Kaye

W. Kaye

Here to answer and learn

W. Kaye
W. Kaye, Ex-Marine, Post Graduate, Chapel Hill

Answered Aug 04, 2020

Take note that 5W30 and 5W20 are known to be motor oil. They are known to be used by people depending on their preference. The 5W20 will be able to create a lot less friction as compared to the 5W30 because this is thinner.

This will be able to pass through the different parts of the engine without making a lot of friction because it is not too thick. Take note that the more viscous the motor oil is, the better it will be in resisting the heat that may come from the moving engine. This means that it will not break down easily. Just remember that the 5w30, although thicker will be able to provide better engine protection.

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K. Galatia

K. Galatia

K. Galatia
K. Galatia

Answered Jul 31, 2020

5w20 and 5w30 are two types of oils. The number in both of these types refer to the weight of the oil when it is in hot conditions. Therefore, 5w20 has a weight of 20 when hot, while 5w30 has a weight of 30. Between the two, 5w20 is thinner, and it has a quicker flow. 5w30 is thicker, which makes the oil have a slower flow. Another difference between these two types of oils is when it is suggested to be used. 5w20 is recommended to be used in winter conditions, while 5w30 is recommended when it is warmer, such as summertime.
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