No other automobile component, fluid, or maintenance regimen has undergone as many experiments as motor oil. Yet considering how crucial engine oil is and how many alternatives there are, it shouldn’t come as a surprise. For starters, there are several brands available for each kind of oil.
We won’t, however, discuss various motor oil manufacturers here. Instead, we’ll talk about the 0W20 and 0W30 oil viscosities and maybe be useful to you there.
The difference between 0W20 and 0W30 oil and which is superior, is that the thinner 0W20 is better for newer engines while the thicker 0W30 is better for older engines that burn some oil. The primary distinction between the 2 is the viscosity (thickness) at operating temperatures, where a greater value denotes a denser oil. However, following the manufacturer’s advised oil viscosity recommendation is always suggested.
Why Oil Viscosity Exists
In other terms, oil viscosity refers to the thickness of the oil or the ease with which it flows. The comparison between water and honey, where water has a very low viscosity, and honey has a very high viscosity, is the one I usually use.
You’ll see that the viscosity rating is represented by two digits and a letter, like 0W20. The first value in this diagram and the letter “W” for “winter” represent the oil’s viscosity at a low temperature, particularly at -17.8 degrees Celsius.
In our example, the second digit, “20” and “30,” stand for the viscosity rating at operational temperatures, namely at 40 and 100 degrees Celsius. The 0W20 will thus be thinner in our situation than the 0W30 at operational temperatures.
It’s also important to note that motor oils used to just have one temperature rating; therefore, manufacturers recommended using a thinner oil in the winter and heavier oil in the summer. Manufacturers still advise using separate viscosity ratings for various markets, even though that is no longer true.
For instance, the owner’s handbook for my current automobile was written differently for the UK and Cyprus markets. Given that Cyprus experiences high temperatures almost all year round, the recommendation for that country’s oil was 15W-40.
On the other hand, in the UK, the handbook advised using 10W40 oil since it flows better and is thinner at low temperatures, making it suitable for the region’s colder environment. The best course of action is to follow the owner’s manual’s recommendations since, as I said, the difference isn’t that significant, and manufacturers don’t usually do this.
Moreover, 0W30 can be preferable even if you haven’t improved performance. For instance, if you drag race your vehicle or just drive it excitedly on the open roads. Under certain circumstances, the engine will spend a lot more time operating at higher temperatures, necessitating oil with a higher viscosity grade, in this example, 0W30 rather than 0W20.
We know that the cold viscosity rating of 0W20 and 0W30 oils is zero. Hence, both oils will function similarly when the engine is cold regarding oil flow or efficiency. The 0W20 oil will, however, be thinner and simpler to flow after the engine has warmed up to working temperatures.
But, since 0W30 oil is thicker, it will leave a better, more durable protective coating on metal surfaces, reducing wear and friction.
It’s also crucial to note that most oil systems are built to function at a certain viscosity grade, or the very least, within a certain range. Hence, for instance, using 0W40 oil in an engine designed for 0W20 may cause the oil to be too thick for the oil pump, which would drop the oil pressure.
The 0W40 could be too fat to flow between the moving components, which might be disastrous on its own, depending on the tolerances between the moving parts in the engine. Even though this was an overly dramatic example, and the distinction between 0W20 and 0W30 isn’t really important, it’s still important to remember.
Which Is Better, 0W20 or 0W30?
Both 0W20 and 0W30 have unique uses, and neither one is superior to the other. The manufacturer’s recommendations are what ultimately matter. For your particular automobile, if 0W20 is recommended, it is preferable to 0W30, and vice versa.
It may be advantageous for your car’s engine to switch between the two on your own in certain situations. For instance, if your engine is performance-oriented or your automobile has high mileage.
Performance-Oriented Engines
If your engine is designed for performance from the factory on, the suggested oil is probably already viscous at a higher operating temperature. But, if you have made any performance adjustments to the engine, it will likely be operating at a few degrees hotter than the manufacturer had anticipated.
Since it is thicker and less prone to dilution at high temperatures, 0W30 oil performs better under these conditions than 0W20 oil. The 0W30 rating will also leaves a better protective coating at such temperatures.
Higher viscosity oil may be helpful even if you haven’t made any performance improvements to the engine. For instance, if you drag a race, drive wildly on public streets, or bring your regular vehicle to track days. Any of those circumstances may cause the engine to run considerably more often at temperatures beyond usual, necessitating thicker oil—in this instance, 0W30.
The same is true if you own a truck and often tow or transfer large goods. Even if the engine speed isn’t substantially different than when the vehicle is moving normally, the strain on the engine causes it to operate at a greater temperature.
Engines with High Mileage
While engine oil performs a fantastic job of lubricating and preserving moving parts, it is not flawless. As a result, the piston rings in your high-mileage automobile will eventually get so worn that oil will start to burn in the combustion chamber.
Moreover, you’ll notice higher oil consumption and smoke coming from the exhaust as oil reaches the combustion chamber. Remember that only automobiles with 200,000 or more miles on them experience this. Also, check your cylinder head gasket first if you have similar symptoms in any vehicle.
Nonetheless, upgrading to heavier oil may often assist in reducing oil consumption if the cylinder head is sound and you are certain that the piston rings are worn out. It would imply that 0W30 oil is superior to 0W20 in this situation.
This is because thicker oil will have a harder difficulty getting between the piston rings and the cylinder wall to reach the combustion chamber since it will be less likely to evaporate and dilute. While it may delay the need for replacement piston rings, remember that doing so will not cure the problem.
What Else Should You Think About Before Purchasing Oil?
The kind of oil you buy—mineral, semi-synthetic, or synthetic—should be your first concern. For instance, using mineral or semi-synthetic oil in an engine designed to run on full synthetic oil is a way to wreck the engine within a few oil change intervals.
And that’s assuming your turbocharger doesn’t get damaged sooner, which it almost certainly will. So, read the base oil carefully, written on the front of every oil canister.
In addition, checking the oil certification is not harmful. Virtually every automaker has its specifications for motor oil. Eventually, the major oil companies will create unique oil formulae for certain automobile manufacturers, which may be a little perplexing. For instance, you may purchase Castrol Edge with the labels LL-01 (for BMW) and LL4 (for Volkswagen), among other labels.
Finally, be sure to get high-quality oil. To mention a few, the top brands are Valvoline, Castrol, Mobil 1, Motul, and Liqui Moly. Just by doing a short search on our website or clicking this link, you may uncover many comparisons containing test results.
What Is the Use of 0W20 Oil?
Most contemporary vehicles, including Toyota, Honda, and Ford, may use 0W20 oil as long as it is synthetic. Engines with direct injection, variable valve timing, naturally aspirated engines, forced induction engines, etc., may all utilize 0W20 oil. Nevertheless, 0W20 oil will likely be too thin for your car’s more potent and performance-oriented engine; instead, you should use 0W30 or 10W40.
Which Oil Type Is 0W20?
Either a synthetic type or a synthetic mix makes up the 0W20 oil. There may be some regular 0W20 oil out there, but you will have difficulty finding it since 0W20 is almost solely utilized in newer, more recent vehicles. Also, all contemporary automobiles utilize synthetic oil, rendering regular 0W20 oil outdated.
Is 0W20 Superior to 5W30?
If your owner’s handbook suggests 0W20 oil, 0W20 is preferable to 5W30. On the other hand, 5W30 is preferable if your owner’s handbook suggests it. But, if you don’t have your owner’s handbook and are unsure which oil to purchase, use 5W30 in hot and 0W20 in cold Weather.
Is 0W20 Faster in Burning?
True, 0W20 oil burns more quickly. The lowest hot temperature viscosities of any oil, 0W20 oil, is more prone to evaporation and burning. Additionally, thinner oil tends to pass through damaged gaskets and worn-out piston rings, increasing the amount of oil used and the pace at which it burns within the combustion chamber.
Is 0W20 Appropriate in Hot Weather?
Indeed, 0W20 oil is suitable for use in hot and cold climates if your owner’s handbook advises. However, using 0W20 in hot Weather isn’t a great idea if you’re experimenting with oil on your own. The better option is a heavier oil, such as 5W30 or 0W30.
What Sets 0W30 Engine Oil Different From 5W30 Engine Oil?
When the oil is cold before the engine heats up, the viscosity rating is the sole difference between 0W30 and 5W30. Specifically, 0W30 oil is thinner at low temperatures than 5W30 oil. The second viscosity rating describes the oil’s thickness at working temperatures, which in these two instances is 30.
Can 0W20 and 0W30 be combined?
Yes, the engine will function properly if you combine 0W20 and 0W30. Since different motor oil viscosities mix, 0W25 would result from mixing 0W20 and 0W30 in equal amounts.
Make that both oils, which should likely be semi- or completely synthetic, have the same base that your automobile demands. Also, remember that your engine’s long-term health depends on using the oil the manufacturer recommends.
What is the lifespan of 0W20 synthetic oil?
According to oil makers, the 0W20 oil has a 7,500–10,000 mile lifespan, the same as any other synthetic oil. Unfortunately, most engines will suffer damage from such oil change intervals. Therefore you should heed the advice of the manufacturer. It typically occurs every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
Conclusion
In the end, the distinction between 0W20 and 0W30 is very straightforward: at operational temperatures, 0W30 is thicker, denser, or more viscous, yet at low temperatures, both oils have the same 0W rating.
But figuring out which is superior is a bit more difficult. As usual, the best course of action is to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations; if those guidelines call for 0W20, the better, and vice versa.
Higher-viscosity oil is preferable for engines that are subjected to a lot of abuse. This may include racing, hauling, and passionate driving. Also, using thicker 0W30 can help to considerably minimize oil burning in engines that are already doing so, but it won’t address the root cause of the problem.