When you’re at the gas station deciding which motor oil to buy, you might notice two main categories of oil, numbered 5W30 and 20W50. But what do these numbers mean? And how do they relate to the actual performance of your engine? In this article, we’ll cover all you need to know about 5W30 and 20W50 engine oil.
Your vehicle’s engine is full of moving parts which, when they aren’t well lubricated, can lead to wear and tear that can mean costly repair bills down the road. Most vehicles use one of two types of motor oil – conventional oil or synthetic oil.
In most areas with normal climates, two different kinds of motor oil, 5W30 and 20W50, are commonly used to ensure that your engine has what it needs to run smoothly without developing any problems over time. So, which grade of engine oil is good for your car? Let us help you decide between the both grades of engine oil. Here’s what you need to know about 5W30 and 20W50 motor oil to make the right decision.
SAE Rating System
The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) has developed a rating system that describes how well a particular engine oil will protect an engine under different conditions. The SAE rating numbers for viscosity are expressed as a W followed by two numbers, with no spaces in between. For example, 10W-40 means 10 weight classes with 40 cold flows (see below). The lower number represents summer conditions. The higher number represents winter conditions.
A Quick Overview of Motor Oils
All engine oils contain an SAE viscosity grade. The number after 5W or 20W defines the cold-temperature range for which a given type of oil is suitable. There are several different types of motor oils on today’s market, which includes; synthetic oils, mineral oils, and semi synthetic engine oils. Different types of motor oils have different viscosity grades, making them suitable for different climate conditions and temperatures. For a typical gas engine, it makes sense to use full synthetic because synthetic oil provides better resistance to breakdown caused by high temperatures.
For a typical gas engine, it makes sense to use full synthetic because synthetic oil provides better resistance to breakdown caused by high temperatures. This means that you’ll have longer lasting protection against wear in your engine. Most carmakers recommend 5W30 engine oil; anything higher than 30 weight might be too thick and will affect your mileage.
5W30 vs. 20W50 Oils – Which Should You Use in Your Car?
It’s no secret that lubricating your engine is important, but it may surprise you to learn that finding an oil to use in your car isn’t always as easy as simply asking for a recommendation from someone at your local auto parts store. In fact, depending on which type of vehicle you own, you may be asked about a number of different specifications. Some people refer to these specifications as weight designations, like SAE 5W30 or SAE 20W50.
SAE 5W30
5W30 oil stands for fifth generation while W stands for winter season. This means that it is formulated specifically to withstand low temperatures without thinning out too much like cheaper oils do when exposed to extreme cold temperatures for extended periods of time. This also means it doesn’t need as many additives like detergents and dispersants because it doesn’t thin out as easily as cheaper options do when exposed to heat from inside your engine compartment. The second number (the 30) is a measure of its viscosity index, which can simply be described as its thickness
SAE 20W50
20W50 oils contain more viscosity than their 5 counterparts since they are rated to perform well even in extremely hot conditions. Since they’re created to hold shape better than 5W30, they require less fluid volume during high temperature operating sessions and less frequent fluid changes altogether.
Those same extra features allow them to provide better protection against rusting, wear and tear—but unfortunately, it also takes longer for them to drain completely since they are thicker at all times. For example, if you change oil every 2 months instead of every month, that extra 50 on 20W50 translates into 300% longer use until major maintenance is required. Also keep in mind that thinner fluids drain faster – even though their lower viscosity rating seems impressive at a glance due to higher numbers rather than lower ones.
The type of engine oil you choose ultimately affects how often you need to change the oil in your vehicle and what viscosity (a measure of the thickness of the oil) you should use in your vehicle based on the weather conditions in your area. Furthermore, consulting your engine/vehicle manufacturer is always advised to choose the right engine oil for your specific vehicle.
