5w30 Motor Oil vs. 10w40 Motor Oil: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 31, 2024
5w30 oil is thinner, better for cold weather; 10w40 is thicker, suitable for warmer temperatures and higher engine loads.
Key Differences
5w30 motor oil has a lower viscosity, making it thinner and more fluid at lower temperatures, ideal for cold weather. 10w40 motor oil, with a higher viscosity, is thicker, better suited for warmer temperatures and provides better lubrication at high engine temperatures.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
5w30 oil flows more easily at lower temperatures, ensuring quick engine start and efficient lubrication during cold starts. 10w40 oil, being thicker, may not flow as easily in cold weather, potentially causing a delay in engine lubrication upon startup.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
10w40 oil maintains its viscosity better at high temperatures, making it suitable for engines operating under heavy loads or in hot climates. 5w30, while efficient in moderate conditions, may thin out too much in extreme heat, leading to reduced engine protection.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
5w30 motor oil generally offers better fuel economy due to its lower resistance, making engines run more efficiently. 10w40 oil, due to its higher viscosity, can cause slightly more resistance in engine parts, potentially reducing fuel efficiency.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
10w40 oil provides better protection against wear in older or high-mileage engines, especially in hot conditions. 5w30 is more suitable for newer, modern engines, offering adequate protection without the extra thickness of 10w40.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Viscosity at Low Temperature
Lower viscosity, flows easily
Higher viscosity, thicker at low temps
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Jan 31, 2024
Cold Weather Performance
Better for cold starts
May struggle in very cold conditions
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Jan 31, 2024
High Temperature Stability
Less stable at high temps
Maintains viscosity at high temps
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Jan 31, 2024
Fuel Economy
Generally higher fuel efficiency
Slightly lower fuel efficiency
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Jan 31, 2024
Recommended for
Newer engines, moderate conditions
Older engines, heavy load conditions
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
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5w30 Motor Oil and 10w40 Motor Oil Definitions
5w30 Motor Oil
5w30 is recommended for many modern vehicle engines.
My new car's manual specifies 5w30 motor oil.
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Jan 12, 2024
10w40 Motor Oil
10w40 retains its thickness at higher temperatures.
10w40 oil ensures my engine is protected even on hot days.
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Jan 12, 2024
5w30 Motor Oil
5w30 oil flows well at low temperatures, protecting the engine.
5w30 oil keeps my engine lubricated in freezing temperatures.
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Jan 12, 2024
10w40 Motor Oil
10w40 oil offers a balance between flow and protection.
10w40 is my go-to oil for year-round engine performance.
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Jan 12, 2024
5w30 Motor Oil
5w30 maintains its properties across a wide temperature range.
5w30 oil works well throughout the year for my car.
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Jan 12, 2024
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10w40 Motor Oil
10w40 is often used in older, high-mileage engines.
My vintage car runs best on 10w40 motor oil.
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Jan 12, 2024
5w30 Motor Oil
5w30 is ideal for cold weather, ensuring smooth engine starts.
I use 5w30 motor oil for my car in winter.
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Jan 12, 2024
10w40 Motor Oil
10w40 is suitable for engines under heavy loads.
For towing, I use 10w40 motor oil in my truck.
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Jan 12, 2024
5w30 Motor Oil
5w30 oil improves fuel efficiency due to its lower viscosity.
Switching to 5w30 oil boosted my car's mileage.
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Jan 12, 2024
10w40 Motor Oil
10w40 oil is ideal for warmer climates.
In hot summers, I switch my car to 10w40 oil.
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Jan 12, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is 5w30 oil synthetic?
It can be either synthetic or conventional, depending on the brand.
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Jan 31, 2024
What does 10w40 mean?
The rating indicates the oil's viscosity in cold (10w) and hot (40) conditions.
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Jan 31, 2024
Is 10w40 oil suitable for new cars?
It depends on the manufacturer's recommendation, but it's generally better for older engines.
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Jan 31, 2024
Is 10w40 better for older cars?
Yes, its thicker formula is often better for older or high-mileage engines.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
What does 5w30 mean?
It refers to the oil's viscosity rating, indicating performance in cold (5w) and hot (30) temperatures.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
Can I use 10w40 in winter?
It's not ideal for extremely cold climates due to its thickness.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
Does 10w40 oil protect engines at high temperatures?
Yes, it provides good protection in hot conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
Can I use 5w30 in summer?
Yes, it's suitable for a range of temperatures, including moderate summers.
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Jan 31, 2024
Is 5w30 good for high-mileage cars?
It's suitable, but older cars might benefit more from a thicker oil like 10w40.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
Does 5w30 oil increase fuel efficiency?
Yes, due to its lower viscosity, it can improve fuel economy.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
Does the weather affect choosing between 5w30 and 10w40?
Yes, 5w30 is better for colder weather, while 10w40 is better for hotter conditions.
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Jan 31, 2024
What type of engine is 10w40 oil best for?
Older, high-mileage, or engines operating in hot conditions.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
Can I mix 5w30 with 10w40 oil?
It's not recommended as it can alter the desired viscosity properties.
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Jan 31, 2024
How often should I change 5w30 oil?
Follow your vehicle's manual or typically every 5,000 to 7,500 miles.
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Jan 31, 2024
Is 5w30 oil good for turbocharged engines?
It can be used if it meets the manufacturer's specifications.
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Jan 31, 2024
Should I use 10w40 in a high-performance engine?
It can be suitable, especially in warmer climates or under heavy load.
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Jan 31, 2024
Can I switch from 5w30 to 10w40 oil?
Consult your vehicle's manual, but it's generally safe if the engine tolerates the change.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
What are the benefits of using 5w30 oil?
Improved cold start performance and fuel efficiency.
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Jan 31, 2024
Can 10w40 oil be used in diesel engines?
Yes, if it meets the engine's specified requirements.
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Jan 31, 2024
How does 10w40 oil affect fuel economy?
It may slightly decrease fuel economy compared to lower viscosity oils.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 31, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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