It’s happened to the best of us. You’re in a rush, you grab the oil bottle off the shelf, and before you know it, you’ve accidentally put 5W20 oil into your car instead of 5W30. Now what?
Do you need to take your car to the mechanic and have the oil changed? Is your car going to break down? Will it void your warranty?
If you accidentally put 5W20 oil into your car instead of 5W30, don’t worry. Although it’s not the ideal oil for your car, it will still work just fine. The main difference between the two oils is their viscosity, or thickness.
5W20 oil is thinner than 5W30 oil and won’t protect your engine as well in cold weather. However, in warm weather, it can actually improve fuel economy because it’s easier for the engine to pump.
So, if you accidentally put 5W20 oil in your car, it’s not a big deal.
Just be sure to check your owner’s manual to see what type of oil is recommended for your car and make sure to use that in the future.
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5W30 Or 5W20 for High Mileage
If you have a high mileage car, you may be wondering if you should use 5W30 or 5W20 oil. Here’s a look at the differences between these two types of oil and which one is best for high mileage cars.
5W30 oil is thicker than 5W20 oil and provides better protection for your engine.
It’s also a good choice if your car is used for towing or other heavy duty activities. However, this thicker oil can make your engine work harder and may not be ideal for older or high mileage cars.
This can help reduce wear on older engines and improve fuel economy. However, this thinner oil may not provide as much protection for your engine during extreme driving conditions. So which one should you use?
If you have an older or high mileage car, 5W20 oil may be the better choice. For newer cars or those that are used for towing or other heavy duty activities, 5W30 oil may be the better option.
Can I Use 5W20 Synthetic Instead of 5W30
The simple answer is yes, you can use 5W20 synthetic oil instead of 5W30. In fact, 5W20 is often recommended for use in modern engines, as it provides better fuel economy and protection at lower temperatures than heavier oils like 5W30. However, there are a few things to keep in mind if you’re thinking of making the switch.
First, check your owner’s manual. While most manufacturers recommend or allow the use of synthetic oils, some do not and require the use of conventional oil only. If your manual specifically calls for 5W30 oil, it’s best to stick with that weight.
Second, be aware that using a lighter oil may shorten your engine’s oil change interval. Consult your manual or an expert to see if this is the case for your vehicle before making the switch.
Finally, remember that synthetic oils are generally more expensive than their conventional counterparts.
If cost is a factor in your decision-making process, you may want to stay with conventional 5W30 oil until your next scheduled oil change.
Can I Use 5W20 Instead of 5W30 Reddit
If you own a car, you’ve probably seen the various motor oil options available and wondered what the difference is. The most common types of motor oil are 5W30 and 5W20, but what’s the difference?
5W30 is a thicker oil that is designed for use in colder climates.
It will flow better at lower temperatures and provide better protection for your engine.
5W20 is a thinner oil that is designed for use in warmer climates. It will flow better at higher temperatures and provide better fuel economy.
So, which one should you use? If you live in an area with cold winters, 5W30 is the best option. If you live in an area with mild winters, 5W20 is the best option.
Can You Mix 5W20 And 5W30
If you’ve ever wondered if you can mix 5W20 and 5W30 motor oil, the answer is yes! However, there are a few things to keep in mind.
5W20 and 5W30 oils have different viscosities, meaning they flow differently at different temperatures.
5W20 is thinner and flows more easily than 5W30 at lower temperatures. This means that it’s ideal for use in cold weather conditions.
5W30, on the other hand, is thicker and flows less easily than 5W20 at lower temperatures.
This makes it better suited for use in warm weather conditions.
So, if you’re using your vehicle in cold weather conditions, it’s best to stick with 5W20 oil. If you’re using your vehicle in warm weather conditions, you can use either 5W20 or 5W30 oil.
Credit: bobistheoilguy.com
What Will Happen If I Use 5W20 Instead of 5W30?
If you use 5w20 instead of 5w30, the oil will be thinner and may not provide as much protection for your engine.
Is There a Big Difference between 5W20 And 5W30?
The simple answer is yes, there is a big difference between 5w20 and 5w30 motor oils. The two oil types differ in viscosity, with 5w30 being the thicker/more viscous oil. This means that 5w30 will provide better protection for your engine at high temperatures and under heavy loads, while 5w20 is better suited for lower temperatures and lighter loads.
So if you live in a hot climate or do a lot of towing/hauling, you’ll want to use 5w30 oil. If you live in a cold climate or don’t do much heavy driving, then 5w20 oil is probably fine.
Conclusion
If you accidentally put 5W20 oil instead of 5W30 in your car, don’t worry. The difference between the two oils is only a small percentage of the overall oil volume in your car. However, if you notice any problems with your car after changing the oil, take it to a mechanic to have it checked out.
