What happens if you put 5w20 instead of 5W-30?

Due to the increased resistance of the thicker 5W-30 oil, your engine will produce slightly lower fuel economy and horsepower output. You also risk engine damage when using 5W-30 instead of 5W-20, as the internal engine components are specifically designed to be used with 5W-20 motor oil.

Can you mix 5w20 in a 5W-30 engine?

You can mix a 5W20 with a 5W30 oil with minimal amount of issues provided it the same manufacturer and the same API classification. The question is ‘why would you?” If it is because you oil is low and the only thing available is a different grade then it might be fine until you can get it changed.

What happens to a car if you put the wrong oil in it?

Using the wrong fluid can cause poor lubrication, overheating, and possibly transmission failure. A mechanic might not be able to reverse the damage, even by flushing the transmission. Mistakenly adding motor oil or brake fluid can also destroy your transmission.

Is there a big difference between 5W20 and 5W-30?

The main difference between 5W-30 and 5W-20 motor oil is that the latter gives a slight bump in fuel efficiency. When used in a vehicle’s engine, 5W-20 oil creates less friction due to its thinner viscosity (or thickness), meaning it drags less across engine parts like the crankshaft, valvetrain, and pistons.

What if I use 0w-20 instead of 5w30?

0w-20 is simply a different viscosity of oil. It won’t be an advantage to your engine if your manufacturer suggests you use 5w-30 and may indeed be a detriment to your engine. 0w-20 may be a recommended oil for certain conditions for your engine and may not be recommended for your engine.

When should you use 5W-20 oil?

5W-20 oil is best for those who live in colder climates with low temperatures. It can be used for light-duty applications, for engines that do not reach very extreme temperatures. 5W-20 oil provides excellent start-up performance in colder temperatures.

What happens if I put 5W-30 oil in my car instead of 5W20?

Your vehicle’s engine is built and tuned to run on a specific grade of oil. If you put in 5W-30 oil instead of 5W-20 when the latter is the grade suggested by your vehicle’s manufacturer, damage to internal engine parts can occur. Additionally, your engine may experience performance issues such as diminished fuel economy and horsepower.

What happens if you leave Hot 20 oil in a car?

Hot 20 weight oil has a viscosity not all that much thicker than water. The increased engine wear will be significant if this oil is left in the car. Additionally, most newer engines use oil pressure to change valve timing. Since your oil pressure will be low, you may see decreased engine performance.

What type of engine oil should I use in the winter?

Cold climates with very cold winter temperatures would specify the SAE 5W-20 for Winter, and the SAE 5W-30 for Summer. The lower viscosity grade 5W-20 would possibly get past the rings more in Summer and be seen as “using oil”, requiring a little more topping up than 5W-30. So it depends on the season.

Is it bad to change engine oil too often?

Switching around between oil brands all the time can also cause situations where seals deteriorate more quickly as you get what in people you’d call an “adverse drug interaction.” The residue of one oil may have just enough detergent in it to interact negatively with the next oil you put in when you change it.