0w40 vs 5w40: Which Engine Oil is Better?

[@botondbarna9101]

Hello! Lada Granta 1.6 16v-ben a 0w40 vagy a 5w40 a jobb választás. Téli hömérséklet -10-15, nyári + 35-40C. A gyári ajanlás: 0w40 - 40-+30, 5w40: -30-+35C. Köszönettel!😊

[@davidwedlock2622]

5W-40 for gasoline and diesel. It has less viscosity modifier than 0W-40 which is bad for engine cleanliness in excess.....Real Expert...

[@ghostadmins]

Hello Sir, I have a 2020 Audi Q5 40TFSI without a particulate filter. The engine is the EA888, and the maintenance manual recommends using VW50200/VW50500 oil. The dealership advises using 5W-40, as they say that the manufacturer’s oil change guidance is 5W-40. Can I use 0W-40 oil? The same model Q5 45TFSI (with a particulate filter) uses 0W-20 oil. I live 4 months of the year in Central China, where winter temperatures range from -5 to 10°C, and the other 8 months in Southern China, where the temperature is between 20 to 35°C. I plan to use 0W-40 in the colder region and switch to 5W-40 in the warmer region. Could you please provide your advice? Thank you!

[@jeffreycattelino3996]

Both are 40 grade viscosity oils. 5W can be used up to -30° c. Or -20° f. If you live in a place where it gets colder than that then you would need to switch to the 0w.

[@jeffreycattelino3996]

The mpg at cold temp is hilarious the oil warms up fast and shows characteristics of the 40 viscosity quickly. The oil is 40 viscosity way longer than it is when it's the 0w or the 5W viscosity.

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

An 0w oil passes the SAE viscosity rating test for 5w or 10w or 15w or even 20w. A 40 grade oil will pass SAE viscosity test for SAE 30 or SAE 25 or even SAE 20 or lower. 0w-40 oils tend to just scrape through the hot end test for 40 grade and are close to 0w-30 in reality. I use Mannol 0w-40 to BMW LL-01 or LL-04 year round in my BMW diesel engine

[@simonsays582]

You think 0w40 good for a N20 gasoline BMW?

[@I_feel_just_like_a_rockstar]

Not all 0W40 oils are close to 30 grade. For example, Mobil 1 0W40 ESP X3 has a hot viscosity of 14.1cSt. More viscous than some 5W40, like Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 (12.8cSt) And some 0W40 can even be close to 50 grade, like Castrol 0W40 for Renault Sport (16.1cSt). The ASTM D7109 test, which simulates accelerated oil shearing, showed that Manno* xW40 oils quickly became xW30. Unlike oils containing higher-quality polymers, such as Mobil.

[@tracy062]

hi i'm from a tropical hot area is it applicable to use 0w-40?

[@I_feel_just_like_a_rockstar]

Yes, of course.

[@intcpr6327]

hello! does 0w and 5w oil, for example at -10 degrees, behave the same? or is 0w always thinner than 5w?

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Hello! At -10 degrees Celsius, 0W oil and 5W oil do not behave exactly the same. The "W" in their names stands for "Winter" and indicates the oil’s viscosity (or thickness) at cold temperatures. 0W oil is formulated to flow more easily at colder temperatures compared to 5W oil. At -10 degrees Celsius, 0W oil will typically be thinner than 5W oil. This means 0W oil starts easier and lubricates more quickly at colder temperatures, which can be particularly beneficial in very cold climates to protect the engine during cold starts. So, in your example, at -10 degrees, 0W oil would generally be thinner and flow better than 5W oil.

[@I_feel_just_like_a_rockstar]

Some 5W40 may be less viscous than some 0W40 at -10°C. But at -35°C, the 0W40 will always be less viscous, fortunately. The Winter grade is there to ensure engine start-up and oil pumpability at much, much lower temperatures. Where 0Wxx will always be the best.

[@aciddiver1978]

I would go for 5-40, unless its 25 Celsius or colder.

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

100% I also prefer the "Thicker" oil and use 5w40 on my cars. Better engine protection overall. Do you use 5W40?

[@riotordiet9154]

@@HonestMechanicChanneli use 5w40 in my f10 m5 ive put 50k on it from 30k no issues!!changed oil every 3k miles!Use oil that has bmw,mercedes and porsche certifications!All are good enough but i like the quaker state 5w40 which is basically pennzoil 5w40!

[@cterf3724]

Whats the difference between brands ? Like do some use more additives or how can you tell whats yhe better choice ?? I have older Porsches and a 2014 a7​@riotordiet9154

[@James7796ify]

That’s 77F…. That’s a warm day lol

[@datsuntoyy]

25c isn't that cold. I'd only run a 0w if it's under 0c

[@toninofranco6861]

I use 5w40 the engine Is all originale 360.000 km❤

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

It's a good oil. I use that on my Audi as well.

[@Yousef4sa]

For new diesel engine 5w30 or 5w40 ?

[@adic63]

Is the 0w40 thinner than 5w40?

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Hi. Yes, 0W-40 oil is thinner than 5W-40 oil at low temperatures. The "W" in the oil grade stands for "Winter," and the number preceding it indicates the oil's viscosity (thickness) at low temperatures. A lower number means the oil is thinner at low temperatures. Here's how it works: 1. 0W-40: The "0" indicates that the oil has less viscosity at low temperatures compared to 5W-40. This means the oil will flow more easily at cold temperatures, providing better protection during cold starts and in colder climates. 2. 5W-40: The "5" indicates that the oil is slightly thicker at low temperatures compared to 0W-40. It will still flow well in cold conditions but not as easily as 0W-40. The "40" in both grades indicates that the oils have the same viscosity at high temperatures (operating temperatures). So, once the engine reaches its normal operating temperature, both 0W-40 and 5W-40 oils will have similar protection and performance characteristics.

[@datsuntoyy]

even though they both have "40" as their hot operating number, the 0w will usually be slightly thinner when hot than the 5w. That being said, the difference should be nominal. I run a 5w-40 over a 0w-40 because the coldest it will ever see is mid 30's but most nights will be a low of high 40's -50 degrees f.

[@I_feel_just_like_a_rockstar]

@@datsuntoyy Mobil 1 ESP X3 0W40 : 14.1cSt. Castrol 0W40 "Alpine" or "R" : 16.1cSt. Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 : 12.8cSt.

[@datsuntoyy]

@@I_feel_just_like_a_rockstar you’re also comparing brands, big difference. Compare 0w-40 and 5w-40 of the same line.

[@I_feel_just_like_a_rockstar]

@@datsuntoyy Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 : 12.8cSt. Shell Helix Ultra 0W40 : 13.1cSt.

[@krishnanp3414]

Sir can i use 0w40 instead of 15w40....i am from india❤❤

[@HonestMechanicChannel]

Using 0W-40 oil instead of 15W-40 can depend on a few factors, including your vehicle's manufacturer recommendations, the climate you live in, and the conditions in which you drive. Generally, the "W" in the oil grade stands for "winter," indicating how well the oil performs in cold temperatures. The number before the W indicates the oil's viscosity at cold temperatures, and the number after indicates its viscosity at 100°C (212°F). 0W-40 oil is thinner at cold temperatures, making it easier for your engine to turn over in the winter. It also means it can flow more easily and quickly provide lubrication compared to 15W-40. At operating temperatures, both oils have the same viscosity (the "40" part), meaning they provide the same level of protection once your engine is warm. However, it's crucial to consult your vehicle's owner's manual or a trusted mechanic before making a switch. The manufacturer's recommendations are based on extensive testing to ensure the engine's longevity and performance. Using an oil with a different viscosity than recommended can lead to increased engine wear, reduced fuel efficiency, and even engine damage over time. In cold climates, using 0W-40 instead of 15W-40 could provide better cold-start protection. If you're in a warmer climate or if your vehicle specifically recommends 15W-40, especially for older or high-mileage engines that might need the thicker oil for better sealing and protection, sticking with 15W-40 would be advisable. Finally, ensure any oil you use meets the specific API, ACEA, or manufacturer-specific standards required for your vehicle. This information is typically found on the oil container and in your vehicle’s documentation.

[@JohnDoe-zj6xf]

​@@HonestMechanicChannel thanks for the in depth reply, I also had the exact same question.

[@Megaleiotatos]

In which car?.15w40.is just mineral oil. 0w40 full synthetic.

[@I_feel_just_like_a_rockstar]

Of course you can. It is safe to reduce the Winter grade. And you replace a mineral base with a synthetic one that is more resistant to heat and shear.

[@tonybernheim8365]

0w-40 for gasoline engines/5w-40 for diesel engines...

[@thanetworknerd]

5W-40 oil exists for gasoline engines too.

[@jwagner1993]

Audi/VW do recommend 5w40 for gasoline engines as well

[@Swans_And_Ducks]

Simply not true. My A45 is 5w 40.

[@neogeo1506]

Nope a lot recommend 5w40

[@andrewwmacfadyen6958]

In reality the difference between 0w-40 and 5w-40 is pretty insignificant until you get pretty far below freezing. The difference between a 10w and a 5w even at +10c is more noticeable

[@HellCharger]

0/40 ❤

[@dannyarcher1884]

0w40 is better

[@Bogdan-Kremlin]

No

[@datsuntoyy]

Ditto Bogdan. NO unless you live in a very cold climate

[@Bogdan-Kremlin]

@@datsuntoyy yeah, North Pole! 5w40 go until -35

[@I_feel_just_like_a_rockstar]

@@datsuntoyy Some 0W40 are more viscous when hot than 5W40. Mobil 1 0W40 ESP X3 : 14.1cSt, Castrol 0W40 "Alpine" or "R" : 16.1cSt. Shell Helix Ultra 5W40 ? 12.8cSt. There's no risk in using a 0W40, even in hot climates. In fact, it is the OEM oil used in many cars (Porsche 911, Nissan GTR...).

[@NineInchTyrone]

Thicker because GDI dilutes oil with fuel

[@datsuntoyy]

only if your injectors are starting to get dirty.

[@makantahi3731]

the funnel has not yet been discovered