Motor oils 5w30 and 5w40: where to choose

Motul 8100 Eco-nergy 5W30

An excellent choice for four-stroke engines running on gasoline or diesel. Recommended for those who like to drive SUVs, as well as cars with split injection engines. The oil is the best in terms of environmental issues, as it is energy-saving, its class is API SN/FC. When using it, the car emits much less harmful substances than when using other analogues.

Pros:

• innovative high quality product;
• can be called environmentally friendly;
• Can be used for different motors.

Minuses:

• high price.

Let's sum it up

To summarize, what is the difference between 5w30 and 5w40 motor oils? The answer lies in their viscosity, as well as the temperature range used.

Which oil should you choose if all temperature ranges apply to your region? In this case, it is better to follow the recommendations of your engine manufacturer (each manufacturer has its own oil tolerances, these tolerances are indicated on each oil canister). See picture.

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Eni/Agip i-Sint 5W-30

An Italian oil product that is used in 70 countries around the world, it is high-tech and completely synthetic. Endowed with stable technical characteristics, its viscosity allows the motor to operate at any temperature and withstand mechanical stress.

Pros:

• Extends engine life.
• Has excellent low temperature characteristics.
• Provides economical fuel consumption.
• Perfectly protects engine parts from wear.

Minuses:

• Requires frequent replacement.

What does the marking of 5w30 and 5w40 motor oil mean?

So, the first number from the oil marking indicates its viscosity at low temperatures, the second part indicates the fluidity of the substance in the warm season. This marking of engine oil characterizes it according to the common SAE classification.

The numbers in the marking indicate the type of oil - both types are all-season, which is why it is so popular among motorists. This class of lubricating fluids is universal (all-season) and can be used in engines with any type of fuel at any temperature.

ZIC X7 LS 5W-30

A budget option that is compatible with all oil filters; it must be changed no earlier than reaching a mileage of 8,000 km. Suitable for four-stroke engines in any season. The Korean product has low chemical activity, low waste and long-lasting additives; it has a reduced content of phosphorus, ash and sulfur.

Pros:

• Ensures reliable engine operation.
• Suitable for turbocharged engines.
• Shows itself perfectly in any season.

Minuses:

• You will need to use high-quality gasoline together with oil.

Properties of semi-synthetic oil 5w40 and synthetic 0w40

Semi-synthetic 5w40 models are similar to mineral ones. The latter have slightly different properties.

Mineral oil has an increased shelf life and replacement period, which is achieved with modern models of additives, which it contains in sufficient quantities. This allows you to obtain the same performance characteristics of both oils. Since choosing oil is a rather painstaking task, you should trust only professionals from car service stations. It is necessary to carry out regular seasonal replacement of mineral products with semi-synthetic ones, which is the most budget option. If you have the finances, it is better to focus on synthetics, which do not require replacement due to the highest characteristics. The properties of mineral oil make it possible to ensure high-quality operation of equipment in conditions of high ambient temperatures, so these types of substances are ideal for summer use. This type of lubricating fluid has the highest viscosity, which in 5w40 oil is formed based on the introduction of additives.

The product meets the standards of the American SAE system. In Russian conditions, the production of lubricants is organized according to the GOST system, based on the same criteria for classifying lubricants as international ones. In a product designation, the higher the number that appears after the “w,” the greater the viscosity it has. Synthetic viscosity grade 0w40 is developed specifically for high-tech engines. It has high fluidity and ensures exceptional engine cleanliness. The product is safe for the environment because the emissions of its combustion products are small. An appropriate additive package ensures the neutralization of oxidation products, which are contained in small quantities in the lubricant. This reduces the contamination factor to a large extent. The main advantage of synthetics is the indicators that characterize its performance properties. This allows the product to be used in winter conditions with significant savings in fuel resources, since the dynamic viscosity of the substance is acceptable.

TOTAL Quartz 9000 Future NFC 5W-30

Synthetics, which were specially designed to ensure lubrication of the rubbing parts of the engine, increase replacement intervals with it. According to buyers, this budget product is of excellent quality and is captivating because it can be used even in cars with high mileage. The oil is prone to liquefaction, is endowed with average characteristics, and has average waste.

Pros:

• Increases engine life.
• Seriously saves fuel.
• The motor runs quieter with it.

Minuses:

• Sometimes not on sale.

Which oil is better for driving in winter: 0w-40 or 5w-40

Winter driving is also stressful for the car and its owner. You have to clear the snow, deal with icing on the windows and mirrors, and you also need to take care of the engine. Automotive experts recommend that vehicle owners choosing 0w-40 or 5w-40 engine oil for the winter pay attention to the car’s storage conditions. We are talking about where the car “winters” - in the garage or outdoors. In the case of garage storage, the internal combustion engine does not experience any special problems during startup, since it is not cooled to an extremely low temperature, so special requirements for viscosity are reduced to the manufacturer’s recommendations.

The situation is a little more complicated for those owners who leave their cars on the street. In this case, when starting for the first time in the morning, the load on the engine increases very strongly, which affects the requirements for the choice of fuels and lubricants. Experts, in this case, advise choosing a more “fluid” option, for example, 0w-40, it will significantly reduce the risk of increased wear of the internal combustion engine at the time of startup.

Of course, few car owners will change fuel and lubricants before each season, but it is better to know the subtleties of selection in order to extend the life of the internal combustion engine.

Pay attention to the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations. If the manufacturer indicated 0w40 viscosity as recommended, then it is better to use this product initially.

Castrol Edge 5W-30

The lubricating product creates an oil film on the parts, which is characterized by increased strength. It is able to operate normally even under high pressure, providing spare parts with wear and tear and ensuring fuel economy, and is manufactured in the European Union. Oil consumption is low, it has high alkaline and acid values, which makes it possible to use it in conjunction with high-sulfur fuel.

Using Castrol oil you don’t have to worry about deposits in the engine; it can operate at low temperatures.

Pros:

• provides engine protection;
• helps the car move smoothly, increasing its dynamics;
• increases engine efficiency.

Minuses:

• Sometimes the engine sound changes.

Differences between 5w30 and 5w40 - the main difference between them

• For type 5w30, the high-temperature viscosity characteristic is in the range of 9.3-12.6 mm²/s; 5w-30 oil is used in the temperature range from -30 to +35ºС .
• For oil labeled 5w40, the same indicator is within the range of 12.6-16.3 mm²/s; 5w-40 oil can be used at temperatures from -30 to +40ºС .

But we note that such characteristics are rather conditional. This means that the viscosity data declared by SAE and their relationship with air temperatures are very arbitrary and do not carry a practical load. That is, all characteristics are superficial, which must be taken into account during operation.

The difference in the characteristics of 5W30 and 5W40 oils is determined by the viscosity index at high temperatures. At elevated temperatures, grade 5W30 has higher fluidity and lower viscosity compared to 5w40 oil. This means that it creates a thinner protective film on engine parts than 5W40 oil, which is thicker. As the engine reaches operating temperature, 5W30 oil will be more liquid, and 5W-40 oil will be more viscous. At the same time, when starting the engine in winter, the oils behave absolutely the same and the difference between these oils is insignificant.

When comparing, the main difference between 5w30 and 5w40 is the difference in viscosity in the summer.

Only its manufacturer can say how suitable each brand of oil is for a particular engine. This depends on its type, design features, operational loads and other indicators.

It is better to pour thicker 5W40 oil into engines with large operating gaps, which will be covered by a thick protective film. It is used in internal combustion engines that operate at high speeds. This lubricant is recommended for engines operating in hot climates. Due to their lower high temperature fluidity, they create a thicker protective film that resists accelerated wear of parts and extends engine life. The 5W30 grade creates a thinner film, which leads to the threat of accelerated engine wear. But research shows that a thick oil film is not always a good thing.

This is interesting: Welding and preparing the body for painting.

User manuals describe the advantages and disadvantages of oils that form protective films of varying thicknesses depending on high temperature viscosity:

1. At an increased rate, the formed film is thicker than required by the operating clearances in the engine. This leads to the fact that it does not wash all structural elements well, since due to its high viscosity it does not spread over all components. As a result, these parts wear out very quickly, the power unit will begin to overheat, consume more fuel and fail. Therefore, if the manufacturer recommends filling with 5W30, there is no need to take risks using the 5W40 brand, even taking into account the fact that it increases the service period.
2. If the manufacturer recommends 5W40, the use of oil with a lower viscosity will lead to premature wear of the pistons, cylinders and other structural elements of the engine.

Article on the topic:

1. Toyota 5w-30 oil - characteristics and application
2. Engine oil 5w-40
3. Is it possible to mix synthetics with semi-synthetics?

Video: Motor oil. Test results for 5w30 and 5w40 oils

LIQUI MOLY Molygen New Generation 5W-30

Oil helps keep four-stroke engines and their components in working condition; it lubricates them perfectly, which prevents them from wear. The inside of the engine is protected from dirt and dust. A specially created product that is able to work in very hot (+350) and cold weather (-300). Most often it is used for Asian and American cars, and it was on them that active oil testing was carried out.

Pros:

• Excellent fuel economy.
• The oil product quickly covers all moving parts of the engine with its film.
• Allows the engine to remain clean.

Minuses:

• Not so universal, more designed for special foreign car brands.

Decoding 0W30 SAE

To make it easier for customers to choose certain lubricants, manufacturers use special markings that indicate the characteristics of the product - SAE.
The marking allows you to judge the viscosity of the lubricant composition depending on temperature. Motor oil 0w30 is a synthetic product that is recommended by various car manufacturers. The interpretation of the oil marking in this case will be as follows:

• the presence of the letter “W” in the marking means that the lubricant is used in any season - both in summer and winter;
• “0” indicates viscosity in cold weather. An engine with such a lubricant operates quietly in temperature conditions down to -35°C to -40°C;
• “30” indicates the maximum temperature threshold in the summer heat. It is +30 degrees.

The temperature in the system can reach up to 150 degrees - the lubricant can withstand this. The viscosity index of this oil is 170 units.

LUKOIL Lux synthetic SL/CF 5W-30

A Russian product whose production formula is one of the best, which gives it resistance to thickening, good viscosity and protection of engine components. It prevents oxidative thickening and dirt from entering the engine, and is fully compatible with other semi-synthetic oil products. Meets the requirements of such car factories as: Opel, Nissan, Chevrolet, VAZ and Honda.

Pros:

• Provides easy engine starting in winter.
• Prolongs engine operation.
• It is practically not counterfeited.
• Minimum consumption of oil product.

Minuses:

• Needs to be changed quite often.

Which engine oil is better 5w30 or 5w40

Motor oil in a car is used for the sole purpose of forming a rich oil film on interacting engine parts. There are very small gaps between such parts in the motor (only a few microns), which require constant high-quality lubrication. Only the manufacturer knows which brand of lubricant is most suitable for each car.

Manufacturing companies, when recommending the use of a certain type, first of all take into account the design features of the power unit itself, and based on these indicators, the characteristics of the oil. Therefore, when choosing oil, it is recommended to follow the manufacturer's instructions.

It is important to consider that, in addition to the common SAE classification, all lubricants must also meet the requirements of the API and ACEA systems. The oil marking according to these classification systems is indicated on the packaging, but does not attract the attention of car owners.

As for popular brands of oil 5w40 or 5w30:

1) Grade 5w40 effectively holds the film, completely eliminating dry friction of parts. It is ideal for modern units with high thermal stress.

2) Oil marked 5w30 has a much lower viscosity and is indispensable in cold weather, as it simplifies engine starting, but in hot weather it becomes too fluid. Under conditions of t 120 – 140 °C in the engine, the viscosity of 5w40 oil is 50% higher than the viscosity of oil marked 5w30.

IDEMITSU Zepro Touring 5W-30

The oil has excellent viscosity, and its additional additives minimize friction between parts and reduce fuel consumption. The product ensures reliable operation of the motor, even at low temperatures. Idemitsu oil mixture is obtained as a result of catalytic dewaxing - a complex process through which it is endowed with all the necessary properties.

Pros:

• Can be used on harsh winter days.
• Helps the engine tune to quiet operation.
• Leads to significant gasoline savings.

Minuses:

• Intended only for engines running on gasoline.
• Sometimes not on sale.

Comparison of “synthetics” and “mineral waters”

The most important difference between these products is at the molecular level.

Synthetic lubricants are created with certain properties, while mineral lubricants get theirs from nature. “Mineral water” performs a cleaning function, gradually removing accumulations of fuel combustion products, while “synthetics” literally scrapes off the fumes from the internal walls of the engine, ensuring stable operation of the lubrication system channels, as well as the filtration system. Filters and lubrication system channels clogged with various accumulations can lead to “oil starvation”, and then to breakdown of the power unit.

So, the main differences are as follows:

• Different molecular appearance - “mineral water” is formed in natural conditions with a certain set of properties, and “synthetics” appears as a result of industrial production with a certain set of qualities and properties;
• “Synthetics” are more resistant to temperature fluctuations and can be used at both very low and very high temperatures, which cannot be said about mineral oils;
• The fluidity of synthetic oil allows it to be effective at low temperatures. Mineral water begins to thicken under such conditions;
• Mineral water is ineffective at high temperatures, since most additives burn out under such conditions. Synthetic lubricating fluid retains its additives under all operating conditions.

SHELL Helix Ultra ECT C3 5W-30

Designed for turbocharged engines installed in crossovers and SUVs, as well as passenger cars. The oil contains a dispersant additive that protects the engine from external contaminants and allows it to operate at low temperatures. The inexpensive product has excellent viscosity, protects the engine from the formation of burning, and is low in aggressiveness.

Pros:

• Significantly saves fuel consumption.
• Increases the service life of the motor.
• Universal - suitable for different engines.

Minuses:

• Lots of fakes.
• Overpriced.

Synthetic based lubricants

These lubricants are a product of molecular synthesis. “Synthetics” are more stable during operation than mineral or semi-synthetic motor oils. In addition, such a lubricant is less susceptible to external influences. It is necessary to determine the temperature range of engine operation in order to select high-quality synthetic-based motor oil that will ensure high-quality operation of the power unit, both during cold starts and under extreme conditions.

Synthetic lubricating fluids do not exist in nature on their own; they are the result of human development of new technologies. Today it is difficult to imagine the automotive market without synthetic lubricants. This product has the best properties: it protects the internal combustion engine from wear, corrosion, acid residues, and prevents the accumulation of soot on parts. As for the price, it is several times higher than for mineral oils - this is a consequence of the relative high cost of the technology for producing this product. But still, it is “synthetics” that save all cars whose owners live in regions with harsh climatic conditions.

Advantages of “synthetics”:

• resistant to temperature changes, practically does not change the degree of viscosity;
• fluidity at low temperatures is high, which allows the oil to quickly flow to all parts of the engine;
• evaporates significantly less compared to other lubricants;
• reliably protects the engine from friction due to its anti-friction properties;
• does not require the addition of additives, since most of them are synthesized during the production of the lubricating fluid.

What is the difference between 0w30 and 5w40 oils?

The differences between 0w30 and 5w40 lubricants lie not only in the minimum temperature limit. There are many more of them, even from one manufacturer. It's all about the additives (impurities) that are added to the composition.

Additives are a kind of “tangle” of polymers. When temperatures change, this “ball” unfolds and collapses. In extreme heat, the fibers of the “ball” expand, swell and it begins to unfold. When it's cold, polymer compounds shrink and harden.

For lubricating fluid 0w30, the structure of the above-described “tangle” differs from the structure of 5w40. When the “five” already begins to freeze and turn into jelly, the “zero” will still feel great. Therefore, if you need winter, the most reliable motor oil, you should choose 0w30. And for a stuffy summer, the second option is more suitable.

There is another significant difference between the brands described, which many people forget about. “Nulevka” was created by the manufacturer as a product for engines with particulate filters, and “five” was intended for classic engines. In our country, cars with engines equipped with a particulate filter are not sold (we are talking about official sales in showrooms). Therefore, we can easily do without zero-grade motor oils. Synthetics 0w30 are only necessary for northern regions where winter temperatures are excessively low.