A good engine is a sign of a healthy and stable vehicle that is safe for driving. The usual car engine is made with multiple small moving parts which keep your car going. While driving your car, the engine is consuming air, dust beside the fuel. The collected dirt can contaminate the engine and prevent its smaller components from working properly.
The solution? You need to use engine oil that offers lubrication. You will find multiple engine oils while shopping for them in an automobile shop. Among all the available varieties, most of the engine oils come in two categories- 5w30 and 10×30, besides a few other variants.
With new formulas of engine oils coming into the market, you need to choose the best suitable variant for your car. You need an engine oil that offers proper lubrication and keeps the dirt and oil at bay. While some cars need an engine oil of 5w30 variant, others need the 10w30 variant.
So, here is a proper engine oil guide for you. Read on to know which to choose between the battles of 10w30 vs. 5w30.
What is 10w30?
10w30 is multi-grade engine oil that comes with two viscosity grades. It has a viscosity grade of 10 for winters (denoted by “w”) and a viscosity grade of 30 for the warmer weather.
10w30 engine oils become thinner during the winter and thicker at higher temperatures.
* 10w30 Major Specifications
- The 10w30 engine oils come with ACEA and API SN ratings. So, while buying, check if these are rated by the American Petroleum Institute for API AN engine vehicles. The engines are specially designed to prevent any deposits created due to combustion.
- 10w30 engine oils are more stable at higher temperatures. The oils do not create gels or slugs at higher temperatures despite thickening.
- This type of engine oil usually comes with ACEA A3/B4 and A3/B3 ratings from the European Automobile Manufacturers Association.
* Benefits of 10w30
- Since this type of engine oil is highly viscous at higher temperatures, it provides better lubrication to the smaller parts of the engines, making the engine a steady performer.
- The oil forms a complete layer over the engine to cut down excessive friction while the vehicle is running.
- 10w30 engine oils reduce the wear and tear of vehicle engines during the starting or stopping of the car.
- It keeps the engine cooler in summer.
- It protects the engine from rust and increases the engine life.
- 10w30 offers a smoother clutch and gear operation.
- Offers noiseless engine operation.
* Uses of 10w30
- You can use 10w30 engine oil for most petrol and diesel engines.
- Moreover, this type of engine oil is ideal for a region with longer and hotter summers with mild winters.
- It is ideal for heavy-load vehicles.
- 10w30 engine oils are great for vehicles that run on biodiesel or biofuel.
What is 5w30?
5W30 engine oil is a multi-grade engine oil with a grade 5 for lower temperatures and a viscosity of grade 30 for warmer temperature ranges.
It got thicker during summers and thinned out during the winter.
* 5w30 Major Specifications
- 5w30 engine oils are certified for API SN engines besides getting ACEA grade.
- Most of these variants come with Mercedes Benz approval depending on the brand. Similarly, 5w30 engine oils also get approvals from other leading car companies like Volkswagen and Ford and Porsche.
* Benefits of 5w30
- 5w30 engine oils have better thermal stability and maintain their properties despite the changing temperature.
- It helps to lower the consumption of fuels.
- Since 5w30 engine oils require only a small amount for lubricating the engine, it is cost-effective.
- These types of engine oils are ideal for reducing friction and friction-related damage.
* Uses of 5w30
5w30 variant engine oils are ideal for petrol engines, light-duty diesel vehicles and gasoline vehicles.
This oil is flowier in lower temperatures and is ideal for places with a colder climate with a long winter and short summer season.
Difference Between 10w30 Vs. 5w30 Oil: Comparison Table
| Comparison | 10w30 | 5w30 |
| Viscosity test | It is a rating that refers to high-temperature viscosity at 100 degrees C | It is a rating that refers to a low viscosity rating, tested at 100 degrees C |
| Temperature related density | Becomes thick at higher temperatures and does not thin a lot during summers. | Becomes thinner at higher temperature with a higher rate of thinning at high temperature |
| Ideal temperature range | Ideal for a temperature range of -18 degrees C to 30 degrees C | Ideal for -30 degrees C to 35 degrees C |
| Pourability | It pours slower in winter | Pours faster at a lower temperature |
| Performance of engine | The engine offers better performance during summer. | Performance during winters |
| Lubrication | Lubrication is medium | Lubrication is better than the 10w30 engine oil variant |
| Vehicle Type | Ideal for commercial vehicles with heavy load engines | Ideal for medium-load and private vehicles |
| Overall Performance | Ideal For sealing action over the engine | Ideal for weather starting |
| Fuel Type | Ideal for vehicles running with biodiesel or biofuel | Ideal for most vehicles irrespective of fuel type |
What is the Difference Between 10w30 and 5w30?
Despite being multi-grade engine oils, these two variants are different with different fuel purposes, viscosity, and temperature ranges.
1. Performance
The 10w30 engine oils and 5w30 engine oils come with similar SAE ratings. Hence, they usually perform pretty similarly during higher temperatures. But, the 10w30 variant thickens a lot during winter while the 5w30 remains comparatively thinner due to its affinity to colder temperatures.
2. Ideal Use
The ideal usage depends on the season, climate and vehicle. While the 10w30 variant oil is great for warmer climates with longer summer, the 5w30 variants work best for colder climates.
3. Lubrication
Both of these multi-grade engine oils are champions for providing lubrication to engines. The 10w30 is great for heavy loading models, and the 5w30 is ideal for private to medium-load vehicles.
Conclusion:
Even though both 10w30 and 5w30 engine oils are multi-grade oils, they have different purposes. So, next time you go shopping for engine oil, consider the vehicle you own, the place you live, and how you use your car.
Buying the best possible engine oil will increase the health of your car engine while making driving safer, smoother with better experiences.
