The Differences Between 0w30 vs 5w30 Engine Oil

Among the many functions of engine oils, protecting it from wear and tear is an essential one. Engine oils help clean, lubricate, clean and prevent the engine from corrosion.  However, one needs to get the right kind of engine oil for their vehicle. This usually depends on the driving conditions. The two most common types of lubricants are 0w30 and 5w30. Both these oils have different levels of viscosity. Let’s go through a detailed comparison between 0w30 vs 5w30 and their pros and cons. 

What Is 0w30 Engine Oil?

0w30 engine oil has a low viscosity. The lubricant is usually fully synthetic and ideal for winter driving. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) grading system is followed by most synthetic oils including 0w30. This system emphasises on making the oil suitable for diverse ranges of temperature. 

Simply put, 0w30 meets the requirements of multiple grades and can work within varied temperature ranges. The first number zero in the term 0w30, indicates the flow rate in low temperatures. Whereas, W stands for winter, and 30 is the highest viscosity level for it to operate in different temperatures.

The operating temperature range of 0w30 engine oil is between -31 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit. The oil remains stable in winter conditions allowing the car to ignite effortlessly. It also helps protect engine wear and promotes fuel efficiency. 

What Is 5w30 Engine Oil?

5w30 is another type of engine oil that is heavier than 0w30.Much like the 0w30 engine oil, 5w30 is also a multigrade lubricant, however, its flow rate in winter remains low. Though the operational temperature range isn’t as wide as 0w30, 5w30 with a range of -13 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit is also ideal for winter driving. 

Because 5w30 is heavier than 0w30, it redeems in medium to high operating temperatures. The lubricant’s thickness helps protect the engine from excessive wear and tear. The synthetic oil includes additives such as detergent, rust and corrosion inhibitors and anti-wear agents – all of which guarantee engine longevity.

Key Differences Between 0w30 and 5w30 Engine Oils 

Let’s go through the major differences between 0w30 and 5w30 engine oils. 

Grades

All SAE engine oil grades emphasise viscosity. The key difference between 0w30 vs 5w30 is because of their different levels of viscosity.   

Highly viscous oils are suitable for high temperatures. They are graded as SAE 8, 10, 12, 16, 20, 30, 40, and 60. Moreover, the W lubricants are those that are made to withstand low temperatures. 

That said, 0w30 and 5w30 are both multigrade and usable in winter and summer driving conditions. Several car owners prefer multigrade engine oils because of their versatility. This means the oil remains stable regardless of the weather conditions.

On the grading scale, the 0w30 lubricant is more temperature resilient as compared to the 5w30. Besides, here is a detailed overview on how car engine oils work.

Viscosity

As mentioned earlier, 5w30 is heavier than 0w30. The different viscosity levels enhance the functionality of the two lubricants. For example, the lighter 0w30 will flow effortlessly, even if the temperature is extremely low. It flows quickly and boosts the engine’s efficiency.

Whereas, the 5w30 engine oil helps protect wear, sealing, and heat dissipation. 

Temperature

The number before the W in engine oils indicates its winter operating temperature, whereas, the number after the letter is their standard operating grade. Both 5w30 and 0w30 have the same operating temperature which is 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

The difference is in their winter viscosity. 0w30 has a -31 degrees Fahrenheit limit and is more stable in the cold and 5w30 is suitable for freezing conditions, however, it does not have the a-13 degrees Fahrenheit limit of 0w30. The operating temperature for 0w30 is greater which makes it more adaptable in both hot and cold weather driving conditions. 

Fuel Economy

There is always a 0w30 vs. 5w30 debate for which oil is more fuel economical. According to research, the 0w30 is better by just a small margin. The 0w30 engine oil is not as heavy and it has a quick flow.  It also prevents excess friction, making the engine run smoothly. Naturally, an engine running smoothly is more fuel efficient. 

That said, the 5w30 also has excellent fuel efficiency, even though its performance may be a little lesser as the 0w30 can withstand the higher degree weather changes.

Make sure to use the right engine oil for a better fuel economy, here are a few signs that you are using the wrong engine oil.

Price

Another 0w30 vs 5w30 difference is in its price. The 0w30 oil has more versatility and is usually pricier than the 5w30. However, sometimes the latter is more expensive if it is fully synthetic and contains several additives for your engine’s health. That said, the motor oil brand decides the final price. Some makes are costlier than others. 

Pros and Cons Of 0w30 Oil

Let’s go through the pros and cons of 0w30 oil in detail. 

Pros of 0w30 Oil

• They are suitable for winter driving with dipping temperatures
• The oil is also suitable for higher degree temperatures going up to 86 degrees Fahrenheit
• The free flow of oil helps start a car in freezing conditions as opposed to regular oils that become dense in low temperatures.
• The synthetic oil has many additives that help clean the engine and prevent sludge buildup
• 0w30 promotes heat transfer to restrict engine degradation.
• It promotes fuel efficiency 

Cons 0w30 Oil

• It is pricier when compared with any standard engine lubricant. 
• Rarely, the oil may leak due to its lightness

Pros and Cons of 5w30 Engine Oil

Let’s go through the pros and cons of 5w30 engine oil in detail

Pros of 5w30 Oil

• 5w30 is a versatile oil that can work in both hot and cold temperatures 
• It is a heavy lubricant which makes it ideal for engine wear prevention and heat dissipation
• Additives like detergent and antioxidants, further enhance the oil’s engine protection qualities.

Cons of 5w30 Oil

• It is pricier when compared with any standard engine lubricant. 

That is all about the differences between 0w30 vs 5w30 engine oils, their advantages and disadvantages. Make sure to change your car’s oil regularly to keep it maintained. Here is how to pick the right oil type for your car. 

Engine oils offer several advantages. The right type of engine oil for your car promotes better engine performance and protects it from wear and corrosion. When buying a used car in the UAE, choose the right motor oil according to your driving needs. 

Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more on car oils, car parts and repair tips and much more.