Likewise, there is little to no difference between the two versions when used in cold conditions. Their properties are the same when used in fair-weather temperatures. 5W20 is sought globally by motor manufacturers and governments – led by Japan, Europe, and the U.S.īoth 0W20 and 5W20 are low viscosity and high-quality synthetic grades that can massively optimize fuel economy. This oil type is common because it provides the best fuel economy, saves fuel consumption, and has fewer exhaust emissions. 0W20 vs 5W20 Fuel EconomyĥW20 motor oil is another low-temperature grade typically recommended for winter use, with a 10W-30 as an alternative for higher temperatures. This oil provides lubrication to critical engine parts, making it easier for you to cold-start your engine during winter. This type of oil will still crank at -35☌/-31 ☏ and flow through engine oil ways immediately.
#Viscosity 1.7.12 full
It is liquid engineered to flow as smoothly as an SAE 0 in sub-zero weather, yet act as an SAE 20 once the engine has achieved its full operating temperature. 0W 20 Oil vs 5W20 ExplainedĠW20 motor oil (0W20 oil) is one of the low-temperature grades added to the SAE J300 EOVC system after 1952. We are only going to discuss the 0W20 and the 5W20 variants. īefore you get too overwhelmed with all these numbers, don’t worry as we are not going to go through all motor oil grades. The figures in red are recent updates to the SAE J300 system since Ap– the total viscosity grades now becoming 14: SAE Viscosity Grade This viscosity table below from Anton Paar summarizes the different viscosity levels for both low and high-temperature motor oils. For example, an SAE 5W20 oil would be a product that acts like an SAE 5 at cold temperatures (5W for winter) and like an SAE 20 at 100 ☌ (212 ☏). This type would have the viscosity of the base grade when cold and of the second grade when hot. On the other hand, multi-grade motor oils have special polymers added that allows them to perform in a wide range of temperatures. This type cannot use viscosity modifiers and are often called straight-weight oils. For single-grade motor oils, there are 11 viscosity grades in total: 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, 25W for low-temperature grades, and 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 for high-temperature grades. There are two kinds of viscosity grades – single-grade and multi-grade. The format for a viscosity classification is XW-XX – where X is the cold operating viscosity and W meaning winter, and XX is the hot operating viscosity of the motor oil. Eventually, additive technology, which made it possible for oil to thin more slowly, allowed a selection of thinner oil to start from in determining film thickness. Motor oils were originally all mono-grades because oil manufacturers always had to start with thick oil to get the right thickness at operating temperatures.
#Viscosity 1.7.12 code
In 1911, the Society of Automotive Engineers or SAE established a numerical code system (SAE J300) for grading oils based on their viscosity characteristics. Thick oils, fondly called summer-grade oils, maintain better film strength and oil pressure at high temperatures and loads and seal better. Thin oils are usually winter-grade as they reduce friction in engines and help them start quickly at cold temperatures. Thin oils pour more easily at low temperatures than thicker oils that have a higher viscosity. Oil viscosity refers to the resistance of a liquid to flow at a specific temperature. Read on so that you can make the distinction between 0W20 vs 5W20. You will also learn about motor oil blends and find answers to common questions. This article will define viscosity grades and give you tips on the right circumstances when to properly use each oil type. While both are low-temperature grade motor oils, 0W20 is slightly better to use in extremely cold weather. What’s the difference between SAE 0W-20 and 5W-20 motor oils?īoth oils are very similar, except for their composition and the lowest temperature at which they can flow. So, you may be wondering how they differ. They allow your engine to perform at its highest efficiency, and are very similar when compared. 0W20 and 5W20 are winter-grade oils designed for cold weather.