Can 5w20 be replaced with 5w30 as required by the manufacturer?
2 Answers
The manufacturer's requirement of 5w20 can be replaced with 5w30. The number before the W represents the viscosity of the oil at low temperatures. The smaller the number, the higher the viscosity and the better the protection effect. The number after W refers to the viscosity grade of the oil at 100 degrees Celsius. The larger the number, the higher the viscosity. It should be noted that when replacing oil with different specifications, it is best to drain the oil from the engine and then refill it with new oil. Try not to mix different types of oil. The difference between 5W30 and 5W20 motor oil is the high-temperature viscosity. 5W30 has higher viscosity, better high-temperature protection performance, and better sealing. However, higher oil viscosity is not always better. Excessive viscosity can also affect the engine. Due to the increased viscosity, a series of effects occur, increasing the engine's operating resistance, which in turn reduces engine power. If this continues for a long time, it will affect the engine's service life and also increase fuel consumption.
I'm the kind of tech-savvy person who loves tinkering with cars, so I can't help but chime in on this oil selection topic. The manufacturer recommends 5W-20 to match the precision design of modern engines, especially for quick cold starts in winter and fuel efficiency. Switching to 5W-30, which has slightly higher viscosity, might offer better protection at high temperatures, but it could impact fuel economy and potentially slow down engine response. From my experience, unless you're in a hot climate or frequently drive long distances with heavy loads, the risks of switching outweigh the benefits—oil pressure imbalance could lead to increased wear and affect engine longevity. I recommend sticking to the manufacturer's suggestion or consulting the manual and a professional first. Don't risk major issues to save a bit on oil costs. Remember, engine health is built on attention to detail; small changes can sometimes lead to big troubles, so it's best not to casually switch oil specifications.
