Is 0W or 5W engine oil better?
2 Answers
0W engine oil has higher quality requirements. Below is an introduction to the selection method of engine oil: Principles: The selection of engine oil is quite particular. Car owners can choose engine oil based on the local maximum and minimum temperatures, the vehicle's grade, and its condition. Differences between engine oils: If an engine oil with too high viscosity is selected, it will increase movement resistance and affect engine power; if an engine oil with too low viscosity is selected, it cannot guarantee lubrication quality and will exacerbate engine wear. How to choose: For engines that have experienced significant wear and have larger component clearances, a higher viscosity grade of engine oil can be selected to enhance the sealing performance of the components. Simply put, it is better to choose thinner oil for new cars and thicker oil for cars with higher mileage.
When choosing engine oil, both 0W and 5W have their advantages, depending on your daily usage scenarios. Having driven in northern regions for years, I've found that 0W starts the car smoothly at -20°C in winter, with instant engine response and fast oil flow, reducing cold-start wear. In comparison, 5W is slightly more sluggish at the same low temperatures, making it better suited for milder climates. In summer, 0W has a thinner oil film and may become too thin at high temperatures, offering slightly less protection; whereas 5W has a moderate viscosity and is more stable. I recommend prioritizing the owner's manual recommendations and factoring in local temperatures. If you frequently drive on highways or in extreme conditions, 0W offers better fuel economy, saving you some money on gas. Remember to change the oil regularly to ensure the engine runs healthily.
