Is 0W20 Engine Oil Underpowered at High Speeds?
2 Answers
High-speed underperformance is not necessarily caused by the use of 0W20 engine oil. Below are relevant explanations regarding high-speed underperformance: 1. Explanation: A car's underperformance at high speeds has little to do with the engine oil grade. For Japanese cars, using 0W20 engine oil should not result in high-speed underperformance, as the majority of Japanese vehicles use 0W20 oil. A small number of models use 30-viscosity oil, such as the Nissan X-Trail and the Nissan Patrol 4.0L version. 2. Differences Between Japanese and German Cars: Japanese cars cannot use 40-viscosity oil, except in three cases: (1) Older vehicles, i.e., cars with higher mileage. (2) Performance vehicles. (3) Cars experiencing oil burning. For German cars, using 0W20 engine oil might lead to high-speed underperformance, as German vehicles generally recommend the use of 40-viscosity oil.
I remember encountering this issue before. When using 0W-20 oil on the highway, the car felt sluggish and unresponsive to throttle input. The main reason is that this oil is too thin. At high engine speeds, the thin oil can't properly maintain the friction layer, and once oil pressure drops, power immediately decreases. Some older car designs aren't compatible with low-viscosity oils. Trying an oil pressure gauge or directly upgrading to 5W-30 makes a significant difference. Also, don't overlook other potential issues like clogged air filters or aged spark plugs, which can also affect acceleration. Regular inspection and maintenance are crucial.
