What is the difference between 0w-30 and 5w-30?
2 Answers
The difference between 0w-30 and 5w-30 lies in their fluidity at low temperatures. Below is the relevant introduction: Introduction: The number before the letter W in the engine oil model (0 or 5) represents the viscosity under low-temperature conditions. The smaller the number, the better the fluidity at low temperatures and the stronger the cold resistance. 0W means it can flow at -35 degrees Celsius, while 5W means it can flow at -30 degrees Celsius. Automobile: According to the latest national standard in China, 'Terms and Definitions of Automobiles and Trailers,' an automobile is defined as a non-track vehicle powered by an engine, with four or more wheels, mainly used for: transporting people and/or goods; towing vehicles that carry people and/or goods; and special purposes.
I often drive long distances and have noticed that the main difference between 0W-30 and 5W-30 lies in cold starts. 0W-30 has better fluidity at low temperatures, making it easier to start the engine even at -40°C, with quicker and smoother ignition. On the other hand, 5W-30 is slightly thicker under the same low-temperature conditions, resulting in a bit more effort during startup. When I switched to 0W-30 in extremely cold regions, the engine sounded smoother, and there was less noticeable wear. At high temperatures, both oils perform similarly with their 30 viscosity, but over the long term, 0W-30 provides better engine responsiveness. Although 0W-30 is a bit more expensive, I choose it for every six-month oil change to extend engine life, making it a more cost-effective choice overall.
