What is the difference between 0w and 5w?

[MariaLee]

The difference between 0w and 5w lies in their minimum applicable temperatures. 5W can be used in environments as cold as -30 degrees Celsius, while 0W can be used in environments as cold as -35 degrees Celsius. The following are some precautions to take when refueling your car: 1. Do not overfill the tank: If the tank is overfilled with gasoline, the high temperatures in summer, combined with the heat generated by the car itself, can cause the gasoline to expand. To prevent the fuel tank from rupturing due to the expansion of gasoline, there is a vent hole at the top. If the tank is overfilled, gasoline may overflow through the vent hole, which can lead to spontaneous combustion if exposed to an open flame, with potentially disastrous consequences. Additionally, gasoline overflowing through the vent hole can drip onto the car body, causing some corrosion. Overfilling the tank can also easily block the vent hole. Once the vent hole is blocked, the pressure inside the tank will drop below normal, leading to poor fuel supply or even a complete lack of fuel. Overfilling the tank also increases the car's weight, thereby increasing fuel consumption. Over time, the gasoline can deteriorate, posing a safety hazard. 2. Try to avoid refueling only when the fuel light comes on: While driving, always pay attention to the fuel gauge. When the pointer shows that only a quarter of the fuel remains, you should refuel. It is best not to wait until the fuel light comes on to refuel. Modern cars use electric fuel pumps, which require gasoline for lubrication and cooling. If you frequently wait until the fuel light comes on to refuel, the fuel pump may not receive adequate lubrication and cooling, ultimately reducing its lifespan. Additionally, if the tank is left empty for too long, the temperature difference between the inside and outside can cause moisture to form inside the tank, leading to corrosion, affecting fuel quality, and increasing the engine's burden.

[AlanLynn]

That day when I was getting my car repaired, the mechanic explained the details about motor oil grades to me. The biggest difference between 0W and 5W lies in their low-temperature fluidity. 0W can maintain lubrication even at -35°C, while 5W can only handle down to -30°C. In northern winters where temperatures often drop below -20°C, 0W makes morning starts noticeably smoother. However, 0W uses higher-grade base oil and costs about 30% more. Friends in the south really don't need to chase after 0W - 5W is completely sufficient. You must check the viscosity range required in the owner's manual. I've seen someone forcibly pour 0W-20 into an old car, resulting in oil pan leaks, and ultimately having to switch back to 5W-40.

[McColin]

Stared at the engine oil bottle for a long time during maintenance. The W in 0W stands for winter resistance - the smaller the number, the better the low-temperature performance. In places like Harbin where it often drops to -30°C, switching to 0W oil made the steering noticeably lighter and reduced fuel consumption by half a liter. But 5W offers better cost performance, as even mineral oil can meet the standard. Last time when helping a friend choose oil, noticed a detail: between two oils both labeled with 40 viscosity, the 0W actually provides better high-temperature protection than 5W, especially reassuring for turbocharged cars on long trips.

[GarrettLynn]

The lab has tested the flow curves of different engine oils. The viscosity of 0W at -35°C is similar to that of 5W at -25°C, with the cold-start oil pressure difference being more than double. However, 5W actually has better thermal stability as its base oil molecular chains are stronger. Regarding fuel efficiency debates, actual tests show that using 0W in the same car model can save 3% fuel, but considering the price difference, you'd need to drive 5,000 km to break even. Turbocharged cars are recommended to prioritize 0W, while naturally aspirated older cars are more cost-effective with 5W.