What is the difference between 5w and 10w motor oil?

2 Answers
DelWilliam
08/29/25 3:12am
The difference between 5w and 10w motor oil lies in their freezing point temperatures: 5w oil has a freezing point of -30°C, while 10w oil freezes at -25°C. Motor oil, also known as engine lubricant, serves multiple functions including lubrication, friction reduction, auxiliary cooling, sealing, rust prevention, and shock absorption. A smaller number before the 'w' indicates lower viscosity and better low-temperature fluidity, making it suitable for colder climates. Conversely, a larger number after the 'w' signifies higher viscosity and better high-temperature stability. When using motor oil, ensure the grade is correct and the product is genuine, as counterfeit or substandard oil can damage the engine.
Was this review help?
10
3
Share
Christine
09/10/25 7:53am
I live in Inner Mongolia, where temperatures often drop to -30°C in winter, so the choice between 5W and 10W oil makes a significant difference. 5W oil is thinner at low temperatures, flows quickly, and provides instant lubrication during cold starts, protecting the engine from wear. In contrast, 10W oil can thicken in extreme cold, making it harder to start the engine and increasing the risk of wear—I once struggled to start my car in the morning after using 10W. In summer, both perform similarly, depending on the number after the W (e.g., 30). 5W is slightly more expensive but worth it due to its clear fuel-saving benefits in winter. The vehicle manual recommends prioritizing temperature; below -20°C, 5W is safer to avoid long-term wear and costly repairs.
Was this review help?
12
5
Share
Expand All
More Forum Discussions

How to remove the wiper blades of GAC Trumpchi GS4?

The method to remove the wiper blades of GAC Trumpchi GS4 is as follows: 1. Lift the wiper arm upright; 2. Press the clip below and slide out the wiper blade; 3. Remove the wiper blade. Taking the 2021 GAC Trumpchi GS4 as an example, its body dimensions are: length 4545mm, width 1856mm, height 1668mm, wheelbase 2680mm, minimum ground clearance 190mm, and curb weight 1480kg. The 2021 GAC Trumpchi GS4 is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 169PS, maximum torque of 265Nm, and maximum power of 124kW, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission.
12
5
Share

How long can a car battery's electricity last?

Automobile batteries are typically 12V. When charging a completely depleted battery, the usual charging time is between 8 to 10 hours. Below is an introduction to car batteries: 1. Introduction: A car battery, also known as a storage battery, is a type of battery that works by converting chemical energy into electrical energy. 2. Composition: The commonly referred to car battery is a lead-acid battery, which mainly uses lead and its oxides as electrodes and a sulfuric acid solution as the electrolyte. 3. Principle: The negative electrode is made of a lead plate filled with sponge-like lead, the positive electrode is made of a lead plate filled with lead dioxide, and a 22-28% dilute sulfuric acid solution is used as the electrolyte.
1
4
Share

How to Solve Transmission Slippage?

To thoroughly resolve transmission issues, it is essential to eliminate stubborn dirt and impurities within the transmission and effectively control the transmission's operating temperature. Below is relevant information: 1. Friction Characteristics: Overloading the transmission can degrade the quality and friction properties of transmission fluid, increasing friction and wear, leading to transmission noise. Additionally, sludge, impurities, or dirt can accumulate inside the transmission, such as in the valve body, causing symptoms like jerking, gear disengagement, impact, slippage, abnormal noises, delays, overheating, and oil leaks. High-end models may trigger warnings and enter transmission protection mode. If not addressed promptly, the transmission may become irreparable. 2. Automatic Transmission: First, check the fluid level and quality of the automatic transmission fluid. If the fluid level is too high or too low, adjust it to the normal range before further inspection. If the transmission stops slipping after adjusting the fluid level to normal, disassembly and repair may not be necessary.
17
1
Share

What is a Transmission Valve Body?

Transmission valve body is used for gear shifting between high and low gears. When the vehicle speed reaches a certain gear speed, the hydraulic oil pushes the valve body to automatically shift to that gear. Below are related introductions: 1. Automatic transmission: It can automatically change the transmission ratio according to engine load, vehicle speed and other conditions, providing the vehicle with good power performance and fuel economy while reducing engine emissions. Automatic transmissions are easy to operate and can significantly improve driving safety and reliability in heavy traffic. 2. Components: An electronically controlled automatic transmission typically consists of five parts: torque converter, planetary gear transmission system, shift actuator, hydraulic control system, and electronic control system.
13
2
Share

What is the method for using lights in foggy weather?

In foggy weather, the method for using lights is to turn on the position lights and front and rear fog lights. Precautions for using lights are: 1. Turn on low beams when driving at night; 2. Do not use high beams when a following vehicle is driving close to the leading vehicle in the same direction; 3. When passing sharp curves, slopes, arched bridges, crosswalks, or intersections without traffic lights at night, alternate between high and low beams to signal. Types of car lights include: headlights, fog lights, brake lights, daytime running lights, and hazard warning lights. The method for adjusting high beams is: 1. Locate the headlight height adjustment button in the car; 2. Rotate upward to lower the beam height, rotate downward to raise the beam height; 3. Adjust the button to the desired setting.
4
5
Share

What Causes the Car Air Conditioner Evaporator to Freeze?

Car air conditioner evaporator freezing causes and solutions are as follows: Compressor failure due to prolonged use: Reduced compression efficiency or damage to the compressor's gas distribution system leads to low pressure and freezing. The freezing occurs in the front part of the evaporator. Adding some refrigerant can resolve the issue. If the problem persists, the compressor must be replaced. Excessive refrigerant: Some air conditioners are refilled with refrigerant due to relocation or leaks. Improper handling by maintenance personnel may lead to overfilling, causing excess refrigerant to flow to the rear part of the evaporator, where it evaporates and freezes. This type of ice usually forms in the rear part of the evaporator and around the compressor's return pipe. Removing the excess refrigerant will resolve the issue. Dirty evaporator: After prolonged use, dust from the air or microorganisms generated by the evaporator can accumulate on the evaporator, obstructing airflow and reducing heat exchange, leading to excessively low temperatures and freezing. The freezing occurs in the rear part of the evaporator. After the ice melts, rinse the evaporator with water and gently brush along the fins with a soft brush, being careful not to wet the electrical components. Cleaning thoroughly will resolve the issue.
4
1
Share
Cookie
Cookie Settings
© 2025 Servanan International Pte. Ltd.