What is the difference between 5w20 and 5w30?
1 Answers
The main difference between engine oils 5w20 and 5w30 lies in their high-temperature viscosity. The distinction between 5W-20 and 5W-30 is simply the difference in the latter numbers. 5w20 has lower viscosity (viscosity ranging between 5.6-9.3), which is relatively more fuel-efficient and provides a lighter driving feel, while 5W-30 has higher viscosity (viscosity ranging between 9.3-12.5), which is relatively more fuel-consuming and makes the throttle feel heavier, but results in quieter engine operation. Below is some relevant information about engine oil: 1. Viscosity is one of the most important characteristics of engine oil. Generally, the property of 'oil' is to thicken at low temperatures and thin at high temperatures, which is contrary to the actual working requirements of an engine. Additives can be used to alter the inherent nature of the oil. During cold starts at low temperatures, engine oil should have high fluidity (low viscosity) to quickly supply lubrication to all engine components, minimizing the time of insufficient lubrication before the oil completes its first circulation and reducing engine wear to the lowest possible extent. As the engine's operating temperature rises, the viscosity of the oil should not thin out, and the strength of the oil film should not diminish, ensuring complete lubrication. 2. The higher the viscosity of the engine oil, the more fuel the engine consumes, and the louder the noise, but the better the sealing performance. Therefore, when selecting engine oil viscosity, the age of the vehicle must also be considered. Newer vehicles have very small gaps between engine components, so oil with lower viscosity should be chosen, while vehicles with severe engine wear should opt for oil with higher viscosity.
