Which cars can use 0W20 engine oil?
2 Answers
0W20 engine oil is mostly used in Japanese and Korean cars. Manufacturers of Japanese and Korean vehicles generally employ DOHC multi-valve engines where the camshaft directly contacts the valve lifter. The top of the valve lifter features an extremely hard and smooth surface with a diamond-hardness coating. This application reduces friction between the camshaft and valve lifter by 40%, achieving minimal wear conditions. Therefore, using 20-grade oil is more fuel-efficient and provides better power performance. Engine oil classifications are as follows: 1. Seasonal classification: Specifically categorized into 4 types for summer use, 6 types for winter use, and 16 types for all-season use. 2. Viscosity grade classification: Summer oil grades are 20, 30, 40, and 50, where higher numbers indicate greater viscosity and suitability for higher maximum temperatures. Winter oil grades are 0W, 5W, 10W, 15W, 20W, and 25W. 3. Symbol meaning: The W stands for Winter, and a smaller number before W indicates lower low-temperature viscosity, better low-temperature fluidity, and suitability for lower minimum temperatures.
When I first started using a car, I was also curious about which vehicles could use 0W20 oil. It turns out most modern cars can, especially new models or those with fuel-saving technology, like hybrids from Toyota, Honda, and Ford. This oil has low viscosity and flows well during cold starts, protecting the engine from wear and tear while also helping save fuel—you can save quite a bit on gas money over a year. However, it's not suitable for older cars, like pre-2000 American muscle cars, as their engines have larger gaps, and using 0W20 might cause oil leaks or accelerated wear. I even consulted a mechanic, who said new car manuals always specify the oil grade—just check there to be safe and avoid unnecessary risks. Remember, using the wrong oil can cause serious problems, so it's best to confirm with a professional shop.
