Which has higher fuel consumption, 0w30 or 5w30?
2 Answers
The fuel consumption of 0w30 and 5w30 is almost the same, but 0w30 oil has better low-temperature fluidity. Therefore, engines using 0w30 oil may have slightly lower fuel consumption compared to those using 5w30 oil, but the difference is almost negligible. The 'w' in the oil grade stands for winter, indicating that the oil can be used in winter. The smaller the number before the 'w', the better the oil's low-temperature fluidity, meaning it can be used in lower environmental temperatures and provides better engine protection during cold starts. The number after the 'w' represents the oil's kinematic viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius, with higher numbers indicating higher viscosity.
As someone who frequently delves into automotive topics, I've found that the difference in fuel consumption between 0w30 and 5w30 is actually negligible. 0w30 has better low-temperature fluidity, with lower viscosity during cold weather starts, which can reduce internal engine friction—theoretically leading to slightly lower fuel consumption, perhaps saving around 0.05 liters per 100 kilometers. However, since both have the same high-temperature viscosity of 30, there’s virtually no difference once the engine warms up. What truly impacts fuel consumption more is driving habits, such as aggressive acceleration or frequent traffic congestion. My advice is not to overthink this; the priority should be following the recommendations in your car’s manual to ensure optimal engine protection. Regular oil changes and maintaining your vehicle’s condition are far more important for fuel efficiency. Additionally, in extremely cold regions, 0w30 might be more practical, but in daily driving, you won’t notice any difference. When choosing oil, balance performance and longevity—don’t just focus on minor fuel economy gains.
