Which has higher fuel consumption, 0w30 or 5w30?

[VanOlivia]

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.

[DiAshley]

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.

[SanJulianna]

I've driven quite a few cars and used two types of oil. I didn't notice any significant difference in fuel consumption between 0W30 and 5W30. The 0W30 might start more smoothly in winter, reducing initial wear, and theoretically it could have slightly lower fuel consumption. But at high temperatures, they have the same viscosity, and after a highway run, the fuel consumption almost evens out. In actual driving, the difference is less than 0.1 liters per 100 kilometers—you can save that just by driving smoothly. What really matters is the weather and road conditions; in summer, air conditioning uses much more fuel. I suggest car owners prioritize oil quality and suitability—for example, 0W30 is more appropriate in the north, while 5W30 is sufficient in the south. Lightly pressing the brakes and accelerator saves more fuel than choosing between oils. The impact of engine oil is minimal, so don't overthink it. Just don't delay oil changes to avoid an overall increase in fuel consumption. Simply put, they're both equally good—just follow the manual's recommendation.

[StIsabel]

When repairing cars, I often encounter car enthusiasts asking whether 0w30 or 5w30 consumes more fuel. Actually, 0w30 has better low-temperature fluidity, reducing startup friction, which might lead to slightly lower fuel consumption. However, since their high-temperature viscosity is the same, the difference is almost negligible. Fuel consumption mainly depends on driving habits, such as whether you frequently drive on highways or in urban areas. I suggest car owners not to worry too much about this. What's more crucial is using the right oil to protect the engine. Regular oil changes are far more important than these minor variations in fuel consumption. Just follow the manufacturer's recommended oil grade and avoid switching randomly.

[MalachiFitz]

As someone who pays attention to fuel consumption costs, I'd say the difference in fuel consumption between 0W30 and 5W30 is negligible. 0W30 has lower viscosity at low temperatures, which might save a bit of fuel during cold starts and result in slightly lower annual fuel consumption, but the savings would amount to just a few dollars. The key factor is driving habits—for instance, frequent rapid acceleration consumes more fuel. In practical comparisons, the difference in fuel consumption is at most 0.08 liters per 100 kilometers, which translates to just a dollar or two per tank of fuel. I believe car owners should choose oil suitable for their local climate—0W30 might be better in northern winters. Overall, fuel consumption management has a greater impact than oil type, and proper maintenance is what ensures long-term fuel efficiency.