Which is noisier, 0w20 or 0w30?

[DiDamian]

0w20 is noisier. The following are the differences between 0w20 and 0w30: 1. Oil viscosity: The viscosity of the oil is different, with 0w30 having a higher viscosity than 0w20. 2. Oil film thickness: The oil film thickness differs, with 0w30 being able to form a thicker oil film compared to 0w20, preventing engine cylinder wear and other phenomena. 3. Fuel efficiency: The fuel efficiency varies; 0w20 is thinner than 0w30 but has better fluidity, resulting in less resistance during machine operation and better fuel economy.

[VanLilah]

0W30 oil tends to be noisier, especially during cold starts. When I changed my engine oil before, I used both grades quite a few times. 0W20 flows better, making the engine quieter on winter mornings with almost no noticeable sound, and the engine runs smoothly. However, after switching to 0W30, I could clearly hear a rattling noise during startup, as if it was struggling to push the thicker oil. Once the temperature rises, the noise from 0W30 diminishes because its thicker oil film absorbs some friction noise, but during normal driving, 0W30 is still slightly noisier during acceleration. This is related to oil viscosity—0W20 is thinner, making it suitable for city driving with frequent stops, saving fuel but offering less protection. 0W30 is thicker, providing better noise control on long highway trips, but it should be avoided in low-temperature environments, otherwise, the engine will struggle and become uncomfortably noisy. Overall, if your car’s manual recommends 0W20, stick with it and avoid switching to thicker oil unnecessarily.

[VanAniyah]

From a viscosity perspective, 0W30 oil tends to produce more average noise. With higher oil viscosity and poorer low-temperature fluidity, the engine has to work harder to circulate the oil during cold starts, naturally resulting in increased noise—the humming sound becomes noticeably louder. Conversely, 0W20, being thinner, allows for quicker and smoother starts with significantly less noise. However, at high speeds, its thinner oil film leads to slightly more pronounced friction sounds between engine components. I’ve done comparisons before: in sub-zero conditions, 0W30 was noticeably noisier, making the engine sound like it was struggling. But in summer heat, it actually did a better job suppressing noise. When choosing oil, don’t focus solely on noise—0W20 offers better fuel efficiency, making it ideal for compact cars, while 0W30 provides stronger protection, though noise levels should be weighed against your car’s condition and environment. Ultimately, prioritize the manufacturer’s recommended viscosity to balance noise and performance.

[VonSara]

0W30 oil tends to be noisier, especially during cold starts. Thicker oil has poorer fluidity, requiring the engine to work harder to turn over, resulting in a rumbling sound that can be quite annoying. 0W20 is thinner, making starts almost silent, which is more suitable for stop-and-go traffic conditions. When choosing oil, don't just focus on noise—fuel efficiency and engine protection are also crucial. Both excessively high and low viscosity can be harmful to your car. Checking the vehicle's manual is the most reliable approach.