A lot of medium-sized and big fleets are switching to 10W-30 heavy-duty engine oils (HDEOs) from 15W-40 HDEOs. Recent research indicates that 20% of medium and large fleets are currently adopting 10W-30 HDEO (Power Systems Research, 2014).
The most typical reason for the changeover is to improve fuel efficiency by using lower viscosity oil.
Unlike 10w30 motor oil, however, this oil has a thicker consistency. Even in harsh conditions, 15w40 motor oil is particularly good at protecting the engine against wear and strain. The additives used in 15w40 motor oil are all of extremely high quality, keeping the oil from oxidation.
In cold conditions, 15w40 motor oil has the viscosity rating of fifteen-weight oil. However, at the highest working temperature of the engine, it can safeguard a forty-pound weight.
10w30 vs 15w40
The key difference between 10w30 and 15w40 motor oil is that 10w30 motor oil does have a viscosity grade that flows like ten-weight oil when the weather is cold or even the engine temperature is low. It can also resist thirty pounds while the engine is at its maximum temperature.
The viscosity of 15w40 motor oil is comparable to that of 15-weight oil when it is chilly outside. However, at the engine’s maximum working temperature, it can protect a forty-pound load.
In cold conditions, 10w30 motor oil is poor at preventing engine wear and tear. 10w30 motor oil contains low-quality additives. This oil is more prone to oxidation due to its thinner consistency, resulting in lower film strength. The viscosity of 10w30 motor oil is almost the same. Because it has a constant viscosity, is less volatile, and is heat resistant, 10w30 motor oil is chosen.
The engine is shielded from wear and strain even in adverse weather with 15w40 motor oil. The additives used in 15w40 motor oil are of excellent quality and protect the oil from oxidizing.
However, the viscosity of this oil is higher than that of 10w30 motor oil. The viscosity of 15w40 motor oil will vary. It has various viscosities. Due to its higher volatility than 10w30, lesser heat resistance, and variable viscosity, 15w40 motor oil is known for these characteristics.
Comparison between 10w30 and 15w40 Engine Oil
| Comparative Parameters | 10w30 | 15w40 |
| Consistency | Thinner | Thicker |
| Extreme weather conditions | Efficient | Inefficient |
| Viscosity | Stable | Variable |
| Additives | Low quality | High quality |
| Oxidation | More likely | Less likely |
What is 10w30?
The viscosity value of 10w30 motor oil is practically constant. Because it is less volatile, more resistant to heat, and has a constant viscosity, 10w30 motor oil is chosen. 10w30 engine oil is suggested for vehicles that have driven at least 75000 miles.
10w30 motor oil is inadequate in preserving the motor from wear and tear in tough circumstances. The 10w30 motor oil has lower-quality additives than other oils. This oil is more susceptible to oxidization due to its thinner consistency, resulting in lower film strength.
10w30 motor oil has a viscosity grade that flows equal to ten-weight oil whenever the temperature gets cold or the engine temperature is low. When the engine is extremely hot and at its maximum temperature, it can handle thirty pounds.
What is 15w40?
15w40 motor oil occasionally has a different viscosity. It has a defined range of viscosities. In comparison to 10w30 motor oil, 15w40 has a variable viscosity, is more volatile, and is less heat resistant. The API CJ-4 standards are met or exceeded by the 15w40 motor oil.
As opposed to 10w30 motor oil, this oil has a thicker viscosity. 15w40 motor oil is very good at preventing wear and strain on the engine even in cases of severe weather. The 15w40 motor oil has high-quality additives added to keep the oil from oxidation.
The main difference between 10w30 vs 15w40
1. The viscosity grade of 10w30 motor oil is comparable to ten pounds of oil when the temperature gets cold or the engine temperature is low. It can also withstand thirty pounds whenever the engine is very hot or at its peak temperature.
In cold weather circumstances, however, 15w40 motor oil has a viscosity level that flows equal to oil of fifteen weight. However, at the peak operating temperature of the engine, it can also safeguard a forty-pound weight.
2. In the case of harsh conditions, 10w30 motor oil is ineffective in preventing the engines from wear and tear. On the other hand, often in the case of bad weather, motor oil of the 15w40 grade is quite efficient in preventing wear and tear on the engine.
3. The motor oil 10w30 has several low-quality additives added to it. For its thinner consistency, this oil is more susceptible to oxidization, resulting in weaker film strength.
Contrarily, the high-quality additives added to 15w40 motor oil prevent the oil from oxidizing by preventing it from doing so. This oil, on the other hand, has a heavier viscosity than 10w30 motor oil.
4. The viscosity of 10w30 motor oil is nearly constant from one batch to the next. However, the viscosity of 15w40 motor oil varies from one batch to the next. It has a defined range of viscosities.
5. 10w30 motor oil is preferred because it is less volatile, heat resistant, and has a consistent viscosity. 15w40 motor oil, on the other hand, is noted for being more unstable, less resistant to heat than 10w30, and having a variable viscosity.
6. 10w30 motor oil is best suited for motors that have traveled at least 75000 miles. However, 15w40 motor oil is best suited for engines that have met or beyond the API CJ-4 standards.
Conclusion
The additives in 10w30 motor oil are of poor grade. Because of its thinner texture, this oil is more susceptible to oxidation, resulting in a poorer film. 10w30 motor oil has a relatively constant viscosity.
10w30 motor oil is quite common because of its lower volatility, resistance to heat, and constant viscosity. 10w30 motor oil is suggested for engines with a mileage of at least 75000 miles.
The additives in 15w40 motor oil are of the highest quality and prevent oxidation. This oil is thicker than inconsistent 10w30 motor oil, nevertheless. The viscosity of 15w40 engine oils varies depending on the batch. It has a variety of viscosity.
15w40 motor oil has a higher volatility than 10w30, a poorer heat resistance, and a variable viscosity. The optimum solution for engines that have met or surpassed the API CJ-4 standards is 15w40 motor oil.
