You may have a few choices for getting engine oil for your car. 10w30 and 20w50 are the most popularly preferred engine oils across the globe. Using 10w30 or 20w50 engine oil has its benefits and drawbacks, covered in this blog in detail. By reading our blog, you’ll know which oil is ideal for your vehicle and will be able to breach a line on “10w30 vs. 20w50”.
What is 10w30 Motor Oil?
10w30 oil is used in cars because it is made especially for them. Blending different oils makes a fluid that can handle a wide range of temperatures.
Things to look for in 10w30 motor oils are ACEA, API SN, and viscosity grade. This motor oil meets the needs of API SN. The American Petroleum Institute came up with the API SN engine category. It says that the engine should be able to keep the piston from getting dirty from the combustion process.
The oil makes it easier to deal with sludge. From this point of view, when this motor oil is heated to high temperatures, it doesn’t turn into sludge or gel. After treatment and sealing, you can also use 10w30 motor oil.
What is 20w50 Motor Oil?
20w50 oil is a kind of oil that differs from other types of oil in that it has a greater viscosity. Because it maintains its liquid state at lower temperatures than other types of oil, it is a good choice for use in automobiles driven in cold weather. However, because it is more viscous and has the potential to make an engine run hotter, 20w50 oil is not as recommended for use in automobiles that are driven in warm weather.
It is recommended to use 20W50 motor oil in areas that experience higher temperatures because the higher temperatures cause the oil to become thinner. It is also beneficial for automobiles exposed to high temperatures and those used for high-stress activities such as pulling trailers or moving cargo.
Related Post: 10w40 vs 15w40 Motor Oil: Which Engine Oil You Need?
The Differences Between 10w30 and 20w50 oils
Performance
10w30 is a zinc-based, shear-stable, high-film-strength oil for tiny engines. Mechanical shear doesn’t thin it, resulting in a thick lubricant coating. Creating a long-lasting barrier against metallic contamination. 10W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil improves engine performance.
20W-50’s high viscosity is ideal for hot areas. Older autos need frequent maintenance. Using a greater oil density can avoid leaks in older engines.
Viscosity
SAE indexes motor oil (Society of Automotive Engineers). This grade is based on cold and warm temperatures. More significant numbers make oil flow more challenging. Most commonly, 5W to 60W. First viscosity number before “W” (which stands for Winter).
In cold weather, oil quality is indicated. Pre-start, 20W is thicker than 10W. The second number indicates oil viscosity at operating temperature.
20W-50 motor oil is thicker than 5W-30 at operating temperature. A higher second number indicates more heat-resistant motor oil. Thicker engine oil lubricates better than a thinner oil.
Oil usage
10w30’s synthetic base oils have high viscosity stability, oxidation resistance, and low volatility. Because it runs longer between top-offs, your engine won’t overheat and fail from lack of oil.
20w-50 should outlive petroleum oils by three to six times. Diester synthetic’s additive package increases service life. Diester base, a natural detergent, helps add-on packages and prolongs base stock life.
Thermally stable synthetic oil won’t break down when heated. Single-molecule 20w50 engine oil provides better lubricating characteristics than standard petroleum-based lubricants. Reduced engine friction lowers temps.
Oil Grade Comparison
20-50 oil is viscous. This oil is better for warmer climates than 10-30 and offers additional protection. Older cars can use 20-50 oil. 20-50 oil’s thick consistency may help leaky older engines. 20-50 oil may be too thick for some engines, causing problems.
10-30 is thinner than 20-50, yet not the thinnest. This oil works well at -20 degrees Fahrenheit. After 100,000 miles, some convert to 10-30 for better lubrication and protection. More cars use 10-30 oil than 20-50.
Different brands
10w30 vs 20w50 Toyota
All Toyota engines should be lubricated with 10w30 motor oil. This indication is not made of the use of 20w50 oil in Toyota engines. For cold start viscosity, 0w20 motor oil can be used.
You can also use 10w30 motor oil, suitable for use in cold weather.
10w30 vs 20w50 Subaru
All Subaru engines should be oiled with 10w30 motor oil. However, 20w50 motor oil can be used in the Winter. Refer to your owner’s handbook as a general rule of thumb.
10w30 vs 20w50 Mazda
Mazda’s cars and SUVs almost universally require 20w50 oil. As far as we can tell, Mazda engines don’t use 10w30 motor oil. However, 10w30 motor oil can be used in the Winter.
10w30 vs 20w50 Chevrolet
It is advised that 5w20, 5w30, or even 10w30 motor oil be used in some Chevrolet engines in summer. 0w20 or 10w30 motor oil would be recommended per the owner’s manual of a 2020 Chevy. You can also use 20w50 motor oil, suitable for use in cold weather.
Product Table
| Products | Features |
| Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 10W-30 | Low-Speed Pre-Ignition Using Ilsac Gf-6 Standards (Lupi). Wear protection for the timing chain while also helping to keep your engine clean and improving your fuel economy. |
| MOBIL 1 20W50 | In freezing temperatures, it has an SAE viscosity rating of 20, while in typical operating temperatures, it has a value of 50. |
| Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil | Formulated such that low-temperature oil flow is accelerated and excessive heat is protected. Aids in the prevention of engine power loss. |
Pennzoil Conventional 20W-50 Motor Oil | Prevents the buildup of sludge and other harmful substances (based on Seq VH Sludge Test). All common oils and engine seals are safe to use. |
| Liqui Moly Oil Street 4T 10W30 | You may need an adapter or converter to utilize this product in your destination’s electrical outlets and voltage. Before making a purchase, confirm that your devices are compatible. |
| Liqui Moly 20064 Motorbike 4T 20W-50 | Catalytic converters have been verified for compatibility with all commercially available engine oils. To be used with wet clutches. |
| Castrol 03093 GTX 10W-30 Motor Oil | Anti-wear additives and high-quality base oils to help keep your engine running longer. Reduces the amount of oil that is used. |
| Castrol 03095 GTX 20W-50 Motor Oil | Protecting deposits is made easier thanks to TriShield’s unique technology. The highest degree of resistance to viscosity and thermal failure. |
| Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 10W-30 | The mix of quality antioxidants that combat oil degradation and breakdown is ten times better than industry norms. Resist oil breakdown. |
| Valvoline™ Daily Protection SAE 20W-50 | Their low-friction technology improves performance and fuel economy. Prevents oil breakdown and sludge buildup with other detergents. |
| Royal Purple 36130 HPS 10W-30 | Reduced engine wear. Lower engine temperatures help extend the life of your vehicle’s engine. |
| Royal Purple 36250 HPS 20W-50 | Incredibly long-lasting corrosion resistance. An increase in horsepower and torque and decreased emissions can be attributed to improved sealing between the piston ring and the cylinder wall. |
FAQs
Can I mix 10w30 and 20w50?
A 10W30 low-viscosity oil and a 20W50 high viscosity oil can be mixed, and the result is likely to have a thicker viscosity than either of the two oils on their own but a thinner viscosity than either of them on their own.
Is it OK to use 10w30 instead of 20w50?
10W30 and 10W50 engine oils can be mixed. It’s not recommended to combine them, though. When used under fair-weather conditions, the qualities of 10W30 and 20W50 are nearly identical. Therefore, they are theoretically compatible.
Is 20w50 suitable for diesel engines?
Diesel and gasoline engines benefit significantly from the high performance and heavy-duty viscosity grade of 20W50 oil. It’s also a popular choice for motorsports and motorcycles.
Is 10w30 suitable for hot weather?
In general, using a thicker oil, such as 10W30 instead of 20w50, will better protect the heat.
Final Words
Motor oil with a higher number is more resistant to thinning when heated. Thicker oil is better at lubricating engine parts than a thin one. We anticipate that this post has clarified the difference between 20w50 and 10w30 engine oil for your benefit.
