10W30 Vs. 5W30: Head-to-Head Comparison to Choose the Better Oil

5W30 Vs. 10W30: Which Motor Oil Is Better?

Now, it’s time to compare the two oil grades and select the better one for your vehicle type. We’ll consider the effectiveness of these oils at different temperatures and judge their overall performance. Here’s a quick overview:

Comparable Features	5W30	10W30	Winner
Effectiveness in Cold Temperatures	More effective due to its low viscosity	Less effective as it flows slower	5W30
Effectiveness in High Temperatures	Less Effective with its thin oil film	Offers better protection against wear and tear	10W30
Operating Temperature Range	Broader range from -42°C to 30°C	Lower range from -18°C to 30°C	5W30
Suitability for Engine and Vehicle Types	Used for modern engines and lightweight passenger cars	More suitable for older engines and heavy commercial vehicles	Both
Fuel Efficiency	Saves more fuel due to its lower viscosity	Slightly less fuel-efficient	5W30

Effectiveness in Cold Temperatures

If you live in a particularly cold area and you need to cold-start your engine regularly, the 5W30 is a better choice. As the first number in the 5W30 grade is lower, it displays a lower resistance to flow at cold temperatures than the 10W30.

Hence, the 5W30 flows better when it’s cold, making it easier to start the engine and providing quicker lubrication.

The 10W30 has a higher viscosity in cold conditions. It results in slower engine start-up and potential lubrication issues in extremely cold conditions.

Effectiveness in High Temperatures

At high temperatures, the 10W30 offers more protection for the engine components against wear and tear. Both grades have the same second number, so they are equally effective at normal or high-temperature ranges (100°C and higher).

Yet, the 10W30 has a thicker oil film when hot. It offers better lubrication in extreme heat, while the 5W30 becomes even thinner.

Operating Temperature Range

For people who drive in a place with relatively high seasonal temperature variations, the 5W30 will offer more flexibility. As 5W30 and 10W30 are multi-grade oils, they both perform well in a wide range of temperatures.

However, the 5W30 flows smoother in a broader temperature range of -42°C to 30°C. On the other hand, the 10W30 operates well within the -18°C to 30°C temperature range.

Suitability for Engine and Vehicle Types

Although 5W30 and 10W30 graded oils share many similarities, they are typically used for very different vehicle and engine types. The 5W30 is suitable for lightweight vehicles, including passenger cars, SUVs, and light-duty trucks. It’s used in more modern engines with smaller oil passages.

For its thickness, the 10W30 is more suitable for heavier commercial vehicles and SUVs that carry heavy loads. However, it works well with modern engines and regular passenger vehicles as well.

It’s mostly used in older or high-mileage engines as it fills the gap between the moving parts of the engine. In this case, you need to follow the manufacturer’s suggestions to select the right oil.

Fuel Efficiency

According to studies, switching to a lower-viscosity oil can improve fuel economy (by 0.5% to 2%). The 5W30 has a lower viscosity than the 10W30, offering more fuel efficiency. It flows more easily through the engine, reducing friction and resistance.

This means the engine uses less energy to pump the oil around, leading to better fuel economy. Although an average of 1% fuel economy seems like a small amount, it can add up to significant savings over the life of your vehicle.