It's best to use the oil viscosity recommended in the owner's manual, but using a slightly thinner or thicker oil (lighter or heavier viscosity) generally poses no long-term harm.

Is thinner oil better for engine?

No – that's actually a common misconception. The oil needs to be right for the application. High viscosity or “thicker” oil is not necessarily better, as if the viscosity is too high it can cause excessive energy consumption, heat generation, and poor start-up lubrication.

Why do newer cars use thinner oil?

The auto manufacturers were afraid that modern injection systems might allow the engine to start at temperatures lower than the oil could flow into the oil pump. Consequently, the new rules had a thinning effect on oil. The auto manufacturers now recommend thinner oils for their vehicles than in the past.

Can the wrong oil damage your engine?

Using the wrong oil can lead to reduced lubrication and shorter engine life. If the manual says to use synthetic oil, do so. Contrary to what some believe, adding synthetic oil to regular oil won't harm the engine, but there's also no benefit in doing so.

Can you thin engine oil?

To ensure motor oil has the right viscosity for the application, users of motor-powered, industrial equipment apply oil thinning solvents for engines. The solvents are inexpensive, but they can save companies millions in equipment repairs, maintenance, and replaced equipment.

Will Thinner Oils Damage Your Engine?

What happens if you put thinner oil in your car?

Thin May Not Be In

Oil that's too thin can fail to develop a consistent lubricating film, inviting metal-to-metal contact that causes wear. Extreme stress and heat add to the challenge. Since oil thins as it's heated, the already-too-thin oil becomes even thinner under extreme heat, worsening the problem.

Does thinner oil make more power?

Thinner oil viscosity allows the engine to produce more horsepower or maintain engine specs because the oil pump is not working as hard and rotational drag is decreased. Some people actually run their engines with the dipstick level lower than normal full or at the low mark, to increase horsepower.

Will thicker oil damage the engine?

If the engine oil is too thick, it can lead to higher fuel consumption. A thicker engine oil increases the resistance between moving pistons. This can severely degrade your engine's performance and fuel economy of your car. Higher resistance means your car will burn more fuel to get the engine running.

Is Thicker oil better for older engines?

A: Yes. This is a practical method to improve oil pressure in an older, high-mileage engine. The slightly thicker oil film from the heavier base weight oil - 10W - can help protect worn engine bearings as well.

What happens if I put 10w30 instead of 5w30?

Can I Mix 10w30 and 5w30? Most oils will mix perfectly, provided they have a similar synthetic. Therefore, there is no problem in mixing 10w30 and 5w30 since one will be topping up. Mixing the viscosity of oils will not have any effect on the engine.

What happens if I put 10W40 instead of 5W30?

Your vehicle does not use 5W-30 oil. The recommended oil viscosity for your vehicle, according to Kia documentation, is 10W-40. If you drive the vehicle in exceptionally cold weather, well below 32 degrees, you can use 5W-30 oil but even 10W-40 is still perfectly OK to use if outdoor temperatures are below freezing.

What is the thinnest oil for cars?

The scale ranges from 0W, which is the thinnest type of oil, to a rating of 60, which is the thickest oil. The “W” that you see on oil labels stands for the word "Winter" because this portion of the label shows the viscosity level of oil when an engine is cold. Motor oil that is thinner can flow more easily and faster.

Is 5W30 better for older cars?

5W-20 and 5W30 motor oil are winter viscosity grade oils primarily recommended for older engines and light-duty use. These oils are best utilized in colder temperatures.

Is it better to have thicker or thinner oil?

Engine oil viscosity

Thin oils reduce friction in engines and help engines start quickly during cold weather. Thick oils are better at maintaining film strength and oil pressure at high temperatures and loads.

Does thinner oil increase mpg?

Technically, yes, as thin oil flows through the engine with less resistance than thicker oil. Some dedicated "hypermilers" -- drivers who treat getting the best possible mileage almost as a game -- insist it makes a small difference, usually less than a half-mile per gallon.

Which oil is best for old engines?

When you're choosing the best oil for older cars or high mileage engines, there are several criteria you can look at.

• Pennzoil High Mileage Conventional Motor Oil. ...
• Castrol GTX Part-Synthetic High Mileage. ...
• Valvoline MaxLife High Mileage Synthetic Blend. ...
• Mobil1 High Mileage Engine Oil. ...
• Amsoil Premium Protection Motor Oil.

What oil should I use for high mileage?

Some mechanics recommend switching to a thicker (higher viscosity) oil — such as 10W-30 full synthetic oil instead of 5W-20 full synthetic — or using oil additives to stop leaks.

Can thin oil cause overheating?

It's usually noticed if your coolant is low, but low oil can also cause the engine to overheat. This can occur even if your coolant level is fine. If there is too little oil in the engine, it will continue to heat up because it has no opportunity to cool.

Can thin oil cause low pressure?

When this happens, the oil becomes thinner and it will become difficult for the oil pump to maintain the necessary oil pressure. Another common reason for oil pressure to drop is when the oil starts to break down – remember, your car oil wears out a little bit every time you drive your car.

Will 20w50 oil harm my engine?

Most modern car engines are not well suited for heavier oil like 20W-50, and it can damage your car's catalytic converters. 20W-50 oil does not have a reliable low temperature viscosity grade. It won't perform well in cold weather and will deliver below-average cold starts.

What if you use the wrong oil?

You might notice a few oil spot in your garage or under your car because using the wrong oil can lead to leaks, or you might become aware of a burning smell while driving. If the oil isn't working as it should engine parts might not be lubricated well enough and cause friction, which can burn the oil.

Is 5w30 thicker than 10w30?

So both the oils 5W–30 and 10W–30 have exactly the same viscosity (SAE 30) when your engine is running, and will perform in the same way. However, the 10W–30 oil will be thicker (higher viscosity) than the 5W–30 when it is cool.

Will synthetic oil hurt older engines?

It protects better, performs better, and lasts longer, and it's no longer made with a chemical compound that could hurt older vehicles. Modern synthetic oil is safe to use in all types of vehicles, ranging from new purchases to classics to aging not-so-classics.

Is 5w30 good for high mileage?

Full synthetic 5w30 oils are recommended for high-performing cars, those that carry heavy loads, and vehicles operating in high temperatures. These oils are made with high-performance additives to enable them to deal with extreme conditions.