By using quality engine oil, you keep your engine healthy and healthy. With the help of simple adherence to factory recommendations, you can protect the car engine from all sorts of problems and troubles.
Most likely, you wondered whether it is worth changing the usual brand and type of lubricant. Of particular interest to many car owners, what is the difference between 5w40 oil and 10w40. The first number in the designation of engine oil is the degree to which all characteristics are retained at certain temperatures. It is this parameter that differs in these types of grease.
The difference turns out to be quite noticeable if you operate the car in difficult conditions with severe frosts in winter. But in central Russia or in the southern part of the state, you will not notice much difference.
So, today we will discuss which oil is better, what is the difference between these two options, and which one is better to choose so that the engine runs stably. It should be borne in mind that the best solution is most often the observance of the recommendations of the car manufacturer. The rest of the options can lead to trouble with the power unit.
Comparison of 5w40 and 10w40 oils
It is believed that one of these types of fluids turns out to be thicker in its work. But in fact, the viscosity is indicated by the second number - 40. And in this parameter, these two types of lubricant are absolutely identical.
The letter W stands for opportunity winter use car oils. But first of all, we have to determine the real difference - how 5w40 differs from 10w40.
There are several points worth noting:
- The main difference is the preservation of the original parameters at a certain temperature. Material with index 5 can withstand temperatures up to -30, and 10w is intended only for frosts of at least -25 degrees.
- The viscosity is the same, but only up to a temperature of -25 degrees Celsius. If the temperature drops below, then the viscosity begins to change. Grease with index 10 hardens and becomes too viscous.
- Only winter operation makes a certain difference, but it is worth noting that these materials differ in price quite a lot. The more hardy option will cost more.
- Technical fluid with a high temperature threshold is supplemented with various additives, which do not always have a good effect on engine operation. So it's best to only use the recommended brands of fluids.
Many engines will require a material that is thinner than Option 40. In this case, use the more expensive 5w30 oil. It is worth remembering that today we are considering the difference not in viscosity, but in temperature conditions exploitation.
If you filled in the more affordable material 10w, you will have to refuse to operate the car at temperatures below -25 degrees. This is the only major difference in these types of material.
Can I mix different types of topping oils?
Mixing oils
In winter, you can often notice the burnout of the lubricant. The problem is that the grease does not have time to warm up normally before feeding into already heated parts and mechanisms.
With a low quality of the technical material, its stratification occurs, the liquid burns out easily, and slags settle. You have to add a certain amount of lubricant to the crankcase. And in this aspect, there is some controversy about what happens if you mix different brands and types of fluids.
The answers are pretty simple:
- to mix lubricants 5w and 10w are unacceptable, they do not mix completely and can cause problems;
- the temperature regime of the lubricating fluid will be unpredictable, as well as other properties;
- especially serious problems will be when mixing semi-synthetic and synthetic lubricants;
- also should not be mixed technical fluids different manufacturers, this can lead to certain problems;
- Please note that 5w40 and 10w can quickly deteriorate when working in the same crankcase, so replacement will be needed soon.
When choosing 5w40 and 10w40 oils, you should pay attention to the proposals of the same brand and the same type. It is better to immediately take the material with a certain amount for topping up. This will be optimal for each vehicle.
But if you have no options, you need to top up, and there is only a non-native type of lubricant, you can use another material. After that, you will have to change the oil in the engine crankcase as soon as possible.
Different brands and price segments - what to choose?
Oil of various brands
To select a suitable lubricant, it is worth seriously studying the market, looking at all the options offered. An often unknown manufacturer turns out to be quite an interesting solution.
So Turkish oils 5w40 with excellent characteristics and unknown names. They serve perfectly, retain their properties and meet all the necessary criteria. A good choice can be done by the following parameters:
- price - you should not choose offers from the cheapest class, as a rule, they turn out to be of poor quality;
- manufacturer - you can give preference to a brand with a good history and excellent customer reviews;
- packaging - oils on tap are rarely given nice results, it is better to choose a canister packed at the factory;
- the amount of additives - you need to study the composition, look at the additives and additives used in the production;
- category and purpose - yes special liquids or universal options for any car.
But first of all, it is important to pay attention to the manufacturer's recommendations. Do not hesitate to pour branded oil or 5w40 from another manufacturer. If a proprietary solution is available on the market, you should use it.
This is the best choice for your purchase. Moreover, the products have special characteristics and will serve predictably.
Summing up
Topping up engine oil
Don't experiment with engine oils. If power unit has thin walls between the cylinders, using the wrong lubricant will lead to certain operational problems.
Even if the engine body is thicker, this does not mean that you can experiment with the powertrain. Most likely, this approach will not be beneficial in the long run.
Instead of the recommended 10w40, you can use 5w type grease if you operate the machine in difficult climatic conditions... And this option is only suitable in winter. V summer period it's better to return to factory settings anyway. To do this, just look at the manufacturer's recommendations and purchase required type lubricant.
The decoding of the SAE 10w 40 marking indicates the performance of a universal grease, which, due to its own high performance, is considered the most common of those that are available in stores today. It is used in different types of engines, protects the contacting parts from wear.
To decipher the marking, you need to imagine what a semi-synthetic engine oil is, what it is intended for.
Indicators of semi-synthetics
Motor oil by origin can be: mineral, synthetic or semi-synthetic. All car oils different types differ from each other in their own technical characteristics, which are determined by the test motor oils, as well as by area of use.
Separately, it is worth noting the division of oils by viscosity. The classification is called SAE. It is accepted everywhere, and is used by auto manufacturers to create cars. Depending on the viscosity of the engine oil, it can be:
- for winter. Has the letter "w" and a number in the label. The minimum temperature limit is prescribed at which the car oil does not change its own properties (pour point);
- for the summer. Only a number is written on it, which means how harsh operating conditions the oil can withstand;
- for any season. Best option... Perfectly protects the engine in hot and cold weather. This is exactly what the 10w 40 oil is considered to be.
Semi-synthetic oil is a lubricant that is obtained by mixing mineral water and certain synthetic elements. It is effective, useful, not much worse than synthetic. Typically, semi-synthetic motor oils are used in engines that have worked a lot and may differ in their power from modern power units. Synthetics burn out in such engines.
It should be noted that synthetic grease has certain advantages. It better protects the engine under high / low temperature and load conditions, and ensures an optimal level of oil viscosity at all speeds. Synthetic grease is chemically stable, therefore, retains its own advantages for a fairly long time. Despite this, semi-synthetic car oil is great for ordinary drivers, because it is versatile and inexpensive. Synthetics or semi-synthetics - it doesn't really matter. Both types of grease have optimum specifications, perfectly show themselves in used cars and in different climates, because they necessarily pass many oil tests.
Lubrication indicators 10w40
10w 40 can be poured into both gasoline and diesel engines. 10w 40 decryption suggests that:
- by the origin of oil 10w 40 semi-synthetics. They can be used in winter and summer;
- semi-synthetics 10w 40 begin to freeze at minus twenty degrees. If the temperature is higher than the specified one, the car oil retains its own properties, guarantees a quick engine start;
- the upper temperature threshold of oils 10w 40 (high-temperature viscosity of engine oil) is plus thirty-five degrees. This means that the grease can be used in places where the temperature does not exceed the specified one.
A competent choice of car oil will make it possible to ensure the good functioning of the power unit, its easy start, as well as to perfectly protect the rubbing parts from wear and tear. 10w 40 oils should:
- good protection against wear. This is the main purpose of the car oil. The quality of protection depends on the additives. The most important parameter is the viscosity index;
- prevent the formation of deposits in high and low temperature conditions. This characteristic depends on the number of additives and the quality of the base fluid;
- resist oxidation. This means that SAE 10w 40 does not oxidize when in contact with oxygen;
- save fuel. Motor oil 10w 40 in winter and summer is able to reduce friction of parts against each other, reduce engine power losses;
- do not form a lot of soot. This is especially significant if the lubricant is poured into a diesel engine;
- have approvals from popular car manufacturers, which make it possible to pour car oil into cars of certain brands.
Semi-synthetics 10w40 is perfect for those who need an oily liquid that ensures the operation of the internal combustion engine in almost any climate as efficiently as possible.
Difference 5w40 from 10w40
Various lubricants are used for long and trouble-free operation of engines. What kind of petroleum product should be poured into the motor so that it works reliably? The more similar the numbers and letters in the markings of different lubricants, the more difficult it is to understand, for example, how 5w40 oils differ from 10w 40.
The letter indicated in the marking indicates the multigrade grease. The first number shows how well the oil performs in low temperature conditions. By the second digit, it is possible to understand what the high-temperature viscosity of the oil is.
Car oil 5w40 or 10w 40 is optimal for four-stroke gasoline / diesel / turbocharged engines installed in passenger cars. 5w40 consists of elements that ensure the invariability of operational parameters for a sufficiently long period. The use of 10w40 or 5w 40 increases the service life of the motor. The internal combustion engine does not get dirty with oil and does not need frequent cleaning.
5w40 is not highly volatile, removes carbon deposits, does not deform the sealing parts, however, it protects the motor somewhat worse in hot conditions than 10w40, because it is more liquid. In view of this, it is recommended to use "five" in winter and "ten" in summer.
Comparison with other greases
10w30
What is the difference between the "thirty" and the "forty"? The first is not recommended to be poured in very hot conditions (above twenty-five degrees). "Sorokovka" perfectly tolerates high temperatures. In any case, if you live in moderate climates, then 10w30 and 10w 40 are great options (by the way, they can be mixed).
5w30
5w30 differs from 10w40 in that it is more suitable for winter than summer. It can provide protection for the power unit at a temperature of at least minus thirty degrees, while the "forty" is recommended for use at a temperature of at least minus twenty-five degrees. For some Russian regions (especially in the North) this is a rather important factor, because an unsuitable lubricant can simply freeze.
Also, many are interested in whether it is possible to mix different oil liquids, that is, dilute one motor oil with another. If we are talking about two mineral / synthetic / semi-synthetic lubricants, then you can. However, if the vehicle description (operating manual) indicates otherwise, then the oils must not be mixed. And, of course, you cannot interfere with two lubricants that are completely different in origin and available additives (usually they differ greatly in color).
Bay in automotive engineering two incompatible oil fluids, you will not break your motor. However, you still have to drain the resulting lubricant, since it will not be able to normally protect the power unit, ensure its quick start. The engine will simply wear out, not run on full power... Simply put, you will not be able to travel comfortably. In addition, wear sooner or later leads to malfunctions in the motor, serious breakdowns... So you shouldn't risk wasting, it is better to pour the lubricant recommended by the automaker. This is due to the fact that the oil test is the most reliable guarantee of the conformity of the car oil to your car.
Hello everyone! With the advent of cold weather, the question of how to choose the right winter oil for the engine becomes relevant. On the one hand, it is simple, but on the other, there are some nuances. If you pour the first liquid that comes across or thoughtlessly follow the advice of a neighbor, you can harm the motor. Why is that? Let's figure it out.
Do I need to change the oil in the winter
At subzero temperatures, the engine is most demanding on the quality of the oil. The lower the viscosity of the grease during cold start, the better. Just in winter time there is an effect oil starvation engine. What it is?
As you know, at start-up, oil must be pumped through the engine. The sooner this happens, the better. Because for some time, the motor has to run almost dry. And when, inside the engine, metal rubs against metal, nothing good will happen.
Naturally, the thicker the engine oils, the harder it is for them to spread over all the details. In addition, the load on the battery also increases. No wonder, most failures rechargeable batteries falls precisely in the winter. Not only does it itself lose up to 40% of its capacity in severe frost, but also additional load in the form of a thick lubricating fluid.
To combat this, you need to use high-quality winter or all-season grease, which will be stable when low temperatures... Therefore, all experts recommend changing the oil before the onset of cold weather. Even if before planned replacement there are still a few thousand left - it will be justified. Especially if a liquid with a low low-temperature viscosity is poured under the hood.
What is oil viscosity
- this is its main characteristic. It defines the maximum allowable temperatures at which the lubricating fluid retains its properties. If the car is operated in a gentle mode, in a warm climate, you can ignore the viscosity. The engine will feel good on any multigrade grease.
But, when the machine is used at extremely low or high temperatures, special attention must be paid to viscosity.
What is viscosity? In fact, it is the ability of the oil to create a lubricating film between the engine parts. There is a simple relationship here:
- high viscosity- the film is thicker;
- low viscosity - the film is thinner.
Basic viscosity requirements:
- it should not be too high - the lubricant layer on the parts will be too thick and the engine will work harder - as a result increased consumption fuel;
- it should not be low - the layer of the lubricating film will turn out to be thin - as a result, grinding of engine parts and its rapid wear is possible.
Therefore, the viscosity of the oil must be optimal. It should be understood that the concept of optimality for each engine will be different.
Viscosity index
A very interesting and most importantly important parameter that determines the performance of a lubricant. Let's take a closer look at it.
When the engine is running, it heats up and the oil viscosity drops. Those. it liquefies. The dependence of the rate of oil dilution is the index of its viscosity.
From here you can get the following dependence:
- the higher the index, the more slowly the oil loses its density, and, accordingly, the engine parts are better lubricated;
- the lower the index, the faster it liquefies. In this case, the lubricating film becomes thinner and engine wear increases.
In a sense, this parameter is a characteristic of the stability of the lubricant. Those. determines how well it performs at extreme temperatures. For selection winter oil, this means that the higher the viscosity index, the easier it will pass cold start engine.
Unfortunately, manufacturers do not indicate these values on the canister. But, it will not be superfluous to know their average characteristics for different types of oils:
- Synthetic - 140-170.
- Semi-synthetic – 130-150.
- Mineral - 110-135.
As you can see, this indicator is the lowest for mineral water. Which is not surprising - it's not a secret for anyone that these lubricants turn into jelly in the cold.
Synthetics have the highest rate, but unfortunately, they can be used on new engines. Motors with high mileage no longer tolerate it so well.
SAE classification of engine oils
Each canister of oil has an SAE viscosity mark. For instance:
- 10w40;
- 15w40;
- 5w30, etc.
What do these numbers mean, and how to understand which oil is best to pour into the engine for the winter? Let's figure it out.
There are 3 types of lubricant in total:
- Summer.
- Winter.
- All-season.
It should be said right away that all-season fluids have practically supplanted summer and winter oil. Still, it is inconvenient to depend on the weather and change the lubricant when winter or summer comes. Moreover, all-season fluids provide stable operation in a wide temperature range.
In fairness, it is worth noting that there is:
- 5 summer stamps - 20, 30, 40, 50, 60;
- 6 winter - 0w, 5w, 10w, 15w, 20w, 25w.
All-season fluids are marked like this: 10w40, 5w30, etc. The number in front of the letter w (winter) denotes the lower temperature limit at which the engine is lubricated during a cold start. The number after - refers to work at positive temperatures.
By the way, do not assume that these figures are equal to the extreme operating temperatures of the oil. Things are a little more complicated. And we'll figure it out soon.
Temperature regimes
Let's see what the SAE markings mean, and in what temperature conditions they can be used. For clarity, let's take several brands of oil:
- Mobile Super 5w30 - provides engine lubrication at temperatures down to -30 degrees;
- Lukoil Genezis Polar Special 0w30- a real extreme, the liquid is able to withstand temperatures of -40 degrees;
- Zik A + 10w30 is a universal multigrade oil that will provide a good cold start at temperatures down to -25 degrees
- Mobil Ultra 10w40 - a fluid with a higher high temperature viscosity, best used in warmer regions;
- Castrol GTX 15w40 - no longer suitable for cold winters, the cold start temperature is up to -15 degrees.
Thus, you can easily determine which engine oil is best for the winter.
Oil selection criteria
To determine what kind of oil to fill in the engine for the winter, several criteria must be taken into account. Among them:
- recommendations of the car manufacturer;
- mileage of a car;
- terms of Use;
- driving style;
- API ACEA fluid specifications and tolerances.
In order not to get into the technical jungle, you can use the selection of oil for the make of the car. We will not dwell on this. It is enough to know that there are a lot of services on the Internet on which you can make such a selection.
Motor to motor strife. All units differ in their structure and nuances of work. Therefore, first of all, you need to pay attention to the recommendations of the plant - the manufacturer knows best of all what oil to pour into the car. Well, for tolerances, if any, of course.
For example, the recommended oil for a car is 10w40. If you fill in 15w40, it will be more difficult for the pump to pump liquid in cold weather. If you change it to 0w20, the motor will start to work for wear, because too fluid grease is not able to provide good lubrication motor.
Mileage and condition of the motor
As you know, when a car crosses the mark of 60-70 thousand, it is recommended to switch from synthetics to semi-synthetics. It is caused by the decline performance characteristics motor. Therefore, in order to determine which oil is best for the motor, you need to take into account its condition.
With an increase in mileage, the requirements for the density of the lubricating fluid change for the engine. And it is recommended to use an oil with a higher high temperature viscosity index. In simple terms, you need to fill in the liquid thicker than before. It is also better not to pour too liquid oil into worn out motors - due to the increased gaps, the lubricating film will drain from the parts.
But, here is a double-edged sword. Too thick grease will kill the engine in cold weather. Therefore, a good engine oil for the winter should be a compromise solution.
If you listen to the experts, they advise:
- with a car mileage of more than 100 thousand, all-season use 5w40, and in winter 5w30 and 10w30;
- with a mileage of more than 250 thousand, all-weather use 5W50, and specifically for winter - 5w40 and 10w40.
But, again, even with high mileage the engine can be very good condition, as well as being killed after 50 thousand. Therefore, the mileage should be considered only in conjunction with the general condition of the motor.
API, ACEA standards and approvals
Everything is simple here - in order to understand which oil to fill, you need to check the tolerance. If the liquid has it, then it is suitable for the car. If you do not know what a tolerance is, then I will explain. This is a special marking on the canister, which means that the oil has passed internal certification from the car manufacturer and is approved by them for use in motors.
As for the API and ACEA standards, it is not difficult here either. These standards determine the compatibility of the motor with the lubricant brand. So, by API (American standard):
- Marking "C" - for a diesel engine.
- Marking "S" - for gasoline engines.
- "S \ C" is a universal liquid.
For example, marking SL / CI-4 - indicates universal oil suitable for both diesel and gasoline engines... The second letters on the label speak of quality. The closer to the end of the alphabet, the later the specification was adopted - and therefore the liquid is better.
ACEA is a European standard. In it, everything is almost exactly the same. Only the letters are different:
- "A" - gasoline;
- "B" - diesel;
- "E" - trucks;
- "C" - universal class (analogue "S \ C")
Instead of the second letter, a number is indicated to decipher the specification. The larger it is, the better. For example, B5-2002 indicates a fluid for lubricating passenger diesel engines, and the specification was adopted in 2002.
So which oil is best for the winter? Naturally more fluid. Such a liquid will avoid oil starvation during a cold start and will not cause problems with severe frosts... At the same time, it is worth considering other criteria described in the article. Still from the right choice oil directly depends on the operation of the car.
That's all, leave your comments and read other blog articles.
Engine oil is designed to protect one of the most capricious systems in a car - the engine. A reliable cold start of the engine in the absence of oil starvation depends on the correct choice of lubricant, its smooth and reliable work in a wide range of everyday and extreme operating conditions, the period until the next overhaul of the "heart" of the car, fuel consumption and other indicators.
Which oil to choose
The most optimal lubricant "the one that the doctor prescribed" is usually indicated by the automaker in the operating manual, and it is advisable to choose this particular option. But, suddenly the manual got lost or, as often happens, not one brand and type of oil is recommended, but several - which one is better to use in this case?
There is only one way out - to be able to correctly decipher the marking, to understand the characteristics and adaptability of the consumable to weather temperatures and a specific motor, to navigate in the ratio of properties to operating conditions.
The most difficult choice is between lubricating fluids with similar index values. For example: how is it different from 10w 40?
Or, is 5w40 or 10w40 suitable for the winter season? Which oil is thinner at high temperatures and which is thicker at low ambient temperatures?
Often, drivers wonder whether it is possible to mix 5w40 and 10w 40 from different or the same manufacturer, if both types of oil are listed in the recommendations? Let's take everything in order!
Briefly about the main classifications of oils.
The most important criteria are viscosity and base parameters. In the international format, these parameters are considered according to two main classification systems for engine oils:
1. In terms of density and viscosity lubricants are usually divided into classes according to the SAE system.
In this classification, all oils are divided into summer, winter and all-season. According to the marking, the difference between 10w40 and 5w40 engine oils is determined as follows:
- 10w (numerical value and letter "W") - winter;
- 40 (only number without letter designation) - summer;
- 5w40 (two digital designations with the letter "W" in the middle) - all-season.
In practice, only multigrade oils are commonly used. The presence of the letter "W" (from the English "winter" - winter) in the marking indicates the possibility of its use at very low temperatures. The numbers indicate the viscosity indices of a particular product: the winter index (minimum temperature for a comfortable cold start) is written before "W", the summer index (kinematic viscosity, determined laboratory at a temperature of 100 degrees) is written after "W".
For example, if we consider what is the difference between motor oils 5w30 and 10w 40 by winter parameter then 5w oil will have a cold start temperature lower than 10w oil. As for the difference between the same oils 5w30 and 10w 40 according to the summer index, then a grease with an index of 30 will have a lower kinematic viscosity than with an index of 40.
2. On a basic basis on the Russian market the API classification is more commonly used, which includes three types of chemical base:
- fundamental - mineral and synthetic,
- as well as semi-synthetic, when mineral water is mixed with synthetics in percentage 50:50 or 70:30.
It is worth noting here that most branded manufacturers produce consumable labeled 5w30 and 5w40 as "hydrocracking" synthetics, and labeled 10w 40 as semi-synthetics.
Marking 5w40 - we decipher
To determine the main characteristics of 5w40 oil, consider its parameters in accordance with the marking:
- By SAE classification Is a multigrade engine oil that can be used at any time of the year and does not require replacement with the change of season.
- By API classifications in most cases, this lubricant will conditionally refer to "rough" synthetics, which is recommended for use in any type of engine: gasoline and diesel, including turbocharged various modifications, multivalves, equipped with an intercooler;
- Winter index synthetics 5w says that in freezing temperatures down to -30ºC the oil will provide free pumping of the lubricant by the oil pump and start the engine;
- Summer Index 40 says that the kinematic viscosity is 12.5 - 16.3 Cst and will stably maintain its characteristics at a conditional temperature of + 40ºC;
- How does synthetics have high quality supplement package providing excellent detergent and energy saving properties, low evaporation rate.
What the marking 10w 40 will tell you about.
Decoding the abbreviation 10w 40, we can say the following:
- According to two viscosity indices of the SAE classification, it is an all-season consumable;
- According to the basic basis, 10w 40 is semi-synthetics, which indicates a fairly high density and viscosity;
- Winter viscosity index 10w confirms the possibility of a comfortable cold start of the engine at a temperature of 25 degrees below zero;
- The number 40 shows the value of the kinematic viscosity in accordance with the standard - 12.5 - 16.3 Cst., Retains the viscosity characteristics up to + 40 C;
- Suitable for use in multi-valve gasoline and diesel engines, including engines and injection and turbocharging;
- It has good wear-resistant, anti-scratch and fuel-saving performance.
Comparative characteristics of 10w 40 and 5w 40.
Having considered the classification parameters of 10w 40 and 5w40 oils, we see that in terms of summer operating conditions and seasonality of use, these lubricants do not have any differences. Let's list the differences between 5w40 and 10w40 oils:
- Oil 5w40 in winter provides a safe cold start of the motor at a temperature of -30ºC, in contrast to 10w40, which can be used at least 25ºC of frost, and therefore the "five" is more suitable for use in winter period, and "ten" in summer;
- Since 5w40 oil is synthetics, it will be thinner than semi-synthetics 10w40 under the same operating conditions, so it is advisable to fill in "top ten" in more worn-out engines;
- Since the interval between the viscosity indicators of 5w40 oil is less than that of 10w40, the 5w40 lubricant change range will be greater;
- Based on the pricing policy, semi-synthetics 10w40 will be much cheaper with similar quality characteristics to synthetics 5w40.
Is a mixed “diet” suitable?
If we consider the question: is it possible to mix 5w40 and 10w40 oil, then we will decide on negative consequences such a "power" of the engine:
- Despite the fact that all lubricants manufactured in accordance with standards, various manufacturers use exclusive additives that, during the operation of the oil, may become incompatible and harm the engine;
- Synthetics 5w40 should not be refilled with a thicker one. semi-synthetic oil 10w40 in winter, because due to an increase, it may not pump the lubricant through the system and provoke dry friction of non-lubricated parts;
- In an extreme situation, it is allowed to add synthetic material to semi-synthetics, which, of course, will reduce the thickness of the lubricating film, but will not cause significant harm.
In any case, when choosing an engine oil, you should be guided by the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer, because lubricants from famous brands can not be good or bad, but will be either suitable or not suitable for a particular motor or for specific climatic conditions.
