Engine oil is like the blood of an engine, playing the crucial role of lubrication. It is a must-have, considering that the car engine has several moving components. Did you know that there are different engine oils?
In this article, we look at engine oils suitable for winter conditions. The discussion on 0w40 and 5w40 will tell you the two oils are both synthetic, though, in some oil brands, you may find the 5w40 to be a synthetic blend.
Synthetic engine oils are a to-go option for many due to their attributes like cleanliness and consistency, making them efficient lubricants.
Below is more about 0w40 vs. 5w40 to give you a better understanding of their functionality.
Understanding Viscosity in Motor Oils
Viscosity is a crucial factor when it comes to motor oils. It refers to the thickness or flow resistance of the oil. Motor oils need to strike a balance between being too thick and too thin.
If the oil is too thick, it may impede its ability to flow and lubricate engine components properly. On the other hand, if the oil is too thin, it may fail to provide adequate protection and lubrication.
Motor oils, including engine oils like 0w40 and 5w40, are formulated to meet specific oil viscosity requirements, ensuring optimal engine lubrication, performance, and fuel economy.
Oil specifications set by manufacturers provide guidelines for selecting the right viscosity grade for the engine.
What Is 0W40 Engine Oil?
When it comes to engine oils that offer superior cold-weather performance, 0W40 is a popular choice. This multi-viscosity oil is specifically engineered to offer high performance across a range of temperatures.
Composition
The majority of 0W40 engine oils are synthetic, meaning they are chemically engineered for precision and performance. The synthetic formulation is also known for its ability to reduce engine deposits, providing a cleaner and more efficient engine operation.
Climate Versatility
The ‘0W’ in the name means that the oil has been designed to perform extremely well in cold conditions. Lower viscosity at cold temperatures means it flows more freely, allowing it to quickly reach engine components that need lubrication, especially during cold starts.
Although it excels in cold conditions, 0W40 also offers strong performance in high temperatures.
The ’40’ in 0W40 indicates the oil’s high-temperature viscosity, meaning it won’t get too thin when things heat up. This ensures that even in hot conditions, the oil maintains a stable film to protect engine components from friction and wear.
What Is 5W40 Engine Oil?
5W40 engine oil is a multi-viscosity option, formulated to offer solid performance in varying temperatures.
Composition
5W40 is often synthetic, meaning it’s made from artificially engineered compounds. It offers better high-temperature stability and is tailored for optimal engine protection.
The synthetic base provides cleaner operation and often includes additives for anti-wear and anti-corrosion benefits.
Optimal Temperature Range
The ‘5W’ indicates that this oil performs well at cold temperatures, but not as well as something like a 0W oil.
The ’40’ signifies the oil’s high-temperature viscosity, ensuring it stays sufficiently thick at higher temperatures to maintain lubrication. It’s a good middle-ground oil for climates that experience both warm and cold conditions.
Compatibility
5W40 oil is versatile and is commonly used in a range of engine types, including turbocharged engines.
It’s also a go-to for many European cars and high-performance vehicles, which often have specifications requiring synthetic oils for optimal engine function.
What does 0w40 engine oil mean?
0w40 is a full synthetic advanced engine oil. It has been made for the latest engine that uses diesel and gasoline technology.
The full form of 0w40 engine oil is SAE 0w40. Here, SAE stands for “Society of Automotive Engineering” and it is a global organization for engineers working in different industries and sectors.
In the name “0w40”, the two numbers before and after the “w” references the viscosity of the oil in low and high temperatures respectively.
So, the viscosity grade of this type of engine oil at low temperatures is 0 and its viscosity at operating temperature is 40. Finally, the “w” in “0w40” denotes “winter”.
0w40 oil will reduce its viscosity in cold temperatures. Therefore, there will be no trouble in starting the engine of a car in extreme winter. And when the engine starts operating, it increases its viscosity to maintain the fluidity.
What does 5w40 engine oil mean?
As discussed above, the numbers before and after denotes the low and high viscosity of this engine oil type. The “w” as always, stands for “Winter”.
This specific type of engines operating temperatures range from -35 degrees celsius (-31 Fahrenheit) to +40 degree celsius (104 fahrenheit). SAE 5w40 is also a full synthetic oil.
Comparison table between 0W-40 and 5W-40
The primary difference between 0W-40 and 5W-40 engine oils lies in their viscosity ratings. Here’s a comparison table between 0W-40 and 5W-40 oils to give you a precise and quick outlook of both engine oils:
| Characteristics | 0W-40 Engine Oil | 0W-50 Engine Oil |
| Cold Temperature Performance | Excellent cold flow properties, better for extreme cold start-ups | Slightly less fluid at very low temperatures compared to 0W-40 |
| Viscosity at Operating Temp | Thicker at high temperatures, suitable for demanding conditions | Slightly thinner at high temperatures compared to 0W-40 |
| Fuel Efficiency | It may offer slightly better fuel efficiency due to lower viscosity at lower temperatures | A slightly higher viscosity may marginally reduce fuel efficiency |
| Temperature Stability | Offers excellent stability at high temperatures | Very good stability at high temperatures, although slightly less compared to 0W-40 |
| Wide Temperature Range | Suitable for a wide temperature range, from extreme cold to high heat conditions | Effective over a broad temperature range, but slightly less ideal for very cold conditions compared to 0W-40 |
| Engine Wear Protection | Very good | Excellent |
Features of SAE 0w40 Oil
- Best in fuel economy
- No fuel change is needed
- Highest engine protection is ensured
- Superior drain intervals
- Reduced friction
- Natural viscosity index is very high
- Evaporation is less compared to other synthetic oils
- No existence of unnecessary additives that reduce the process of lubrication
- High resistance to oxidations
Features of SAE 5w40 Oil
- Gives you high oxidation stability
- Advanced cleaning properties
- Least contamination of engine
- Convenient to start at low temperatures
- Gives you good detergent properties
- Oil film stability
- Considerable increase in replacement interval
- Longer life span due to the properties of antioxidant
- When power unit is started in cold temperature, it reduces frictions
- Engine wear is lessened
Difference Between 0w40 and 5w40?
0w40 vs. 5w40 Viscosity
When looking at engine lubricants, viscosity is a critical factor. It refers to the fluids’ flow, where you may describe it as thick or thin. 0w40 vs. 5w40 viscosity factors in the temperature.
A look at the thickness attribute you see that 0w40 is the ideal option for cold temperatures. It is less thick when cold and less prone to thickening as temperatures dip.
As it remains thin and flows easily, 0w40 will act against engine problems like bearing failure.
The 5w40 also has a tremendous low-temperature thickness, though slightly below its companion. For hot weather, the two oils’ viscous values are 40. They become thicker; hence, they offer more protection to the engine parts.
0w40 vs. 5w40 Grade
As per the SAE grading system, there are eleven engine oil grades. The grades begin at 0w to 25w for cold operations and 20 to 60 for hot environments. The numerical and alphabet digits give you an idea of how the lubricants will work under different circumstances.
A thing to appreciate about 0w40 and 5w40 is that they are multi-grade utilities that work in cold and hot surroundings. For high-temperature surroundings, the two grades tie at the 40-limit. At 40, their viscosity thickens, offering ample protection to the engine.
However, the two are not on the same level when exposed to cool surroundings. The 0w40 will withstand extreme cold due to its low viscosity.
5w40 will bring its best in extreme conditions, but not at the same level as its companion. If you live in relatively cold to warmer areas, the 5w40 will serve you perfectly.
Still, on engine lubricant grades, there is the API system, which stands for the American Petroleum Institute. This system certifies that the oil you are using meets OEM standards and is according to the latest automotive technology.
The API system uses the letter S, followed by another letter to show you compatibility in terms of the vehicle’s year of manufacture.
Presently, SJ, SK, SL, SM, and SN are the letters that you will encounter that are not obsolete. They are for car models manufactured in 2001 and later.
A thing to note is that SAE 0W40 is not the same as SAE 0-40. You can consult your retailer for help in case of any confusion.
0w40 vs. 5w40 Performance
The other area to look at on the 0w40 vs. 5w40 debate is their performance. Performance-wise, we pay much attention to the weather or climate. If it is cold, the engine can pump 0w40 down to around -40 degrees Celsius.
On the other hand, it is possible to pump 5w40 at roughly -35 degrees Celsius. Here, 0w40 vs. 5w40 for winter, you see that the former comes on top, especially if the conditions are critical.
On the higher side, temperature-wise, the two lubricant grades will reach a value of 40, as denoted in their names. As such, when hot, they are equal in viscosity, translating to a similar performance.
What about 0w40 vs. 5w40 diesel engines? Diesel engines get hotter when running, meaning both of the oils will work well. However, the 0w40 will come in handy if the temperatures are dipping at an alarming rate.
0w40 vs. 5w40 Fuel Economy
The fact that 0w40 retains its fluidity when the cold makes it ideal for fuel economy. It provides the much-needed lubrication to ensure the engine parts don’t strain to move. The ease of movement does not require much force; as such, there is low fuel consumption.
The same applies to 5w40, despite its cold tolerance being slightly lower than that of its counterpart.
0w40 vs. 5w40 Price
Another attribute to look at is the prices of 0w40 and 5w40. The cost does not vary much and depends on the brand. For instance, if you decide to go for the Pennzoil ultra variation, you find that 0w40 and 5w40 have a dollar difference.
Some brands like Castrol, have a higher variation, though there are several types of Castrol engine oil. You have to be specific to get the right bottle of oil.
Accidentally Used 5w40 Instead of 0w40: Is It Ok?
Yes, it is okay, and you will not have any problems or engine failures. However, this is something that you should do as a routine.
If you have accidentally used 5w40 and it is not in the recommended list of motor oils for your engine, you can always do an oil change. However, if it is in the recommended motor oil for your engine, you do not have to worry about any damages in the future.
FAQs.
Q: Can I Use 0w40 Instead Of 5w40?
Substituting engine oils is an issue many people have a concern about, considering that some industry pundits advise against it.
In the case of 5w40 and 0w40, you can use them interchangeably as they have almost similar characteristics. For icy conditions, you can jump ship to the 0w40 as it has excellent fluidity in a freezing environment.
Q: What Is 0w40 Oil Used For?
Ow40 oil is ideal for winter conditions, where it has 0 viscosity when temperatures dip. It is a multi-grade oil with an operating thickness of 40 when it is hot. 0w40 is pretty versatile as it will protect the engine parts when hot and flow smoothly when cold.
Q: Is 0w Better Than 5w?
The W in most oil-grade alphanumeric systems denotes winter. In winter, where driving environments are poor due to cold, the 0w will work better than 5w as it is less dense.
The thinness of the oil makes it effective in reducing friction and easing the movement of the engine parts.
Q: Is 0w40 Good For Winter?
0w40 is a multi-grade oil that works well in winter conditions and moderate summer heat. The number 0 indicates how thick it is in winter, an ideal level for effortless flow. If the lubricant gets thick due to freezing temperatures, its performance gets affected.
Q: Is 0w40 Good For Summer?
0w40 is very versatile when you look at its functionality. It works in winter conditions and moderate summers. It will reach a viscosity level of 40, evident in its name when hot.
Q: Is Mobil 1 0w40 good oil?
Mobil 1 is one of the most prominent lubricant manufacturers with branches worldwide. Mobil 1 stocks the 0w40 lubricant under its rich catalog.
Its product lives up to the company name and will provide excellent engine performance when temperatures depreciate.
Final Word
Your choice of car lubricant should rely on operating temperatures as one of the critical factors.
If you drive in winter-like conditions, you should consider 0w40 or 5w40 engine oils. From this article, we have a clear picture of how the two work and some of their characteristics.
You may also consider looking at 0w20 or 5w20, which are almost similar to the aforementioned, albeit with a lower operating heat value.