Can You Mix 5W 30 And 5W 20

Last Updated on February 20, 2023 by Ryan

Yes, you can mix 5W 30 and 5W 20. However, it is not recommended as it may cause problems with your engine.

• Park your car on a level surface and turn off the engine
• Place a drain pan underneath the oil drain plug to catch any oil that will be drained from the engine
• Remove the oil cap from the top of the engine and set it aside
• Loosen and remove the oil drain plug with an appropriate wrench or socket and let all of the used oil drain into the pan below
• Once all of the used oil has drained, clean off the old gasket material from both the drain plug and mating surface on the engine block with a rag or paper towel
• Inspect your vehicle’s owner’s manual to determine what type and how much new oil you will need for your car as well as what grade (viscosity) is recommended such as 5W-30 or 5W-20 synthetic motor oil
• If you are unsure, it is always best to err on side of getting too much rather than too little oil
• 7 8 Locate 9the fill plug on your engine block which is usually located near where 10the dipstick comes out 11of 12the 13engine 14and insert a ratchet or wrench in order to loosen and remove it 15(again, making sure to have a catch pan handy)
• Some engines may have more than one fill hole so be sure to locate and use whichever one is intended for adding new oil 16(17it 18should 19be 20clearly labeled)

5w20 or 5w30? Which do I run and why. Is 5w20 a hoax for fuel milage?

What Happens If You Mix 5W 30 With 5W 20?

If you mix 5W 30 with 5W 20, the resulting mixture will be a little thinner than either of the individual oils. This can cause some minor issues like slightly increased oil consumption and slightly lower fuel economy. However, the two oils are compatible and won’t damage your engine.

Can I Use 5W 20 And 5W 30?

Oil weights are expressed in two numbers, such as 5W-30. The first number (5W) is a viscosity measurement called the “W” stands for winter. The lower this number is, the less viscous the oil will be at low temperatures.

This means it will flow more easily and won’t thicken up as much when it’s cold outside. The second number (30) is the high temperature viscosity rating. It shows how thick or thin the oil will be at high temperatures.

A higher number means the oil will maintain its thickness better at high temps. So, can you use 5W-20 oil instead of 5W-30? Yes, but only if your car’s manufacturer recommends it.

If they don’t specifically recommend 5W-20, then you should use 5W-30.

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Accidentally Used 5W30 Instead of 5W20

If you accidentally use 5W30 oil instead of 5W20, don’t worry. The two oils are very similar, and your car will likely run just fine with the slightly thicker oil. However, it’s best to get the oil changed as soon as possible so that you’re using the correct viscosity for your car.

Difference between 5W30 And 5W20

The main difference between 5W30 and 5W20 motor oils is their viscosity. Viscosity is a measure of how easily a substance flows. The lower the viscosity, the easier it is for the oil to flow and the less resistance there is to engine components moving past each other.

That’s why 5W20 oil is typically used in newer vehicles or vehicles with smaller engines that don’t put as much stress on the oil. 5W30 oil has a higher viscosity, which means it doesn’t flow as easily as 5W20 oil. However, this also means that it offers more protection against wear and tear on engine components.

For this reason, 5W30 oil is often recommended for older vehicles or those with larger engines. It’s important to consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual to see what type of oil is recommended. Using the wrong type of oil can cause damage to your engine over time.

Can You Mix 5W20 And 5W30 Reddit

You can absolutely mix 5W20 and 5W30 motor oils. In fact, it’s often recommended to do so in order to get the best performance out of your engine. However, it’s important to note that you should only mix these two types of oil if your car’s owner’s manual specifically states that it’s okay to do so.

If not, you could end up causing serious damage to your engine. So, if you’re unsure whether or not mixing these two types of oil is right for your car, always err on the side of caution and consult with a professional mechanic before making any changes.

Conclusion

The short answer is yes, you can mix 5W 30 and 5W 20 motor oils. However, it is not recommended as the two oils have different viscosities and properties. Mixing the two oils can result in reduced performance and decreased fuel economy.