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The carmakers usually specify a 5W-20 or 5W-30 oil, particularly for lower temperatures, with a 10W-30 oil as optional, particularly for higher ambient temperatures. These three ratings cover just about every light-duty vehicle on the road. Even more important, though, is changing the oil and filter regularly.
Correspondingly, how do I know what oil to put in my car?
There's no substitute for reading your owner's manual. It will list what type of oil the automaker recommends for your car. It may also recommend different oil depending on whether you live in a hot or cold climate. The most important thing is to use oil that's the right thickness, or viscosity, for your car's engine.
- Best Overall: Mobil 1 High Mileage 5W-30 Motor Oil. Amazon.
- Best Value: Valvoline High Mileage Synthetic Blend Motor Oil. Amazon.
- Honorable Mention: Liqui Moly Premium 5W-40 Synthetic Motor Oil. Amazon.
Thereof, can I use 5w30 instead of 5w40?
If you are racking your brain to choose between 5w30 and 5w40, we recommend you go with 5w30. However, if it is too expensive or not available for use, you can always go with the 5w40, which is just as good and will not cause any damage to the engine parts.
The 10W30 and 5W30 both have different thicknesses in cold temperatures, and 10W30 is thicker than 5w30. So, it is best for vehicles running in cold climates to use the 5W30 since it is thinner than the 10w30. Low numbers indicate lower viscosity, meaning the oils are thinner.