Be it any part of the automobile, lubrication is a protective mechanism, gearing them up for smooth functioning. Every engine requires some form of greasing to run ceaselessly by avoiding friction. In this case, we are discussing lubricant oil for engines based on their ” viscosity ” properties in chilling winters at different temperature levels.
5w30 vs 10w30
The main difference between 5w30 and 10w30 is that the viscosity of 5w30 is less than that of 10w3, making it ideal to be used at places with low temperatures.
Moreover, the letter ‘w’ denotes its viscosity grade in winter. Further, the number (5) preceding ‘w’ marks the consistency of the lubricant at low temperatures, and the number (10) succeeding ‘w’ refers to its consistency at a higher temperature.
The 5w30 lubricant has a viscosity grade of ‘5’(low viscosity) at lower temperatures, and ‘30’ denotes its viscosity level (high viscosity) at higher temperatures. The ‘low viscosity’ means thin consistency, which supports easy flow in the engine. Similarly, we can say that it possesses thicker consistency and ‘high viscosity’ at higher temperatures.
The 10w30 lubricant has a viscosity grade of 10 (low viscosity) at lower temperatures, and ‘30’ denotes its viscosity level (high viscosity) at higher temperatures. This lubricant is thin at such temperatures and vice-versa. It forms a layer over the engine’s moving parts to reduce friction.
Comparison Table Between 5w30 and 10w30
| Parameters of Comparison | 5w30 | 10w30 |
| Liquidity level | It is thinner at lower temperatures. | It is thicker at lower temperatures as compared to 5w30. |
| Viscosity level | It has a lower viscosity. | It has a higher viscosity. |
| Temperature | It works efficiently within the temperature range of -30 degrees Celsius to 35 degrees Celsius. | It works well within the temperature range of -18 degrees Celsius to 30 degrees Celsius. |
| Vehicle type | It is used in light-duty petrol and diesel engines. | It is used by heavy-load hauling engines. |
| Characteristics | 5w30 provides good chilled weather starting. | 10w30 provides better sealing action. |
| Ideal usage | Its usage helps in low consumption of fuels. | It can be used in engines consuming biodiesel too. |
What is 5w30?
5w30 is multigrade engine oil that is used to lubricate the engines of vehicles such as commercial automobiles. It is also known as the SAE 5w30 because it is named and numbered as per the set rules of the Society of Automotive Engineering. The name of the lubricant 5w30 is used in this way to represent the suitable weather, aptitude of flow (viscosity), and oil thickness.
5w30 is most suitable for automobiles in chilled winters as it has a viscosity-temperature of a minimum of -35 degrees centigrade. 5 is the viscosity level of this oil. Furthermore, it also meets the requirements of ASI AS.
It forms a continuous layer of overall engine parts to reduce friction between moving parts. They reduce the wear and tear of the engine during the start/stop operation while keeping the engine cool. It also has Superior Thermal Ability, meaning it can maintain its properties even in fluctuating temperatures. A very small amount of 5w30 is sufficient to lubricate the whole engine in one go.
What is 10w30?
10w30 is also used in engines of various vehicles to avoid wear and tear of motor parts. It is also known as the SAE 10w30 according to the set rules of SAE. 10 is the viscosity level of the fuel, which suggests that it is thicker than 5w30. Therefore, it is preferably used in heavily loaded carriages and commercial goods. The viscosity of this oil decreases with an increase in atmospheric temperature.
Ironically, it is mostly used on summer days due to viscosity loss in higher temperatures, contrary to what its name suggests. It lubricates the parts deeply and efficiently on summer days, though it is also used in winter. Furthermore, it is also used for lubricating old engines.
10w30 engine oil also meets the needs of ASI AS. This oil also increases the durability and lifespan of engines by protecting the engine from getting rusted. It retains its viscosity even when the temperature experiences fluctuation. This lubricant is ideal to be used even in engines with biodiesel/biofuel.
Main Differences Between 5w30 and 10w30
- 5w30 is used in a wider range of temperatures to lubricate engines. 10w30 is a similar lubricant oil used for a small range of temperatures.
- The most visible difference between the two lies in tier viscosities. 10w30 is more viscous and thicker than 5w30, so 5w30 can reach the difficult parts of the engine due to its thinness and flow rate.
- Comparing the two on their fluidity and temperatures, 5w30 covers a larger range of temperatures. On the one hand, 5w30 remains less viscous from -35 to 35 Degrees centigrade. On the other hand, 10w30 covers a smaller range of temperatures from -16 to 30 Degrees centigrade.
- Since 5w30 covers a wider range of temperatures, it is suitable as an engine oil for vehicles on winter days. Though 10w30 is applicable for a smaller range of temperatures, it is still usable on summer days with higher temperatures.
- These two are used for different sets of vehicles. 5w30 is mostly used for light-duty and commercial vehicles, and 10w30 is used in heavily loaded carriages and old engines.
Conclusion
Summing it all up, 5w30 and 10w30 are both engine oils mainly used for lubricating the engines of vehicles. Their usage depends on the type of climate one is into, as the viscosity of these two oils varies depending on the temperature. This lubricating decreases the friction between motor parts and prevents rusting of the uppermost layer of the engines. One can choose between them according to vehicle, temperature, and engine type.