0w40 or 5w40 which is better. Synthetic based lubricants

0w40 or 5w40 which is better. Synthetic based lubricants

24.09.2019

The viscosity of 0w40 or 5w40 oils in their production is achieved through the use of a large number of additives. This is due to the fact that conventional organic oil has properties that will not provide maintenance of equipment at elevated or low temperatures. Modifications of lubricants 0w40 or 5w40 have the main difference determined by the qualities that they are endowed with by the manufacturer. It is important not to damage both the technical means and the financial condition when choosing one or another modification of the product. It is necessary to have an excellent understanding of the different types of lubricants when choosing them. There are the following types:

  • semi-synthetic;
  • synthetic;
  • mineral;
  • hydrocracking (improved mineral).

Modifications of lubricants 0w40 or 5w40 have their own differences, since 0w40 is synthetic, and 5w40 is semi-synthetic.

Mineral oils include:

  1. Paraffin.
  2. Aromatic.
  3. Naphthenic.

In modern car engines, paraffin lubricants are used to the greatest extent, which are characterized by the best indicators of operating temperature and viscosity. Lubricants of various modifications cost a lot of money, so it is important to be able to understand these products. The cheapest option is mineral oil. When using it, regular replacement of the substance is required every season, since its properties are lost after a certain time.

Properties of oils of synthetic origin

If it is necessary to use the equipment in harsh winter conditions, then its operation will not do without the use of lubricating fluids with the appropriate viscosity, high fluidity and a number of other quality characteristics. Due to the long shelf life, synthetic oils can be used even after a period of time, including tens of years. Due to the high wear-resistant performance, winter oils, including 6 classes, including 0w and 5w (designated with the letter W, from the English winter - winter), allow the operation of technical equipment in extreme winter conditions. As characteristics of 0w40 or 5w40 oils, as well as other types of lubricants, kinematic and dynamic viscosity are distinguished. To test kinematic viscosity, a capillary viscometer is used, which demonstrates the ease of oil flow at specific temperatures under the weight of its own weight. In this case, the substance is in a narrow capillary tube.

Rotational viscometers are used to detect dynamic viscosity. The process is carried out according to the ASTM D5293 method. To characterize the dynamic viscosity of the product, concepts such as pumpability and crankability are used. Such a parameter as dynamic viscosity determines the degree of cranking of the engine crankshaft in conditions of negative temperatures, as well as the level of quality of the circulation of the substance in the general lubrication system after the “cold” engine is started. Crankability is dynamic viscosity, that is, the lowest temperature at which a substance remains liquid so that the engine starts (starter turns) without hindrance. Pumpability is the dynamic viscosity that is required when pumping a product through the lubrication system so that the motor does not become stressed in dry mode during cold start conditions. The temperature level of pumpability is lower than that of crankability by 5 °C.

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The main differences between synthetic oils and semi-synthetic oils

The question related to what is the difference between synthetic oil and semi-synthetic oil is quite common among motor vehicle owners. The use of synthetics is more preferable than semi-synthetics. The lubricant model 0w40 is synthetic, and 5w40 is semi-synthetic, so there is a big difference in their properties. Synthetic substances of viscosity grade 0w40 are the most advanced and improved type. They are created on the basis of the most complex chemical reactions and chemical synthesis. They are characterized by an improved molecular formula and viscosity, which does not allow the substance to oxidize and react, for example, with an engine oil seal.

Of the three types of oils, including semi-synthetic and mineral oils, synthetics are the best. This is achieved by the presence of the largest amount of additives that increase engine compression and reduce fuel consumption. When using 0w40 oil, it is easier to start the engine in winter, because due to its viscosity, the oil does not thicken as much at low temperatures as mineral or semi-synthetics.

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The cost of motor oils

Since synthetic oils are expensive, it will not always make sense to use them in budget cars, for example, AvtoVAZs. So, synthetics are more expensive than semi-synthetics, since they are produced on the basis of more complex technologies and chemical reactions.

The cost of 5w40 semi-synthetic oils is 2 times lower than 0w40 viscosity class products.

This is due to the dilution of semi-synthetic oil with cheaper mineral oil. Experts always recommend that owners of new cars use synthetic motor oils. Since semi-synthetic motor oil is a mixture of mineral and synthetic products, the percentage of adding one or another substance to synthetic varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. In this regard, there are no strict regulations, so the proportions of mineral and synthetic oils can be 1 to 1 or 3 to 4, etc. In any case, semi-synthetics are characterized by lower viscosity and oxidation percentage, including a reduced level of additives, which is how it differs from synthetics. It is easier to start the engine in winter on synthetics, since its viscosity level is much higher than that of semi-synthetics. 5w40 engine oil is used in cheaper cars, which is advisable.

The generally accepted opinion, in determining the difference and difference between 0w40 or 5w40 engine oils, says that attention should be paid only to the first digit of engine lubricant.

This is explained by the fact that in the first case, the critical temperature at which oil can freeze is 35 degrees below zero, and in the second, when frost reaches 30 degrees. But the question begs - how then do cars move at forty degrees and below in winter?

Are there any special oils for them that are not included in the all-weather line?

Of course, the oils are unidirectional, i.e. only for winter or summer, they have a harder stable structure, but greases for year-round use also have a higher freezing threshold than the thermometer mark of 35.

This only confirms that all engine oils are different from each other, and even those that are in the same 0w40 or 5w40 key according to SAE, but are produced by different manufacturers. The most common disputes arise about what is better than 0w40 or 5w40, considering that both products are of synthetic origin, whether they can be mixed, whether it is necessary to flush the engine when replacing, etc. Let's try to understand in more detail this problem and give answers to all questions of interest.

Motor lubricants 0w40 or 5w40 - are there any differences?

To begin with, let's leave aside the viscosity of both oil lines and recognize as a constant that all lubricants have a different freezing threshold, even when specifying the standard SAE 0w40 or 5w40. In this matter, it is worth returning to the roots, namely the basic structure of motor lubrication. As has been said more than once, the quality of the working life of engine oil directly depends on its original base, which in most cases is natural, i.e. mineral with modern cleaning technologies. Moreover, you should not think that the same company, which is called the manufacturer, is engaged in the purification of the original product.

There are only about three corporations in the world that prepare the base oil, they mainly purchase raw materials for further use, which means adding additives. The second type of base for motor oils is considered to be a synthetic product obtained solely through synthesis at the molecular level.

By right, synthetics are always more expensive and this is not caused by additive packages, but by the fact that the oil base will never “sick” with the problems that natural mineral oil is prone to.

Considering the performance of both motor lubricants - 0w40 or 5w40 - at first glance, we can conclude that both lines are pure synthetic oils. In fact, this is not the case:

  • 0w40 is definitely synthetics and confirmation of this is the increased fluidity of the oil.
  • 5w40 - conditionally classified as synthetic oils, since in most cases the quality of the oil
    achieved by the hydrocracking process, which means that the original oil base is still mineral, as evidenced by the higher viscosity threshold for most products.

The protective properties of 0w40 and 5w40 will also be different, because initially the basic structure will be different and will give each oil its own.

Additive packages

Having dealt with the base, let's move on to additives, which can also vary in any 0w40 or 5w40.

In this matter, the direction of the oil and its purpose are determined. For example, if the task is only to start the engine easily in cold weather, then such an oil will never give a significant fuel saving effect, but it will allow you to start calmly even at minus 40. In the summer, it is better not to use it, since the product can drain like water from all parts of the engine and do not provide adequate protection.

That is why they still recommend "five" for the summer, they are more resistant to high temperatures. To determine the fluidity, you can also familiarize yourself with the flash point; for conditionally summer oils, it will be much higher. Most imported oils, even in the same ranks 0w40 or 5w40, will differ from domestic ones in terms of ecology.

Foreign manufacturers are trying to surpass the environmental standards set by ECO 5, while domestic ones will fight against "unclean" fuel, which is poured at all gas stations without exception, even despite the EURO badges.

The purity of the fuel is also achieved by various additives, as well as the multidirectionality of motor oils.

Which oil is better 0w40 or 5w40?

There is only one answer - there are no better or worse - there are those that are ideal for a particular car engine.

Again, production technology pops up in this issue. Hydrocracking oils will never be able to act as a coolant for modern modifications of power units with related systems, which means that even in the summer, despite the higher viscosity, they will not provide full protection of all components.

Therefore, most auto concerns recommend multigrade oils 0w40, 0w20, 0w30 for their engines with a fast flow at any time of the year, and it is far from viscosity and climatic temperature that play the main role here, but thermal control under the hood of the car.

5w40 is just as good - it is also a high-quality lubrication consumable, but it is aimed at something else. The gaps between the piston rings are different for all machines, which means that only the oil that has the best performance for this can protect and “clog” these gaps. A higher viscosity of 5w40 is able to immediately form protection on all engine components, including the piston system.

Film density and fracture resistance will also be achieved through additives, but the base base will also contribute by being more stable. If we neglect all of the above and focus solely on the criterion of freezing, then it is worth returning to the very beginning and determining that oils are absolutely the same for the summer period. True, 0w40 will most likely have to be replaced more often by those machines that are shown 5w40, because thermal oxides will destroy it faster.

A large number of products and variety in the fuel and lubricants market in recent years is the main reason that the selection of engine oil involves certain difficulties. Motorists constantly focus not only on quality, but also on issues of seasonality, mixing, compatibility and interchangeability of oils of various brands.

It is also well known that the lubricant viscosity index is one of the key parameters along with the base base used in the manufacture of the lubricant (). In other words, the quality and price of the product will depend on the base and the additive package.

As for viscosity, this parameter determines both the general possibility of using a lubricant in a particular engine, taking into account the recommendations of the power unit manufacturer itself, and the advisability of operating an internal combustion engine on a product with a particular viscosity.

In this article, we intend to talk about popular 5w30 and 5w40 oils, what is the difference between these products, what are the characteristics of 5w30 and 5w40 oils, is it possible to fill in 5w40 oil instead of 5w30, and which oil is better, 5w30 or 5w40 in winter and summer.

Read in this article

Viscosity and seasonality of engine oil

Let's start with what many drivers have heard and some have encountered a situation where the engine cannot be started in winter due to the fact that the lubricant has thickened heavily in the crankcase. This means that with a charged and fully functional starter, it is still not possible to crank the crankshaft with the desired frequency, which is necessary for starting.

It turns out that in this case the material has too high viscosity and is not suitable for use in winter conditions. In other words, the so-called seasonality of fuel and lubricants for the motor was not taken into account. This is not surprising, since today there is no clear division into summer and winter products.

The whole modern classification of oils comes down to the fact that the driver can choose a product from the catalogs of all-weather motor oil. These lubricants have different viscosities, tolerances, base stocks and additive packages. Moreover, in recent years, use has been increasingly practiced, which can be equally poured into both gasoline and diesel engines.

So, back to the conditional classification by season:

  1. Without going into details, the so-called summer grease has a high viscosity index (index), which allows the material to work normally in the engine when the outside temperature does not drop below zero. At the same time, a more viscous product forms a “thick” protective film on the parts, reliably protecting surfaces from wear.
  2. Winter lubricant has a low viscosity, such a lubricant allows you to start the engine without much difficulty in severe frosts. However, a more “liquid” low-viscosity substance after the internal combustion engine warms up forms a thin protective film, inferior in quality to summer counterparts in engine protection.
  3. All-weather engine oil, unlike winter and summer, does not imply seasonal replacement, that is, it does not need to be changed seasonally and can be used all year round. Taking into account the fact that almost all modern products are all-season, such products represent the optimal balance, combining the necessary properties for summer and at the same time suitable for winter operation.

In order to separate lubricants, taking into account the dependence of the viscosity index on temperature, there is a special classification according to SAE (a specification that was developed by the Society of Automobile Engineers). The SAE classifier determines that summer products have a rating of 20 to 60. Winter lubricants are graded from 0W or 5W to 25W.

The combination of these two indicators is separately indicated on multigrade oil and is well known to motorists (for example, oil 0W20, 5W30, 10W40, etc.). Now let's figure out what the viscosity of the popular 5w30 and 5w40 oil is, and also what exactly the decoding of 5w30 and 5w40 oil will mean. We add that the topic of choosing oil 5w30 or 5w40 for involves the same answers to the questions posed in this article.

What is the difference between 5w30 engine oil and 5w40

In order to accurately determine the viscosity of an all-weather lubricant in winter and summer, it is necessary to look at the numbers before and after the letter W in the designation. The specified letter is an abbreviation for Winter (English winter). For example, 5W30 indicates that 5W indicates the degree of viscosity according to SAE at low temperatures.

The number 30 is an SAE temperature rating for product properties at high temperatures. Both the ease of starting, the fluidity and pumpability of an unheated lubricant in winter, and the stability of the protective film on the surface of loaded parts at maximum temperatures will depend on these two specifications.

If you ask yourself how 5w40 oil differs from 5w30 oil, then it should be noted that these oils have identical indicators that characterize suitability for operation in the winter. The 5W classification clearly indicates that such an oil provides a confident start of the internal combustion engine to -30 degrees below zero.

Now let's look at SAE high temperature viscosity, which is the difference between 5w30 and 5w40. A general comparative analysis of the data indicates that the kinematic viscosity of 5W30 when heated to 100 degrees Celsius is from 9.3 to 12.5 mm sq. / s. At the same time, 5W40 under similar conditions has a viscosity index from 12.5 to 16.3 mm sq. / s.

This comparison also shows that the minimum HTHS index in the case of 5W30 is at around 2.9. At the same time, for 5W40 this value is also 2.9, while the parameter can reach up to 3.7, which is noticeably higher.

The above data allows you to determine which oil is thinner, 5w30 or 5w40. In simple terms, under high heat conditions, 5W40 differs markedly from its 5W30 counterpart in high temperature viscosity. Otherwise, the answer to the frequent question of which oil is thicker, 5W40 or 5W30, will be exactly the first option, that is, 5w40.

Which oil is better: 5w30 or 5w40 in summer

Given the fact that 5W40 oil is more viscous, it creates a strong and stable oil film on the surface of parts compared to the competitor. As it may seem at first glance, such a product is no different during winter operation and protects the engine better in summer.

Note that this statement is only partially true. First of all, you need to take into account the design features of a particular internal combustion engine, as well as individual recommendations from engine manufacturers. The fact is that even a slight increase in the viscosity of the oil in some units can lead to the fact that the pumpability will become worse, that is, the lubricant will not flow to the friction pairs in the proper amount.

Also, when choosing a summer viscosity index, one should also take into account the fact that too “liquid” lubricant (for example, 5w30) can lead to lubricant leakage through oil seals, gaskets and other seals. The oil film on the parts when using low-viscosity oils can be thin, as a result of which the wear of the components increases significantly, and the temperature of the internal combustion engine rises.

In other words, before you opt for 5W40 or 5W30, you must:

  1. Separately, make sure that both types of oil are on the list recommended by the manufacturer for a particular motor.
  2. Also, it will not be superfluous to take into account the features of the operation of the engine.

For example, a viscosity index of 30 means that the declared performance of an engine oil will only be maintained at operating temperatures up to 150 degrees.

If the car is located in a region where the outdoor temperature rises significantly in summer, while the driver constantly “turns” the engine to high speeds, practices an aggressive driving style and heavily loads the power unit, then the oil temperature will be as high as possible. In this case, it is worth thinking about increasing the "summer" viscosity index.

Oil compatibility 5w30 and 5w40

Quite often, especially in the event of an emergency malfunction, it becomes necessary to add oil to the engine. In such a situation, the lubricant of the same manufacturer, whose product was initially poured into the power unit, is far from always at hand.

The same is true for the viscosity index. For this reason, it is important to know if 5w30 and 5w40 oil can be mixed. At the very beginning, we note that it is often not recommended to mix mineral oils with products in which the base base is fully synthetic. In other words, mineral water cannot be mixed with synthetics. It is also not recommended to mix semi-synthetics with synthetics, etc.

As for 5W30 and 5W40, it is theoretically possible to mix these oils with minimal risk if both products are from the same manufacturer. In an emergency, mixing oils from different manufacturers is allowed, but only if they have the same basic base.

This means that mineral oil is mixed only with mineral oil, semi-synthetics with a similar product, etc. At the same time, it is still impossible to give an unambiguous answer to the question of whether it is possible to add 5w40 to 5w30 oil. The fact is that for each type of oil, manufacturers use special additive packages that can react after mixing.

In any case, even if there are no obvious consequences after topping up, it is still an emergency measure. After the breakdown is eliminated, such a mixed lubricant must be immediately drained from the engine,. Also, in some cases, you may need additionally.

Summing up

In view of the foregoing, it becomes clear that the viscosity of the oil and the stability of this characteristic at various temperatures determines the main characteristics of the lubricant, as well as the price of the product.

The best choice can be considered such an oil in which the viscosity indicators are within the tolerances of the engine manufacturer. At the same time, you should pay attention to the basic base, since a more expensive semi-synthetic oil, such as 5W40, will be better in terms of service life and quality compared to the same, but mineral 5W40.

For owners of older cars, the choice of oil must be approached with special responsibility. On the one hand, there is an intensive development of technologies in the field of fuels and lubricants production. This means that the lubricant information in the owner's manual may be very out of date.

Moreover, if you have to select the lubricant yourself, you need to take into account a number of features that we talked about above. To put it simply, not always expensive low-viscosity synthetics will mean that an old motor with such modern high-tech oil is reliably protected in summer and winter.

Finally, we add that when choosing an oil, you need to adhere to a certain middle ground, and also take into account the individual characteristics of the operation of the internal combustion engine. This means that the lubricant should not thin out much and lose its properties, taking into account the maximum possible heating, and also remain fluid with the onset of cold weather.

Read also

Features of the selection of engine oil for the winter. Which oil among the all-weather is considered winter according to the marking, what should be considered when choosing.

WHICH IS BETTER FOR WINTER - 0W40 OR 5W40?

So, winter is just around the corner ... In this regard, among motorists there is an annual seasonal hype about how best to prepare a car for operation during the cold season. Beginners are especially active - those who have difficulty choosing the “right” coolants and engine oils. Since antifreeze is a topic that has already been covered in one of the recent articles on our blog, let's dwell on the "oil" topic in more detail.

Base Differences

To characterize all motor oils without exception, the most important indicator is the origin of its base.

According to this criterion, motor oils are divided into mineral (from natural petroleum products), synthetic based on polyalphaolefins (PAO) - substances obtained by organic synthesis, as well as semi-synthetic in the form of a mixture of mineral and synthetic components.

The category of oils obtained from natural raw materials by the method of hydrocracking synthesis, marked with the abbreviation HC (from the English Hydro Craking Synthese), stands somewhat apart. Hydrocracking oils are also classified as synthetic products due to a number of similar consumer properties.

Viscosity SAE definition

There are many classifications of motor oils, but the most widely used in the world is the international SAE classification, which is based on the viscosity criterion. Viscosity (fluidity) parameters are denoted by the letter W (from the English winter - winter) with the addition of digital indices that can be placed before the letter W, behind it or on both sides of it.

The digital index after W is an indicator of the kinematic viscosity (fluidity) of the oil with a fully warmed up engine. It indicates the maximum temperature regime in which it is allowed to operate the oil until the properties are lost, which make it possible to ensure the normal operation of the engine and prevent it from overheating.

The digital index in front of W is an indicator of the dynamic viscosity (fluidity) of the oil in an unstarted engine at a negative ambient temperature. It indicates at what minimum temperature below zero the oil pump is able to ensure the normal pumping of oil into the lubrication channels.

According to SAE, according to the degree of viscosity, oils are divided into summer, winter and all-weather.

Currently, winter and summer oils are used less and less, giving priority to all-weather products - more versatile, with the ability to operate both in winter and in summer. All-weather oils have a digital index both before and after the letter W. These are, for example, products 0W30, 0W40, 5W40, 10W40, etc.

The choice of 0W40 and 5W40 - application nuances

In most regions of Russia, characterized by a climate with high summer and fairly low winter temperatures, owners of modern cars (especially foreign cars) with high-speed gasoline-injection and diesel internal combustion engines are recommended to use multigrade synthetic engine oil of two main brands: SAE 0W40 and SAE 5W40.

In many ways, both of these products are similar in technical terms.parameters, characterized by the possibility of application in a wide temperature range. However, there are also certain differences.

So, in both cases, the “right” digital index “40” indicates that the working properties of the oil will not deteriorate during engine operation, even when the engine is very hot, that is, under extreme loads in a hot state.

As for the “left” index (“0” and “5”, respectively), they mean that the threshold of sub-zero temperatures at which the oil pump will cope with its functions and ensure easy start of a cold engine, for the SAE 0W40 brand, ranges from - 35 to -40°C, and for SAE 5W40 from -25 to -30°C. Thus, it is quite obvious that for winters with severe frosts it is still preferable in comparison with SAE 5W40.


In the conditions of the Far North, such a product is especially relevant, for an easier start-up and quick entry into all internal combustion engine nodes.

Can it be mixed?

It is theoretically permissible to add 0W40 oil to 5W40 oil due to the identity of the synthetic base. However, only theoretically, and even then only if we are talking about products of a single brand. Oil bases from different manufacturers, although being essentially synthetic, may still differ somewhat in chemical composition, and it is far from certain that such differences will be mutually compatible. This equally applies to the additives used, which can differ in oils of these viscosities, which, by the way, can also differ in oils of the same brand. That is why it is better not to experiment with mixing, always having a couple of liters of "native" oil with you. Otherwise, incompatible additives may precipitate and cause carbon deposits and deposits on parts, which will significantly reduce protection against wear and destruction.
If an emergency situation arose when you can’t do without topping up, and there is no “native” product - well, top up, because there is no other way out, and oil starvation is not the best way to provide the engine with an ideal film.

You can add a liter to 3-4 m liters, this is a small error, but if the question is about half, then you should not risk it.
However, keep in mind that, upon reaching the place of its permanent “residence”, the oil is recommended to be replaced with fresh oil immediately, and it would be desirable to use a quick flush.

There is probably no better lubricant for riding in tough conditions than 0w40. Her performance is fully consistent with the tasks that she performs. Before pouring this engine oil into your own car, you should at least familiarize yourself with the pros and cons of various oil fluids. This will make it possible to correctly apply lubricants, to correctly select the optimal car oil. It should be borne in mind that today the stores sell products of many different brands, in which it is difficult not to get confused.

Synthetics

Synthetic oil is produced by an artificial method, mixing the main fluid and additive substances. The creation of this category of motor oils is due to the fact that the operating conditions of the motor sometimes change. After turning off the engine, it cools down, and after starting it heats up.

When driving, the engine operates in various modes. The temperature, friction speed of the contacting parts and many other parameters change. In view of this, it became necessary to produce an oil that has technical characteristics that do not change due to various factors. At a certain stage in the automotive industry, manufacturers thought about the stability of lubricant performance and its effective use in any conditions.


Viscosity comparison between synthetic and mineral oil

The mineral water was unable to ensure the invariance of properties due to its own limitations, therefore, scientists have developed synthetics that, according to their own parameters, are optimally suited for long-term use. The advantages of synthetic motor oil include:

  • stable base fluid. Synthetics are made from a base that is resistant to external influences. It has no unstable components. In view of this, parts of the engine have excellent protection, the oil does not change its characteristics for a long time, both in winter and in summer;
  • small amount of additives. Synthetics do not need a large number of additives, because the base plays the main role. The more base fluid in the oil, the longer it will last;
  • long life of additives. Synthetic grease is resistant to oxygen, therefore, additive substances “live” for a long time;
  • stability under high temperature conditions. Lubrication performs its own task even at high speeds;
  • reduction in heat generation. Parts of the engine heat up less, therefore, it will work longer;
  • strong oil film. Allows lubrication to protect engine parts as much as possible by forming a film on contacting parts;
  • simplification of starting the engine in the winter season;
  • cleaning the engine from dirt and soot;
  • excellent flow properties in cold conditions.

Engine oils 0w40They are all-weather synthetics, which are recommended to be filled in in winter. However, they perfectly protect the engine in the summer season.

Indicators and marking 0w40

If you want to know what the decoding of 0w40 is, you need to understand its markings. In accordance with the SAE world classification, all lubricants are divided into:

  • winter. They are marked according to SAE with the letter "w". Motor oils of this category are optimal for use in the winter season; they lubricate the internal parts of the engine well;
  • summer. Marked according to SAE number. Optimal for use in summer;
  • all-weather. The best option. They do not need to be drained from the engine when winter/summer has arrived, meaning they are suitable for any season.


It must be remembered that the lower the SAE viscosity index, the thinner the lubricant. Thick motor oils are effective in hot weather, liquid oils in frosty weather. 0w40 oil has "0w" and "40" in the SAE marking. This means that it is all-weather, it can be added to the engine both in summer and in winter. The numbers "0" and "40" indicate low and high temperature viscosity. The temperature limits are:

  • in winter - from minus thirty-five to minus forty;
  • in summer - from plus thirty-five to plus forty.

It becomes obvious that driving 0w40 in summer is possible, but not very rational. It is better to use it in winter.

The main advantages of 0w40 lubricant:

  • fully meets the requirements of most automakers;
  • has excellent performance indicators;
  • makes it easier to start the engine in cold weather;
  • saves fuel, as it is an excellent lubricant;
  • well protects the internal combustion engine, this makes it possible to reduce the wear of its components;
  • cleans the power unit from soot.

Despite the fact that this car oil has high performance indicators, before using it, it is advisable to consult with specialists in the repair and maintenance of cars, and familiarize yourself with the technical documents that came with your car.

Comparison with other oils

5w30

Some drivers do not understand which oil is better: 5w30 or 0w40, is it possible to mix them, what is the difference between them. 5w30 oil has the following temperature limits:

  • maximum - plus twenty-five degrees.

It can be seen that the difference with 0w40 is in a smaller temperature range. Therefore, it is better to buy 0w40 if you live in a very cold/hot area. If you mix lubricants, nothing bad will happen.

5w40

5w40 oil is a semi-synthetic that has almost the same viscosity as 0w40, as evidenced by the temperature limits:

  • minimum - minus thirty degrees;
  • maximum - plus thirty-five degrees.

If we compare 5w40 with 0w40, then the latter is better, as it can be used at a lower temperature. Many motorists do not understand whether these two oils can be mixed. This is not recommended unless otherwise stated in the manufacturer's instructions.

0w20

Car oil 0w20 is completely unsuitable for hot summer conditions, unlike 0w40, because it has the following temperature limits:

  • lower - minus thirty-five degrees;
  • top - plus fifteen degrees.

In the summer in Russia, you can’t ride on such a lubricant, because it does not have sufficient high-temperature viscosity. Mixing with 0w40 is not recommended.

0w30

It is possible to drive on 0w30 oil in a not too hot summer. It differs from 0w40 in that its upper temperature limit is plus twenty-five (ten degrees difference), that is, it has a lower high-temperature viscosity. Mixing with 0w40 is possible, but it's best not to.

5w50

5w50 is commonly used in professional motorsports. It can properly perform its own task even at a temperature of plus forty-five. The difference with the "magpie" lies in the high-temperature viscosity. This lubricant has it higher. However, it is wrong to make comparisons like “5w50 vs 0w40”, since these oils are used in different areas. The first is optimal for racing cars, the second - for ordinary cars with a gasoline / diesel engine.

Summing up, we can understand that the Sorokovka is an excellent choice for city driving in Russian conditions. It is known that in Russia there can be extreme heat in summer, and severe cold in winter. 0w40 is intended just for such climatic conditions. Using it in a milder climate will not be very rational; it is better to fill in a different car oil, for example, 0w20.



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