5W30 and 5W40 are two popular variants of engine oils. There are many differences between the two. So let’s find out 5W30 vs 5W40.
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5w30 and 5w40 are two kinds of multi-graded engine oils. The difference between the 5w30 and the 5w40 lies in the difference in viscosity of the two oils.
As the names suggest, 5w40 has a greater viscosity than 5w30. As such, the temperature range within which they are used also differs.
Comparison Table: 5W30 vs 5W40
| Criteria | 5W30 | 5W40 |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | The viscosity grade of 5W30 at higher or warmer temperatures is 30. | The viscosity grade of 5W40 at higher or warmer temperatures is 40. |
| Thickness | 5W30 has a lower viscosity than 5w40 and so it’s thicker. | 5W40 has a higher viscosity than 5w30 and so it is thinner compared to 5w30. |
| Temperature | 5W30 can operate smoothly within the range of -30°c to 30°c. | 5W40 can operate smoothly within the range of -25°c and 35°c. |
| Price | 5W30 is more expensive compared to 5w40. | 5W40 is less expensive compared to 5W30. |
| Availability | 5W30 is one of the most common and widely used engine oil. It is readily available. | 5W-40 is not so readily available as 5w30. |
| Operating Viscosity | The operating viscosity of 5W30 is 12.5 to 9.3 mm²/sec at 100gm | The operating viscosity of 5W40 is 12.5 to 16.3 mm²/sec at 100gm |
About 5W30
Motor oils are rated based on their viscosity, resistance to flow, ideal temperature among other criteria. Both 5W30 and 5W40 are synthetic engine oils that can perform well under a wide range of temperatures while still protecting the engine. 5W30 oil is mainly used in low-duty petrol and diesel vehicles.
The numbers 5 and 30 of the name are indicative of the viscosity of the oil, while the “W” stands for winter. The number preceding the “W” indicates the oil‘s viscosity at low temperatures. Therefore, 5W30 has a viscosity grade of 5 at low temperatures and that of 30 at high temperatures.
This oil can function at temperatures as low as -30°c and as high as 30°c. This oil is particularly suitable for use in colder climates. This oil also has the ability to function in different types of engines making it very versatile.
The low-shear-rate viscosity of 5W30 is from 9.3 to 12.5 mm²/sec at 100g. And the high-shear-rate viscosity of 5W30 is 2.9mm/sec at 150 gm in the least. This is one of the more common motor oils available and it is widely used for its versatile nature.
About 5W40
Like the 5W30 counterpart, 5W40 is also a multi-grade engine oil. With this oil, the viscosity grade during winter remains winter but the viscosity grade for summer changes to a higher grade of 40.
With these oils, the lower the viscosity grade during winter, the better, and the higher it is during summer, the better. In that respect, the 5W40 works better in summer than 5W30.
What is required from engine oil during winter is to protect the engine, and the thicker the oil the better it will be at protecting the engine but the oil should be light enough to flow during winter months for better starting of a car.
5W40 is optimum in both respects. It also has increased life due to improved antioxidant properties which makes it cost-efficient.
It does need to be replaced as often. The high-shear-rate viscosity of 5W40 is a minimum of 3.5 mm²/sec at 150 gm which is higher than 5W30. 5W40 can function within a temperate range of -25°c and 35°c. This oil is manufactured such that it protects the engine in both extreme temperatures.
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Difference Between 5W30 and 5W40
Definition
5W30 and 5W40 are both synthetic engine oils. They both have the same viscosity grade of 5 at low temperatures. However, the viscosity grade of 5W30 at higher or warmer temperatures is 30 and that of 5e40 is 40.
Thickness
The thickness of engine oils depends on the viscosity. Thickness is actually inversely proportional to viscosity. 5W30 has a lower viscosity than 5W40 and so it’s thicker. 5W40 has a higher viscosity than 5W30 and so it is thinner compared to 5W30. However, this is the reason why 5W40 has better fuel consumption.
Temperature
An important aspect of engine oil is how it performs in polar extremes of temperature. 5W30 can operate smoothly within the range of -30°c to 30°c. Whereas, 5W40 can operate smoothly within the range of -25°c and 35°c.
Price
Due to its versatile nature, 5W30 is more expensive than 5W40.
Availability
5W30 is one of the most common and widely used engine oil. It is readily available. 5W40 is not so readily available as 5W30.
Operating viscosity
The operating viscosity of 5W30 is 12.5 to 9.3 mm²/sec at 100gm. The operating viscosity of 5W40 is 12.5 to 16.3 mm²/sec at 100 gm.
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Summary
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Naomi is an educator with 2 decades of experience working with children of all ages. She is a keen observer of the magic and importance of Maths in our daily lives. Follow me on Linkedin