What is the difference between 10w40,sae30, and 20w50 engine oil? how do i know which to use in my car?

want to change the oilWhat is the difference between 10w40,sae30, and 20w50 engine oil? how do i know which to use in my car?
Simply put, the 10 means it will flow more easily and the 30 or 40 is the thickness factor. SAE 30 stays pretty much the same all the time. Of course, the temperature affects viscosity as well. You didn't say what kind of car or engine or how many miles, but just to guess, the majority of vehicles use 10w30 where the temperature stays freezing or above and 5w30 where it is colder. Some newer model Ford products use 5w20. If it says on the oil filler cap or in your owner's manual, use that.


I always recommend looking into synthetic oil and a good quality filter. It lubricates better in all temperatures, reduces friction, improves fuel efficiency and helps your engine inside by cleaning it out. See the link below for more informationWhat is the difference between 10w40,sae30, and 20w50 engine oil? how do i know which to use in my car?
it,s the weight of the oil. like take 10w30 and 10w40, the 10w40 is a little bit heavier oil. all i can tell you is i use 10w30 all year long. it also depends on what car you have and the condition of the weather your driving in. if it,s very hot where you live then use a heavier oil so it won,t break down in the hot weather.
they are all different grades of oil. 10w40 is mostly used in trucks but also some cars, 20w50 is more of a motorcycle oil. and sea 30 or 5w30 is a more common oil for cars . . . another common oil for cars would be 5w20. If you look at your oil cap on the engine it may tell you what type of oil you need.
Most new cars require 5w20 or 5w30 oil,these are both very light or thin oils which are great for gas mileage.Older cars with high mileage and are burning oil can do better with higher viscosity oils.Lawn mowers usually always require a 30w oil as they get hotter and need a constant viscosity oil.
The difference is the viscosity. The required type is usually printed on the oil filler cap. Some cars require 5w30, some use 10w30, and still others, like mine, require synthetic.
The viscosity of the oil is different. You should always use what is printed on the oil filler cap or what is in your owner's manual.