Oil grade comparisons
Straight, neutral comparisons of popular viscosity grades — no brand bias, no "thicker is better" myths. Each page shows the one real difference and points you back to your manual.
- 0W-16 vs 0W-20 Same cold flow, different hot thickness — follow the grade your manual specifies, not the heavier one.
- 0W-20 vs 10W-30 Different on both axes: 0W-20 flows better cold and runs thinner hot; 10W-30 is thicker hot and built for milder winters. Use your manual.
- 0W-20 vs 5W-30 Different cold flow and different hot thickness — follow the grade your manual specifies, not the heavier one.
- 10W-30 vs 10W-40 Same cold flow, different hot thickness — follow the grade your manual specifies, not the heavier one.
- 10W-40 vs 20W-50 Different on both axes: 10W-40 flows better cold and runs thinner hot; 20W-50 is much thicker hot and wants warm weather. Use your manual.
- 15W-40 vs 10W-40 Same hot grade (40); 10W flows better cold than 15W — follow your manual and climate.
- 5W-20 vs 0W-20 Same hot thickness, different cold flow — follow the grade your manual specifies for your climate.
- 5W-30 vs 10W-30 Same hot thickness, different cold flow — follow the grade your manual specifies for your climate.
- 5W-30 vs 5W-20 Same cold rating, different hot thickness. Follow the grade your manual specifies; do not pick by "thicker is safer."
- 5W-40 vs 10W-40 Same hot grade (40); 5W flows better cold than 10W — follow your manual and climate.
- 5W-40 vs 5W-30 Same cold flow, different hot thickness — follow the grade your manual specifies, not the heavier one.