0W-20 vs 5W-30 oil: what’s the difference, and can I use 5W-30 instead?
Use the oil grade your owner’s manual specifies. 0W-20 is thinner, both on a cold start and at running temperature, than 5W-30. Engines are designed around one grade, which is why the same truck can call for different oil depending on the engine.
What the numbers mean
The grades come from the SAE J300 standard. The number before the W is about cold starts: the lower it is, the more easily the oil flows when the engine is cold (0W flows more easily than 5W). The number after the dash is the thickness at normal operating temperature: a 20 is thinner than a 30. More detail in What does 0W-20 mean?
Which engines use which?
In the manuals on this site, 5W-30 is named in 791 model-year manuals and 0W-20 in 598. Newer, smaller engines tend to call for 0W-20; many trucks and turbocharged engines call for 5W-30. Examples:
- 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 5W-30 for the 2.7L and 4.3L engines, but 0W-20 for the 5.3L and 6.2L V8s.
- 2026 Ford F-150: 5W-30 for most engines, 5W-50 for the Raptor’s 5.2L.
- 2026 Honda Civic Sedan and 2024 Honda Pilot: 0W-20.
Can I use 5W-30 instead of 0W-20 (or the other way round)?
Only if your manual says so. Some manuals list an alternative grade, often for very cold climates, and many name just one. Using a different grade than specified can affect fuel economy, protection on cold starts and, in some cases, warranty coverage. Topping up with a different grade in an emergency is better than running low, but switch back at the next oil change. Find your car in Oil capacity by vehicle, which links to each oil type page.
Motor oil
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