0w30 vs 0w40

The Internal Combustion Engine of a vehicle needs efficient lubrication and friction control to maintain its wear and tear. You will come across many engine types, and to suit them, various types of motor oils are available in the market. But viscosity is the factor that decides whether an engine oil is suitable for a vehicle or not, based on temperature and other such features.

Keeping that in mind, 0w40 and 0w30 are the best picks under the category of engine oils. Let’s check out their specifications in detail.

0w30 vs 0w40

0w30 and 0w40 are suitable motor oils for most vehicles. And with this flexible and reliable compatibility, the dilemma of what to choose arises very frequently. Therefore, you need to understand the viscosity, thickness, weight, and other essential attributes of both oils to make a firm decision.

And, to help you out with this, this 0w30 vs. 0w40 article will give you a clear idea of their efficacies.

0w30 Specifications

0w30 is full synthetic blend engine oil with the ideal composition to implement high-end engine protection on priority. In addition to engine protection, fuel economy enhancement is also an important perk of 0w30 motor oil.

Furthermore, on utilization of 0w30 motor oil, your engine gets the protection and lubrication for the next 10,000 miles. This is because 0w30 complements all the industrial standards and proves itself to be the best synthetic and conventional blend oil.

All the high-performance vehicles and modern engines can use 0w30 as their primary option of engine oil. It is solely due to its optimal viscosity at both low and high operating temperatures.

Considering the numbers mentioned in the oil, 0 specifies its viscosity at the low end of temperature. In contrast, the number 30 indicates this oil’s viscosity at the high end of the operating temperature. Therefore, irrespective of the season or climate in which the vehicle is operating, this oil efficiently creates a lubricating layer over the engine components.

In addition, this motor oil is a successful blend of synthetic base stocks and balanced additives. And the composition and formulation of this oil make it less viscous at both temperature ends.

Engine efficiency and fuel economy are the prime targets of manufacturers while formulating this oil. And when the implementation is considered, top automobile manufacturers of light-duty vehicles and passenger cars recommend its use.

Also, this oil has the feature to clean the sludge build-up within the engine while lubricating the components. All the gasoline, turbocharged, and supercharged SUVs, light vans, light trucks, and passenger cars can use 0w30 motor oil. Moreover, the multi-valve FI engines are also compatible to run upon 0w30 for wear & tear protection.

0w40 Specifications

0w40, on the other hand, is yet another efficient engine oil, especially for diesel and gasoline engines. But, it would be best if you kept in mind that the diesel engines should not have DPFs or Diesel Particulate Filters in them.

Else, it will suppress the potential of this engine oil. This oil’s lubricating power and engine protection attributes are exceptional and suitable to help stabilize the vehicle’s performance in almost all conditions.

In addition, 0w40 is also a proprietary and ideal blend of synthetic stocks and balanced additive components. Therefore, it has the consent of OEM and other industry-grade approvals for integrating into modern and high-performance engines. Furthermore, the top brands such as BMW, Mercedes, and others consider using this oil as their factory filling oil of the vehicles.

The low-temperature capabilities promote the rapid protection attribute of this oil concerning the vehicle’s engine. Also, the cold start-up is proficient with this oil.

It means that if your vehicle is idle for quite a long time (a week) in cold regions, the oil will pump the engine to boost the initial start-up. Moreover, the frictional properties reduce the overall load upon the engine, thereby enhancing the fuel economy and offering environmental benefits.

0w30 vs 0w40

Similarities

1. Both have similar viscosities at low temperatures that are rated with’0′.
2. Both of these oils contribute to enhance fuel economy.
3. Sludge cleaning power is common in both these oils.
4. The flashpoint for both of these oils is the same at 226 degrees Celsius.

Differences

1. The high-end operating temperature viscosity for 0w30 is rated at ’30’, whereas for 0w40, it is ’40’.
2. The kinematic viscosity of 0w30 at 100 degrees Celsius is 11.5mm²/s, whereas, at 40 degrees Celsius, it is 71mm²/s for 0w40.
3. 0w30 can perform well for high temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius, whereas 0w40 can do the same for up to 40 degrees Celsius.

Major Distinguishing Factor

The operating viscosity range is what intends to be the major distinguishing factor for 0w30 and 0w40. For example, the operating viscosity range for 0w30 is 9.3 to 12.5 mm²/s, and for 0w40 it is, 12.5 to 16.2mm²/s.

When To Use 0w30?

0w30 is an ideal pick for vehicles with gasoline engines, supercharged engines, FI engines, and turbo engines. These types of engines are embedded mostly in light trucks, light vans, and some SUVs. So, check the manufacturer manual, and review the engine type in detail before using this oil.

When To Use 0w40?

0w40 is preferable for all modern vehicles with turbochargers, direct-injection engines, diesel engines without DPF, and other hybrid engines. So, if your vehicle comes under this category, then you can use it without second thoughts!

Final Verdict

0w30 and 0w40 have very subtle differences between them. You can use both these oils interchangeably upon selected compatible vehicles. However, the cost of 0w30 is slightly more in comparison with 0w40.

So, consider all the differences, and decide on the money you want to spend to pick the ideal engine oil among the two.