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.
What comparison pages are good for
These 11 comparisons cover 9 grades now in the content set. They explain whether the pair differs by cold-start rating, hot thickness, or both; they do not replace the grade and specification printed in the manual.
- 0W-16 vs 0W-20 Same SAE winter category, different hot categories — follow the exact grade your manual specifies.
- 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 SAE winter category, different hot categories — follow the exact grade your manual specifies.
- 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 SAE hot category, different winter categories — follow your manual and climate limits.
- 5W-20 vs 0W-20 Same SAE hot category, different winter categories — follow the exact grade your manual specifies.
- 5W-30 vs 10W-30 Same SAE hot category, different winter categories — follow the exact grade your manual specifies.
- 5W-30 vs 5W-20 Same SAE winter category, different hot categories. Follow the exact grade your manual specifies.
- 5W-40 vs 10W-40 Same SAE hot category, different winter categories — follow your manual and climate limits.
- 5W-40 vs 5W-30 Same SAE winter category, different hot categories — follow the exact grade your manual specifies.