SAE grades or ACEA grades are there for a good reason which is to maintain best performance. Not following recommendation affects performance on both long and short term.
Using different grades of engine oil different from the manufacturer’s recommendation can significantly impact wear and friction inside the engine. A higher viscosity oil than required may not flow efficiently through narrow oil passages, especially in modern engines with tight tolerances. This reduced flow can leave critical components under-lubricated, increasing metal-on-metal contact and accelerating wear.
On the other hand, a lower viscosity oil than recommended may fail to create a strong protective film between moving parts. Under high loads or extreme temperatures, the engine oil can thin out too much, reducing its ability to prevent bearing and cylinder wall damage. Over time, improper lubrication leads to excessive engine wear and costly repairs.
Cold starts are when an engine experiences the most stress, as engine oil is thickest when the temperature is low. If the engine oil is too thick, it takes longer to reach
valvetrain components, bearings, and cylinder walls, increasing wear during startup. High-viscosity oil may also struggle to reach turbocharger bearings, potentially leading to oil starvation and failure in turbocharged engines.
Conversely, a lower viscosity oil may flow quickly but might not provide adequate cushioning for high-pressure components. This can result in increased camshaft and piston ring wear, especially in high-performance or heavy-duty applications. Cold weather performance is highly dependent on oil viscosity, making the right engine oil grades essential for long-term engine durability.
Engines are designed to operate with specific engine oil viscosity to minimize internal resistance and pumping losses. Using a thicker oil than recommended forces the engine to work harder to pump and circulate the oil, leading to higher fuel consumption. Increased drag from excess viscosity affects overall efficiency, especially in vehicles designed for low-friction, fuel-saving technologies.
A thinner oil may reduce resistance, but it could also lead to poor sealing between piston rings and cylinder walls. Incomplete sealing allows blow-by gases to escape, reducing engine compression and overall efficiency. The wrong engine oil grades can disrupt the balance between lubrication, cooling, and fuel economy, negatively affecting both performance and longevity.
Engine damage due to change is not immediate, for some time you will not see any difference. Clear effect will start to appear later on things like fuel consumption, or engine torque.
Using the wrong engine oil viscosity grades can create serious oil pressure imbalances, affecting engine performance and durability.
Engines with variable valve timing (VVT) systems rely on precise oil pressure to adjust camshaft timing. Using the wrong viscosity can interfere with VVT solenoid operation, leading to rough idling, poor acceleration, and reduced efficiency.
Oil viscosity plays a crucial role in maintaining engine cleanliness. The wrong engine oil grades can lead to increased sludge formation and carbon buildup, which restricts oil flow and reduces efficiency.
Engines with turbochargers are particularly vulnerable to oil deposits. The wrong viscosity grade can lead to oil coking in the turbo bearings, reducing efficiency and potentially causing turbo failure over time.
Oil serves as both a lubricant and a coolant, helping to dissipate heat generated by combustion and friction. Using the incorrect viscosity can compromise temperature regulation, leading to overheating and long-term engine damage.
Engines designed for specific oil grades depend on proper heat dissipation to prevent gasket failures, piston scoring, and premature wear of metal surfaces. Long-term use of the wrong viscosity increases the likelihood of oil breakdown, leading to higher maintenance costs and potential engine failure.
You can use 5w-30 instead of 5w-20 without damage in some cases:
Understanding different grades of engine oil is crucial to keep your car engine running smoothly. Choosing the right engine oil grade, like 5W-20 or 5W-30, affects how your engine works. Using the wrong engine oil grade impacts engine performance. Check manufacturer's recommendation to find the best engine oil for your vehicle.
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