Cleaning difference between 5W-30 and 5W-20

[SpeedyG75VW]

I've noticed that for example both M1 and Pennzoil both advertise their cleaning ability of their oils but in the fine print they both say they use only 5w30 for the test. Is there a difference between the 5w30 and 5W-20 or other grades in regards to the cleaning ability? Reason I ask is that when looking at the product data sheets, it seems like most oil manufacturers have 5w30 as their "best" grade going off purely spec sheet numbers. Noticed this for Valvoline and Quaker State too....not just M1 and Pennzoil.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

Probably just due to the sheer numbers of cars that spec 5w30 presently.

 

[volk06]

No, they usually have the same additive packages. Reason why they use 5w30 is because that is what the testing standard oil weight is as it use to be the "universal" oil for cars. The testing procedures call for a 5w30 to keep the criteria the same across the board.

 

[chubbs1]

Originally Posted By: volk06
No, they usually have the same additive packages. Reason why they use 5w30 is because that is what the testing standard oil weight is as it use to be the "universal" oil for cars. The testing procedures call for a 5w30 to keep the criteria the same across the board.


+1

And 5w30 does not (in general) have better specs than 5w20, better stock is usually necessary to make 5w20. especially conventional.