What's the downside to using 0W-30 vs 5W-30?

Pennzoil motor oil
M

mojoe

Joined
May 29, 2025
Messages
439
Location
Greenville S.C.
I know there are a gazillion similar threads, but after going through a bunch of them this morning, I don't see this specific question addressed directly. I understand (I think) that the basic difference is that 0W is better for cranking at lower temps found in colder locales. My specific question is

Is there any downside for me using Amsoil Signature Series 0W-30 vs. Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30 in my 2003 2.4L Camry? What exactly is the trade-off, if any?
 
In SC I wonder if even 5W is required. But 0W does allow a weak battery to last a pinch longer (personal experience). No idea about the question, though, sorry. But are you planning on running 10k+ OCI's or changing every 5k?

I'd be more worried about a 2.4 pulling head bolts. Make sure to flush the coolant and keep on top of that.
 
mojoe said:
I know there are a gazillion similar threads, but after going through a bunch of them this morning, I don't see this specific question addressed directly. I understand (I think) that the basic difference is that 0W is better for cranking at lower temps found in colder locales. My specific question is

Is there any downside for me using Amsoil Signature Series 0W-30 vs. Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30 in my 2003 2.4L Camry? What exactly is the trade-off, if any?
Click to expand...
No.

A few threads which might be helpful in dispelling the common misunderstanding of what the winter rating means, and what it does not mean, and when:

F

Thread 'AMSOIL Signature Series 0w30'

I was wondering if 0-30 oil is good for any car and truck that requires a 5-30 or a 10-30 weight oil then why do oil company's like Amsoil even bother to make a 5-30 or 10-30?
U

Thread '0W vs 5W - benifical differences ?'

Is there any substantial difference running 0W vs 5W, bearing the 0W will flow better upon intial start up ?

I've got some bottle of GC and Redline 5W30. Winter out here in NYC averages around 28F. Will I see any real world benefical differences by running a thinner oil ?

The oil in my car (brand new) was changed out at 3200 miles and I'm planning to do another soon. It was changed out with Redline 5W30 and I was planning to do another change with Redline and then get start a used oil analysis off that change, come spring.

I may go with GC if it will *benefit* my engine since it will...
M

Thread '0w30 vs 5w30'

0w30 always seems to have better specs on paper but is 5w30 a better oil to run cause of less viscosity additives?
Oil will be ran in direct injection turbo engine and both 0w and 5w are approved. Vehicle is driven all year in Michigan
J

Thread 'What's the advantage of 5W & 10W over 0W?'

It's been quite awhile since I've been on this site and even longer since I posted. I got the "oil bug" tonight and I'm trying to learn. I've done a search on this site for the answer to my question and I'm frankly shocked that I didn't find a thread covering it. Maybe I didn't do the proper search procedure?

Anyhow, my simple question is this: what is the advantage of using an oil weight beginning with 5W, 10W, or 15W, over a weight oil beginning with 0W? I do understand that, for example, there are more additives needed to make a 0W30 oil than a 5W30 oil, and those oils with a "bigger...
T

Thread '5W oil vs 0W oil - How much more wear in real life conditions?'

I have 2011 BMW 335is. It seems my Castrol LL1 0W-40 A3/B4 oil is being phased out here in Canada. I'm a spec guy so I like to fllow manual recommendations and manual says LL01 so this limits me in terms of oil selection. The only oil at local auto stores left is the Pennzoil Euro ultra platinum 5W-40. I'm happy to try that I just wanted to ask to you folks how much "wear" am I adding in getting a 5W compared to 0W in winter temps? My winter averages are around -20c (-4F), sometimes on cold morning it can rarely be -30c (-22f). It's my understanding that is still somewhat OK for a 5W oil...
T

Thread 'Benefits of 0W'

Been researching oil for a few months now, starting to get the terminology etc.

I am trying to understand if there are any drawbacks to using a 0W oil if climate isn’t really a factor (I am in Florida where it’s almost always above 40°F).

My understanding is that 0W..
  1. Better for cold starts (irrespective of ambient air temperature)
  2. Better for cold climates (offers “better” protection for ambient temps -40°F to -13°F (-40°C to -25°C))
  3. More fuel efficient (for both cold starts or cold climates, irrespective of operating temperature viscosity)
Can the claims above be...
  • Like
  • Wow
S

Thread '5W or 0W for the Winter months?'

The Winter months are almost hear. Winter oil changes are upon me. My question is for my kids autos whom are at college.

First we live in the armpit of Texas/Oklahoma so the winter months are not drastically brutality cold. But there are times when the temps drop below zero for weeks at a time.

The wife's & I autos are garage kept (38-45*F) during the winter months. Only exposed to the cold while at work 8-15 hours at a time. They both are filled with 5W year round.

My question is for my kids autos 2012 Ford Edge 3.5L V6 / 2008 F150 5.4L 3V w/257K miles on her. Both these autos are...
R

Thread 'Mobil 1 0W30 or 5W30 dilema'

I have a Nissan Altima and Frontier, both with the 2.5L engine. I am looking at the Mobil 1 0W30afe and 5W30 for my oil. I want an oil to use year round and want the best oil for immediate start up flow, especially in winter. The lowest temperature I see is around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. I can not find any real information about whether the 0W30 would flow faster in the low temperatures I get versus the 5W30. I see both weights are very close at 40 and 100 degrees celsius. I can find no real reliable information for temperatures such as 32 degrees or even 0 degrees Fahrenheit in relation to...
fisher83

Thread '5w30 vs 0w30'

Can someone explain to me what the major difference is between the two? If I understand correctly the 0w30 is thinner at startup. Is this right? Also if a vehicle specs 5w30 is there any benefit (or detriment) to using a 0w30?
 
kschachn said:
No.

A few threads which might be helpful in dispelling the common misunderstanding of what the winter rating means, and what it does not mean, and when:

F

Thread 'AMSOIL Signature Series 0w30'

I was wondering if 0-30 oil is good for any car and truck that requires a 5-30 or a 10-30 weight oil then why do oil company's like Amsoil even bother to make a 5-30 or 10-30?
U

Thread '0W vs 5W - benifical differences ?'

Is there any substantial difference running 0W vs 5W, bearing the 0W will flow better upon intial start up ?

I've got some bottle of GC and Redline 5W30. Winter out here in NYC averages around 28F. Will I see any real world benefical differences by running a thinner oil ?

The oil in my car (brand new) was changed out at 3200 miles and I'm planning to do another soon. It was changed out with Redline 5W30 and I was planning to do another change with Redline and then get start a used oil analysis off that change, come spring.

I may go with GC if it will *benefit* my engine since it will...
M

Thread '0w30 vs 5w30'

0w30 always seems to have better specs on paper but is 5w30 a better oil to run cause of less viscosity additives?
Oil will be ran in direct injection turbo engine and both 0w and 5w are approved. Vehicle is driven all year in Michigan
J

Thread 'What's the advantage of 5W & 10W over 0W?'

It's been quite awhile since I've been on this site and even longer since I posted. I got the "oil bug" tonight and I'm trying to learn. I've done a search on this site for the answer to my question and I'm frankly shocked that I didn't find a thread covering it. Maybe I didn't do the proper search procedure?

Anyhow, my simple question is this: what is the advantage of using an oil weight beginning with 5W, 10W, or 15W, over a weight oil beginning with 0W? I do understand that, for example, there are more additives needed to make a 0W30 oil than a 5W30 oil, and those oils with a "bigger...
T

Thread '5W oil vs 0W oil - How much more wear in real life conditions?'

I have 2011 BMW 335is. It seems my Castrol LL1 0W-40 A3/B4 oil is being phased out here in Canada. I'm a spec guy so I like to fllow manual recommendations and manual says LL01 so this limits me in terms of oil selection. The only oil at local auto stores left is the Pennzoil Euro ultra platinum 5W-40. I'm happy to try that I just wanted to ask to you folks how much "wear" am I adding in getting a 5W compared to 0W in winter temps? My winter averages are around -20c (-4F), sometimes on cold morning it can rarely be -30c (-22f). It's my understanding that is still somewhat OK for a 5W oil...
T

Thread 'Benefits of 0W'

Been researching oil for a few months now, starting to get the terminology etc.

I am trying to understand if there are any drawbacks to using a 0W oil if climate isn’t really a factor (I am in Florida where it’s almost always above 40°F).

My understanding is that 0W..
  1. Better for cold starts (irrespective of ambient air temperature)
  2. Better for cold climates (offers “better” protection for ambient temps -40°F to -13°F (-40°C to -25°C))
  3. More fuel efficient (for both cold starts or cold climates, irrespective of operating temperature viscosity)
Can the claims above be...
  • Like
  • Wow
S

Thread '5W or 0W for the Winter months?'

The Winter months are almost hear. Winter oil changes are upon me. My question is for my kids autos whom are at college.

First we live in the armpit of Texas/Oklahoma so the winter months are not drastically brutality cold. But there are times when the temps drop below zero for weeks at a time.

The wife's & I autos are garage kept (38-45*F) during the winter months. Only exposed to the cold while at work 8-15 hours at a time. They both are filled with 5W year round.

My question is for my kids autos 2012 Ford Edge 3.5L V6 / 2008 F150 5.4L 3V w/257K miles on her. Both these autos are...
R

Thread 'Mobil 1 0W30 or 5W30 dilema'

I have a Nissan Altima and Frontier, both with the 2.5L engine. I am looking at the Mobil 1 0W30afe and 5W30 for my oil. I want an oil to use year round and want the best oil for immediate start up flow, especially in winter. The lowest temperature I see is around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. I can not find any real information about whether the 0W30 would flow faster in the low temperatures I get versus the 5W30. I see both weights are very close at 40 and 100 degrees celsius. I can find no real reliable information for temperatures such as 32 degrees or even 0 degrees Fahrenheit in relation to...
fisher83

Thread '5w30 vs 0w30'

Can someone explain to me what the major difference is between the two? If I understand correctly the 0w30 is thinner at startup. Is this right? Also if a vehicle specs 5w30 is there any benefit (or detriment) to using a 0w30?
Click to expand...
Thank you!
 
Fabulous50s said:
What temperatures will the car see?

Often a 0W-XX oil will shear down faster due to more VII used. So a 5W-XX oil can last longer, but that isn't a rule, and different engine designs shear oil faster than others.
Click to expand...
ironically, even this shear aspect is often untrue. There are cases where the 0w-30 will outperform the 5w-30 in shear stability. This is because the higher VI base stocks are so naturally shear stable and have higher VIs such that you don't necessarily have an oil chocked full of VI just because it's a 0w-30.
 
Hohn said:
ironically, even this shear aspect is often untrue. There are cases where the 0w-30 will outperform the 5w-30 in shear stability. This is because the higher VI base stocks are so naturally shear stable and have higher VIs such that you don't necessarily have an oil chocked full of VI just because it's a 0w-30.
Click to expand...
Yep, and the narrower Winter grade oils can be blended cheaper, using cheaper bases.
 
At operating temperatures, they are both -30 weight oils. Down to -22º F (which you'll never see in SC), they're both effectively the same at cold temperatures.

Buy whichever is less $$$ or more readily available.
 
...and there is Mobil 1 ESP 0w30 that is thicker than most 5w30's at operating temperature, and I haven't seen any reliable reports of the ESP 0w30 shearing such that it would be considered "more than" most 5w30's.
 
mojoe said:
Is there any downside for me using Amsoil Signature Series 0W-30 vs. Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30 in my 2003 2.4L Camry? What exactly is the trade-off, if any?
Click to expand...
No, there is no downside nor trade-off.
Those are mostly the same oil. However, the 5W-30 has lower Noack on paper (6.7 vs 8.8 for 0W-30). In this case I would choose the lower Noack.

From the top the oil properties are:
KV at 100°C
KV at 40°C
Viscosity index
CCS
Flash point
Fire point
Pour point
Noack
HTHS at 150°C
TBN
IMG_1793.webp
 
Last edited:
Japanese said:
No, there is no downside nor trade-off.
Those are mostly the same oil. However, the 5W-30 has lower Noack on paper (6.7 vs 8.8 for 0W-30). In this case I would choose the lower Noack.

From the top the oil properties are:
KV at 100°C
KV at 40°C
Viscosity index
CCS
Flash point
Fire point
Pour point
Noack
HTHS at 150°C
TBN
View attachment 339993
Click to expand...

Yes, I noticed the Noack difference. So a little background: I'm still a newbie on here and still learning. I bought the 0W-30 a while back under the impression that if 5W-30 was good, 0W-30 is even better, with the real difference being better cranking in colder/lower temps with the 0W. While that wasn't wrong, I realize now, thanks to time spent here, there's more to it. While I am perfectly fine using 0W-30, 5W-30 may be more "optimal" (that's what Amsoil said), and that's probably what I'll go back with. I really appreciate the opinions and advice from all of you here, all of whom are more knowledgeable than me.
 
mojoe said:
Yes, I noticed the Noack difference. So a little background: I'm still a newbie on here and still learning. I bought the 0W-30 a while back under the impression that if 5W-30 was good, 0W-30 is even better, with the real difference being better cranking in colder/lower temps with the 0W. While that wasn't wrong, I realize now, thanks to time spent here, there's more to it. While I am perfectly fine using 0W-30, 5W-30 may be more "optimal" (that's what Amsoil said), and that's probably what I'll go back with. I really appreciate the opinions and advice from all of you here, all of whom are more knowledgeable than me.
Click to expand...
Below -30 or so. Above that there is no guarantee.
 
mojoe said:
Yes, I noticed the Noack difference. So a little background: I'm still a newbie on here and still learning. I bought the 0W-30 a while back under the impression that if 5W-30 was good, 0W-30 is even better, with the real difference being better cranking in colder/lower temps with the 0W. While that wasn't wrong, I realize now, thanks to time spent here, there's more to it. While I am perfectly fine using 0W-30, 5W-30 may be more "optimal" (that's what Amsoil said), and that's probably what I'll go back with. I really appreciate the opinions and advice from all of you here, all of whom are more knowledgeable than me.
Click to expand...
In this case, when an oil line such as Amsoil’s Signature Series isn’t cheapened for the narrower grades, I’d go with the 5w-30 for the improved volatility, but either are superb oils and it’s not like the 0w-30 is lacking anything here.

Bench racing them on the product specs sheet isn’t necessary applicable to most real world scenarios, but to be honest I recently bought some of their 5w-30 for next time musing over the Noack numbers too. 😅

More for curiosity sake than anything. ;)

Ironically, per the info @Japanese posted, it appears the 5w-30 outperforms the 5w-20 for the cranking test (ccs). Who knew? 🤷‍♂️
 
kschachn said:
The winter rating isn't directly related to the operating viscosity. Or at least it doesn't have to be.
Click to expand...
True. Just the nature of reading a label at face value and not understanding what each of the numbers represent. You can have a 0w-40 crank easier and be better “winter” performing than a 5w-20 conventional and it be drastically different rather then a small difference. That simply goes back obviously to a whole misunderstanding of the “winter” rating, but can include the base oil differences in the formulation of the two speaking to the degree of difference in their characteristics.
 
ltslimjim said:
True. Just the nature of reading a label at face value and not understanding what each of the numbers represent. You can have a 0w-40 crank easier and be better “winter” performing than a 5w-20 conventional and it be drastically different. That simply goes back obviously to a whole misunderstanding of the “winter” rating.
Click to expand...
It’s highly dependent on the temperature.
 
mojoe said:
I know there are a gazillion similar threads, but after going through a bunch of them this morning, I don't see this specific question addressed directly. I understand (I think) that the basic difference is that 0W is better for cranking at lower temps found in colder locales. My specific question is

Is there any downside for me using Amsoil Signature Series 0W-30 vs. Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30 in my 2003 2.4L Camry? What exactly is the trade-off, if any?
Click to expand...
No.
 
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