What are the benefits of using 20W-50 motor oil
Engine oil is divided into different grades based on its thickness or viscosity.
This viscosity is variable, depending on the temperature outside and therefore, each grade has two levels of viscosity meant to indicate the thickness level of the oil in hot and cold temperatures respectively. 20W-50 grade oil is therefore a high viscosity oil.
This sort of thick oil provides a lot of cushioning when it flows in the engine and prevents metal-on-metal contact.
This reduces the friction between moving parts and thus protects the engine from wear. Furthermore, since this oil is quite thick, it is also a very effective sealant, as compared to thinner oils.
Both these qualities help protect the engine and thus extend the engine life of your car.
When should 20W-50 oil be used?
As mentioned earlier, 20W-50 grade of engine oil is quite thick. It is a known fact that oil tends to get thicker in colder climates and get thinner in the warmer weather.
Thus, a viscous oil like the 20W-50 is suitable for warm climates. Furthermore, this grade of oil should be used in cars or vehicles that are subject to hot temperatures and are used for high stress activities.
Since high stress activities like speed racing, hauling loads or pulling trailers cause the engine to heat up, this type of viscous oil will become thinner in the heat, and thus be optimal for usage.
Which types of vehicles are suitable for 20W-50?
The question of which vehicle is suitable for 20W-50 depends largely on the specifications of the vehicle itself, along with the manufacturer’s recommendations.
In general, 20W-50 grade engine oil can be used for large or small diesel engines, petrol engines, motorcycles as well as aviation vehicles.
Furthermore, it is especially suitable for large, load-bearing, high stress vehicles like tow trucks or trailer cars. 20W-50 can also be used for both air and liquid cooled engines.
Will 20W-50 hurt my engine?
It is impossible to determine whether or not an oil grade will hurt an engine without taking into consideration the engine itself.
The type of oil that is suitable for use depends upon the make, model and design of the engine as well as the circumstances of its use. This includes questions about how big the car is, what it is used for, which temperatures it operates in, etc.
Generally, it is always better to stick to the manufacturer’s recommendations and only use the oil grade that has been specified in the manual.
Since 20W-50 is a thick oil, it might hurt the engine of a car that requires a thinner grade of oil. Furthermore, if used in very cold climates, this viscous oil will get thicker due to the low temperatures, which might also affect how easily it circulates in the engine.
Thus, when in colder climates, it is best to use a thinner grade oil and always check the owner’s manual for the best type.
Which is better: 10W-30 or 20W-50?
The answer to a question like this depends completely upon the type of vehicle in question and its usage. 10W-30 is a much thinner grade of oil than 20W-50.
Since they differ in viscosity levels, they should be used in different types of vehicles and in different climates.
Since 10W-30 is thinner, it is more suitable for colder climates, where oil tends to thicken. On the other hand, 20W-50 is thick and should be used in warm temperatures, where it will thin down due to the heat.
Furthermore, 20W-50 is more suitable for older cars and engines, since a thicker oil prevents engine leaks, which are common in old cars.
20W-50 can also provide more cushioning and protection to the internal parts. However, since 10W-30 is thinner, it flows and circulates more easily and has lesser chances of becoming congealed.
