Sae 30 Oil Vs 5w30: Which Oil For My Car?

Depending on the engine requirements, I use different engine oil brands on my client’s vehicle. One more factor is weather and temperature, which also plays a significant role in using engine oil. There is oil for summer and autumn and a different oil for winter. When I suggest my client use a low viscosity oil in winter, they want to know about the Sae 30 oil vs. 5w30.

They think these are the same engine oil since they have similar viscosity ratings and some common particles. I need to explain why they can’t interchange and use them every season. They have some differences that make them unique with some valuable characteristics & properties.

Overview of SAE 30 Motor Oil

The Sae 30 motor oil is high-power synthetic engine oil. It has a viscosity level of 30 that works better at high temperatures. Also, it’s a single-grade oil that is perfect for small lawnmowers, tractors, and other vehicles. This oil can perform better over the freezing temperature.

Although people use multi-grade motor oil for all seasons, the SAE 30 engine oil is still popular as single-grade motor oil. Significantly, this single-grade oil can enhance engine performance and give you the optimum engine power in summer and autumn. It will lubricate the engine better than other single-grade motor oil with high-quality synthetic components.

Overview of 5W30

The 5W30 is multi-grade engine oil that can work under any temperature close to zero & near 30. It also comes with similar synthetic material with an identical viscosity level. But its components will assist the engine starting in winter because this fluid is less thick than 10w30 or SAE 30.

You can use this 5W30 engine oil on your regular vehicles and lawnmowers. It will provide the perfect engine performance and lubricate the engine better than any single-grade engine oil. If you don’t find any suitable motor oil in winter, you should try the 5w30 motor oil. It has a less viscosity level that can work in freezing conditions and help your engine to start immediately with a few ignitions.

Similarities & Dissimilarities Between Sae 30 Oil Vs. 5w30

You will find some similarities between these two motor oil along with some dissimilarities. We will go through both of them accordingly. Let’s start with similarities and then go through dissimilarities.

Similarities Between Sae 30 & 5w30

The first feature of these two engine oils is their viscosity level. They both have the same viscosity at 30 degrees. Moreover, they have similar synthetic materials & chemicals. You will mostly get the same result from both under high-temperature. Because of this similarity, you can substitute and use any of them in summer & autumn.

Another similarity could be their application. They are both better for low-powerful or cool engines. You can use them in your small lawnmower, tractor, and other garden & regular vehicles.

Dissimilarities or Differences Between Sae 30 Vs. 5w30

Although they have some similarities, their dissimilarities are more. You will get both properties and application differences like other engine oils.

First, the sae 30 is high-temperature-friendly engine oil that works better under 39 degrees or in summer. You can also use this oil in autumn and rain. But it doesn’t have any cold or frozen bearing materials. The viscosity is higher, which is suitable for high temperatures.

In contrast, the 5w30 has a similar viscosity level with some distinct materials. It has less thickness that can start the engine at a low temperature in winter. You can even start your engine under extreme temperature conditions.

Another dissimilarity is their grade. The Sae 30 is single-grade engine oil, whereas the 5w30 is multi-grade. It says the 5w30 can be used in any season, but the Sae 30 is only for summer and hot weather.

Can You Use Sae 30 for 5w30?

In summer & autumn, you can use Sae 30 for 5w30. But you cannot exchange or use the Sae 30 in winter since it has a higher viscosity level thicker than 5w30 and fails to start at very low temperatures.

Is 5w30 Safe to use in Summer?

Since the 5w30 is multi-grade engine oil, you can safely use it in summer and other seasons. It will protect your engine from corrosion and wear.

Closing Words

Sae 30 vs. 5w30 has some similarities & dissimilarities that I explained above. You will love to have those and can use these oils accordingly. If needed, go through the similarities and dissimilarities again to clearly understand them.