Choosing engine oil for motorcycles, cars, trucks is always a matter of concern to drivers. In particular, today on the market, there are many different types of lubricants, giving you a variety of choices.
If you wonder which type of lubricant to use is the most suitable, please refer to the following content immediately. This article has compiled information about 5w40 vs 15w40, the two most favored motor oil products on the market.
What Is 5w40?
First, let’s find out the characteristics of each of these lubricants. First of all, 5w40 simple engine oil is best suited for diesel and gasoline engines – the two most common types of machines in cars today. Usually, people will use this oil for new car engines and still within the warranty period.
5w40 engine oil has some outstanding characteristics such as:
- Suitable for both unleaded and leaded gasoline engines
- Low viscosity fluctuations in service life
- Stable oil quality under all temperature conditions
- Meets many oil quality testing standards
In particular, this product is highly economical with a reasonable cost to meet the needs of everyone.
What Is 15w40?
Next, 15w40 is a multigrade lubricant. In which, 40 indicates the viscosity grade of the product, and the number before the symbol W (Winter) helps you calculate the minimum temperature at which this oil can flow.
Specifically, subtract 30 degrees Celsius from the previous W index to determine this temperature level. Thus, you can use 15w40 engine oil when the weather is -15 degrees Celsius.
To put it simply, for this engine oil, in a cold environment, the viscosity of the oil can be at a temperature of -15˚C. And when at a suitable operating temperature, the oil consistency is 40.
Differences Between 5w40 Vs 15w40 Motor Oils
To help you better understand the characteristics of 5w40 and 15w40 motor oils, let’s explore the differences between them:
Viscosity
Viscosity is a parameter that represents the oil’s viscosity, stickiness, and flow.
5w40 can work at 5 degrees of heat with better flowability in winter and low temperatures.
Meanwhile, 15w40 is a multigrade oil that can perform well at high and low temperatures with a minimum of 15 degrees.
Cost
In terms of cost and availability, 15w40 has many advantages. Because it is a multigrade oil, it is prevalent. At the same time, the price to use this product is quite reasonable.
Meanwhile, 5w40 is a crude base engine oil and is quite scarce. It is often not available or must be synthesized from another product category. Because of this fact, the cost to buy this type of lubricant is also quite expensive.
Detergents
If 5w40 crude oil does not have detergents, it is an available ingredient in 15w40 multigrade lubricants.
Temperature limit
Finally, the two types of products have different limit temperatures. As mentioned, you can rely on the index before the W symbol to determine this heat level.
Specifically, 5w40 can start with a temperature of -25 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, you can only use 15w40 oil when the weather is as low as -15 degrees.
5w40 and 15w40: Which One Is Better?
Surely, the issue that you are most interested in is 5w40 and 15w40: Which one is better?
In fact, it’s challenging to say precisely which type of product is the best because each style has its advantages and suitability for different car models and climate conditions.
Therefore, no one can say that between 5w40 and 15w40, which one is more outstanding. Ideally, it would help if you heeded your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations. They are the ones who know your vehicle better to make a judgment about the best oil for your car to operate.
Besides, you should also pay attention to the climatic conditions where you live. Because if the temperature is low, then 5w40 will be better. On the contrary, 15w40 is an effective solution to help you operate efficiently in normal conditions.
Besides choosing engine oil, choosing gear lubricant is also essential. And 75w85 Vs 75w90 are the two most popular gear oils on the market.
How to Choose the Right Engine Oil?
There are many different types of lubricants currently on the market, so to ensure your car always works well and saves fuel, choose the most suitable one. To be able to make a better decision, immediately refer to the following notes:
Suitability
First, which engine oil to choose will significantly depend on your vehicle. Ideally, heed the manufacturer’s recommendations and buy the correct lubricant.
Because, when using a product that is suitable for the vehicle engine, it will help the car operate smoothly and limit problems.
For the car to operate well, you should also pay attention to gear oil selection. Because gears also play a vital role in the vehicle’s operation.
2 of the best on the market are the 75w85 Vs 75w90 Gear Oil, with maximum durability and ease of use.
Quality certification
Besides, you should also pay attention to product quality certifications before choosing to buy lubricants. Because it will significantly affect the performance of the car engine. Ideally, it gives preference to products that have undergone testing and confirmed quality.
Viscosity Level
In addition, the viscosity grade is also one of the indicators that you need to pay attention to. Depending on the vehicle’s characteristics, you can choose from different viscosity grades such as 40, 30 or 50,….
Weather conditions
The climate where you live or move considerably influences which lubricant to buy. Because each type will have the lowest temperature limit, it can start.
In addition, you should also pay attention to the company that manufactures the lubricant product to make the best decision. It can be that pennzoil vs castrol are the brands that receive the most choice.
Conclusion
As such, we have brought you detailed information about 5w40 and 15w40 engine oils. Each product type will have outstanding advantages and suitability for each different vehicle.
Hopefully, this article is beneficial for you. Wish you can search and choose the right engine oil for your vehicle.