Owning a car or driving a car comes with lots of responsibility and one of those responsibilities is making sure the car has the right oil in the engine.
Car engine oil comes with different oil ratings and oil’s viscosity such as the 5W30. However, the question is, is 5W30 good for summer?
Yes, 5W-30 oil is generally good for use in summer. The “5W” indicates the oil’s viscosity at cold temperatures (the “W” stands for winter), meaning it flows well in cold conditions. The “30” refers to the oil’s viscosity at operating (hot) temperatures, indicating that it maintains its protective qualities even when the engine is hot.
Is 5W30 Good for Summer?
Considering the oil ratings and the oil’s viscosity, 5W-30 oil is good for use in summer.
Motor oil viscosity is a measure of how easily the oil flows at certain temperatures. The numbers in a motor oil rating like 5W-30 refer to its viscosity characteristics. For example,
- “5W”: This part of the rating stands for the oil’s viscosity in winter (the “W” stands for winter). The number 5 indicates how the oil flows at cold temperatures. The lower the number, the thinner the oil is at low temperatures, which means it will flow more easily during cold starts. This is important because when you start your engine in cold weather, you want the oil to circulate quickly to protect the engine parts.
- “30”: This number refers to the oil’s viscosity at the engine’s normal operating temperature (which is usually around 100°C or 212°F). The higher the number, the thicker the oil remains at higher temperatures, providing a protective layer between engine parts to prevent wear and tear.
Even though it’s summer, mornings can still be cooler, especially in some regions. The “5W” rating ensures that the oil flows well when the engine is cold, hence, providing important protection during startup.
Although cold starts are more of a concern in winter, it’s still beneficial to have oil that can handle a range of temperatures.
Once your engine heats up to its normal operating temperature, the “30” rating ensures that the oil remains thick enough to provide a strong lubricating film.
This is important in summer when outside temperatures are higher, and the engine is more prone to running hot. The oil needs to be stable enough to maintain its protective qualities without breaking down or becoming too thin.
Furthermore, the 5W-30 is known for its versatility, making it a popular choice for year-round use in many vehicles. It performs well in a wide range of climates, including hot summer weather.
Unless you live in an area with extreme heat (such as desert regions), 5W-30 should provide adequate protection for your engine during summer.
In very high-temperature environments, you might consider using an oil with a higher second number, like 10W-30, 10W-40, or even 15W-40.
These oils are thicker at high temperatures, thus, providing even more protection for engines that are subjected to extreme heat or heavy loads (such as towing or high-performance driving).
However, while using these oils is good, it’s important to check your car’s owner’s manual before making any changes.
Manufacturers usually recommend specific oil grades based on the engine’s design and the expected operating conditions. Using the wrong oil can affect your engine performance, fuel efficiency, and long-term reliability.
What is the Best Oil to Run in the Summer?
In summer, 5W30 oil is generally a good choice for most vehicles. It provides a balance of protection and performance in warmer temperatures. For extreme heat, consider 10W-30 or 10W-40 for better high-temperature protection. Meanwhile, always check your vehicle’s manual for the recommended oil grade.
Conclusion
5W-30 is an excellent choice for summer driving in most conditions because it offers a good balance of protection and efficiency across a broad temperature range. It ensures easy startup in cooler mornings while maintaining sufficient thickness to protect your engine during hot summer days.
