Engine Oil Viscosity Guide

What do 0W-20, 5W-30, and SAE 30 mean? Here's everything you need to choose the right oil for your vehicle and climate.

How to Read the Viscosity Grade

Cold-start viscosity
(lower = better cold flow)

–

Operating viscosity
(higher = thicker when hot)

The Wstands for "Winter." The number before W rates cold-start pumpability — lower is better in cold weather (0W flows better than 5W at -30°C). The number after W rates viscosity at 100°C operating temperature — higher means thicker oil at running temp (30 is thinner than 40).

Common Grades at a Glance

0W-20

Best ForModern cars & hybrids (2010+)

ExamplesToyota Camry, Honda Civic, many hybrids

Change Interval10,000–15,000 mi (full syn)

5W-20

Best ForFord, Jeep, Dodge, older imports

ExamplesFord F-150, Jeep Wrangler, Ram 1500

Change Interval5,000–10,000 mi

5W-30

Best ForBMW, Mercedes, Subaru, GM trucks

ExamplesBMW 3-Series, Chevy Silverado, Subaru Outback

Change Interval7,500–10,000 mi

0W-30

Best ForEuropean luxury vehicles

ExamplesBMW, Porsche, older Volvo

Change Interval10,000 mi (OEM spec)

10W-30

Best ForSmall engines, older vehicles

ExamplesLawn mowers, generators, pre-2000 cars

Change Interval3,000–5,000 mi (conventional)

SAE 30

Best ForSmall 4-stroke engines only

ExamplesPush mowers, log splitters

Change IntervalEvery 25–50 hours

Full Synthetic vs Synthetic Blend vs Conventional

Full Synthetic$$$

Chemically engineered molecules. Best protection, longest drain intervals. Required by most modern engines.

Recommended for 2010+

Synthetic Blend$$

Mix of synthetic and conventional base oils. Good protection at a lower cost. Common for older trucks.

Budget pick for older vehicles

Conventional$

Refined from crude petroleum. Acceptable for simple, older engines. Shorter change intervals required.

Pre-2000 / small engines

Find the exact viscosity for your vehicle

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