Motor oil, engine oil or engine lubricant is one of the various substances originating from base oils loaded up with additives, especially anti-wear additive plus detergents, dispersants and, for multi-grade oil viscosity improvers. This type of oil is used for internal combustion engines. On September 6, 1866 American Dr. John Ellis founded oil refining company. Dr. Ellis was studying healing powers of crude oil, but was disappointed by knowing the fact that it has no medicinal use, but rather a mechanical use that is more valuable. In engines, parts move opposite to each other, friction is reduced by the engine oils. It also wither away those parts which could lead to lower efficiency and degradation of engine performance.
Most of the motor oils are made from heavier, thicker petroleum hydrocarbon base derived from crude oil. Most of the motor oils are ranging from 18 to 34 carbon atoms per molecule. Most prominent property of motor oils, that is given a sight at first, is its viscosity. Viscosity is thought to be its thickness or resistance against flow. Viscosity must be high enough to maintain a lubricating film, but low enough to move it through the moving parts in engine.
Here we are going to discuss differences and similarities of different motor oils, especially 0W20 and 0W30:
Comparison of the two:
Within the engine oil world, viscosity, as the most prominent characteristic, is notated with a term “XW-XX”. The digit preceding W describes the oil flow at 0 degree Fahrenheit (-17.8 degree Celsius). W stands for winter. Whereas the digits after W are the measures of oil’s viscosity at 212 degree Fahrenheit (100 degree Celsius). Here we are going to discuss 0W20 and 0W30. As their name suggests they both have less thickens property in the cold. As lesser the number before W, and lesser will be the thickness at 0 degree Fahrenheit. The number after W indicates the oil’s viscosity at 212 degree Fahrenheit (100 degree Celsius). This number is measure of oil’s thinness at high temperatures.
We at present analyzing 0W-20 and 0W-30 here. Both oils have zeros before W. This zero indicates the oil’s thickness at 0 degree Fahrenheit. Therefore, both oils under consideration have lesser viscosities at 0 degree Fahrenheit. This implies that at 0 degree Fahrenheit, both oils will equally thicker and will very less freeze at a very low temperature. This will keep it moving inside the engine and will keep the parts frictionless and easily moveable.
Let’s move to the digits after W. One of the two oils has 20 and the other has 30. This implies that 0W-20 will thin out faster than 0W-30 at high temperatures. This will leave the oil containing low number after W, less usable and less reliable at high temperatures. When at moving position, oil thins out faster, will leave the engine parts at risk of high friction and will result in less smoothness of parts movement, more fuel consumption and lesser efficiencies.
Fuel consumption is the basic indicator arising in mind of the people when it comes to buy or drive cars. This could be lowered for an engine if a reliable motor oil is used and exercised quality fuels. The one under consideration here is 0W-20. This is a motor oil of zero thickening ability at cold. This made it a reliable source for better fuel consumption and better exercisability of the engine. 0W-20 helps to improve better fuel economy based upon 0.2-2.3 % improvement obtained when one switch from higher viscosity oils to this one. More precisely, these savings could vastly be elaborated by explaining various other factors like engine type, outside temperature, driving conditions and current oil viscosity. This, being a reliable motor oil helps to reduce oil aging and guaranteeing log lasting life. Another quality is its quick cold starting makes the engine feel better and exercise full potential. Severe driving conditions and needs according to environment made it a valuable partner your vehicle.
Next motor oil under consideration is 0W-30. This is another low viscosity motor oil and could be used instead of 5W-30 or 10W-30. Switching to this grade motor oil will help improve fuel consumption and could lower the fuel economy to an achievable point due to its ability of eradicating friction properties. When engine runs smoothly it will consume less fuel, giving larger mileage. Another prominent feature of this motor oil is its accreditation by dexos1. Dexos1 has certified it as better fuel economy oil for better performance and reliable partner of the engine. It also possess quick cold starting and supports severe driving conditions with environment variations. Pick of the point is its upgraded thinning ability as compared to 0W-20. It has enough ability to cater with the high temperatures and act as a reliable partner of the engine.
Let’s move towards the comparison of the price of two under consideration motor oils. The one who is discussed at first spot is 0W-20. Which is a low viscosity motor oil and its price ranges from as low as $22.68 to $269.73 for normal car usage and various other usages.
Second motor oil under consideration is 0W-30 which has a bit different price range as compared to the above discussed 0W-20. Its price ranges from as low as $22.88 to $161.38 for normal car usage and other usages. Difference is due to its composition and availability in various localities.
Temperature range comparison
When it comes to temperature range comparison, these are one of the finest operating motor oils in the history of motor oils. The one that is discussed at first, 0W-20, has an operating temperature as low as -47 degree Celsius and protects engine parts and as a whole at temperature as high as 205 degree Celsius which is far outside the normal operating range of all vehicles. Whereas, second motor oil 0W-30 possessing a pour point of -50 degree Celsius and temperature ranges up to 226 degree Celsius which is also far outside the normal operating range of all vehicles.
These two are the examples of fully synthetic, reliable and extra efficient, high duty motor oils to outperform in any environment and any temperature conditions with maximum efficiency and full potential fuel economy characteristics.
Additional Motor Oil References
- What is the SAE and what does it have to do with oil
- Differences between 5w40 and 10w40 Motor Oils
- Royal Purple 5W-30 motor oil review: The colour of premium
- How to choose between Conventional and Synthetic motor oil
- 0w40 vs. 5w40 Motor Oil
- Difference between 0W-20 and 0W-30 motor oil
- What is Motor Oil?
- Motul 5W-40 review
- Differences between 0W-40 and 5W-30 Oil
- Castrol Edge 5W-40