Will using 10w30 oil instead 5w30 on my 2003 Camry create any problems?

Question

Will using 10w30 oil instead 5w30 on my 2003 Camry create any problems? Is there any long term problems. My manual says to use 5w30 but is 10w30 that much of a difference.

Answer 1

Unless you live in an extremely cold climate I wouldn't be concerned about it. The #10 and the #5 refer to viscosity, the resistance/ability to flow. The lower the number the greater ability for the oil to flow at colder temperatures. Not of great concern if you live in Arizona, but then again matters greatly in the northern provinces, or Alaska for that matter. You "should" follow the manufacturers recommendation...always buy a good quality oil the additives are better in the higher priced oils ......... to me that matters

Answer 2

Possibly slower initial circulation/accelerated engine wear in a very cold climate.

Besides that, no problem at all.

HAH! There's a guy that uses 5w30 in a BMW? Don't most of them specify 20w50?

Every manufacturer recommends specific viscosity for a reason. Oil passages are different sizes, differences in pumps, other basic design things. There is usually a good reason to stick with manufacturers recommendations.

Answer 3

The only difference is the thickness of the oil 5w30 is thinner than 10w30 but not by much. It will make very little difference in how your car runs only the oil pressure may be higher from the thicker oil but if your manual says use 5w30 then use it there is no or little price difference.

Answer 4

Personally I wouldn't give it a second thought unless the car was NEW and still under warranty. Then only to comply with the letter of the instructions provided by the manufacturers. The only time in my life that I ever insisted on 5W anything was during the winter months in Fairbanks Alaska. It did make a difference during start-up when the temperature was -30 F or colder. If you don't live in an area with that sort of extreme temperature it should not be a problem of any sort, now or later...

Answer 5

no. its always best to use what the manufacture specifies but really its not going to hurt. the difference between the two is very little. Basically 5w30 flows better when cold than 10w30. If you live in a cold climate, its best to use 5w30 expecially if the manufacture specifies it. but if its a warmer climate. dont worry about it because it really wont matter ever.

Answer 6

03 Camry

Answer 7

In my mind there is no difference. I use 10W30-10W40- or what's on sale as long as it's Castrol Gt. Full synthetic in my BMW. Warm climates or summer use a heaver oil winter use a thinner oil. 5w30 in winter and 10w30 in summer

Answer 8

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Anywhere in the US you can run 10W-30W with no problems. Owners manuals recommend the lighter. It does not state it is the best option. I would not want any engine running on a 5W weight oil for any length of time. Only last few years did i switch from 30W due to the harder fact to find it. Proven 94 Suburban has 245000 miles and still runs and does not smoke. You be the judge. My wife's car is 05 Impala 53000miles and it smokes when started. I have switched her car to 10W-30W also now.

Answer 9

Perfectly fine if its a few degrees above freezing...., below I would use 5w-30 for the best possible cold temp startup oil flow.... (means less engine wear) or go for the ultimate and use a synthetic 0w-30....

And as for 10w-30 shortening engine life. Its what my car made in 1980 spec'd......, and its still running... and fine I might add on the original engine.

Answer 10

The first number is the lower viscosity. A higher viscosity oil won't be able to run in as cold a temperature because it can't get as thin. I would think that is the only difference.