I went to change my oil this past weekend and in my haste I inadvertantly picked up 10W-30 instead of 5W-30 which is normally used. Is this a big deal? what's the worst that could happen? I have a 95 acura integra 1.8 liter-4 cylinder
2006-10-16 06:02:49 · 7 answers · asked by Sam Adams 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Depends on the temperature of where you will be driving (mostly starting) your car.
The API/SAE designation for multi-grade oils includes two grade numbers; for example, 10W-30 designates a common multi-grade oil. The first number associated with the W is not rated at any single temperature. The "10W" means that this oil can be pumped by your engine as cold as a single-grade 10 weight oil can be pumped. "5W" can be pumped at a lower temperature than "10W". "0W" can be pumped at a lower temperature than "5W", and thins less at temperatures above 99°C (210°F). The second number, 30, means that the viscosity of this multi-grade oil at 100°C (212°F) operating temperature corresponds to the viscosity of a single-grade 30 oil at same temperature. The governing SAE standard is called SAE J300. The motor oil grade and viscosity to be used in a given vehicle is specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle.
I doubt it will matter at all. Check with your owners manual for its list of acceptable oil grades for your climates temperature. The worst thing that could happen is that its too cold outside to pump the oil into your motor and it dies from lack of oil.
2006-10-16 06:06:11 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
This can be a big deal, the 10 weight oil is thicker when cold than the 5 weight. This means when the engine is cold it has less lubrication capacity available. Once up to operating temp. they are equal.
If you look at your owners manual i think it says you can use 10w30 but is only recommended in warmer ambient temp. ranges(summer time). You can use your 10w30 with out worry if you are sure to let the engine warm up before subjecting it to a load. Notice your oil pressure is higher than usual when cold starting if you have a gauge.
Whats the worst that can happen? Damage to your crankshaft and connecting rod journals and bearings! Continued use of to high of a weight oil out of ambient temp. range will cause the tolerance between the bearings and journals to increase resulting in lower and lower oil pressures and creating a compounding effect of accelerated wear.
2006-10-16 06:28:53 · answer #2 · answered by Truyer 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You should all ways use the weight recommended by the manufacturer. But you should be OK. Make sure that the next time you change your oil to use the right stuff. 10w30 would work better in the summer months so if it is getting cold around your neck of the woods I would change oil a little sooner than 3000 Mi.
2006-10-16 06:08:16 · answer #3 · answered by dr.zoomzoom 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your probably OK. As a matter of fact your owners manual may tell you that if you cant find 5W30 to go ahead and use 10W30. Just wait until the next oil change and go back to the 5W30. You might even consider switching to synthetic oil.
2006-10-16 06:21:12 · answer #4 · answered by Captleemo 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no this not a big deal . one reason is that we are getting into winter type weather and the 5w-30 is a thicker oil when you first start your car. the first # is the weigth when you first start your car so if your still worried just add some stp oil treatment.
2006-10-16 06:17:44 · answer #5 · answered by dosher100 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Take the wrong oil back and get the right oil for your engine. Why risk it?
2006-10-16 06:12:41 · answer #6 · answered by super.sweep 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nothing really you will be ok.A lot depends on the climate where you live,
2006-10-16 06:14:15 · answer #7 · answered by pmdan00 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋