Will 10w40 oil hurt my car?

Question

I was changing the oil in my car (2000 mustang v6) and noticed while I was pouring it into the car that my boyfriend picked up 10w40 instead of 5w30. I didn't finish pouring it in because I wasn't sure if I should just drain it back out and get the correct oil for it. Is this ok to keep in there for a little while or should I hurry and put the correct viscosity oil in it?

I live in central Kentucky. The oil that he bought was a gallon jug and I probably put about half of it in the car.

Answer 1

It Should be okay as long as you dont live in a very cold place

Answer 2

10w-40 is/was the standard motor oil for large displacement motors in average climates. I had big blocks in hot places where I used 20w-50. Todays smaller motors that rev higher do a bit better with the lower viscosity oil since the system builds up pressure faster. The difference between 10w-40 and 5w-30 is nominal in a V-6 under normal operating conditions. It may, at worst, cost you a little in the way of gas mileage. You would panic if you had air cooled motorcycle oil viscosity! That would not be good for a car.

Answer 3

if you car has a few miles on it, or if it's hot, no problem, and prob not much of a worry anyway. What's more important is the lettering after the oil weight. The type of oil. This tells much more about how good the oil is. Google 'SAE oil ratings' or similar for a full listing, which might help you understand.

Answer 4

you should put the proper oil into it. the little bit longer it takes for the thicker 10W40 oil to circulate causes a little extra wear every time you start the car. how many times will you cold start the car before you change it again? more than a couple, not worth the extra wear.

Answer 5

Is it cold where you live? I would change it if it is. The 10w is kind of thick on a warm day so when it is cold out it gets thicker.

Probably wouldn't cause any major problems but if it is cold sometimes it can make for harder starting and if the oil is thick it will take longer for it to get up into the engine to do its job.

Answer 6

its actually good to have 10w40 in warmer times of the year and 5w30 or 10w30 in the colder times as when its hot you want more lube and less friction and wear on parts so use a higher weight. in the winter oil is thicker so use a thinner weight.

Answer 7

If you're not in a cold climate, I wouldn't worry about it for this one oil change, but next time go with 5W30, if the manufacturer recommends that weight.

Answer 8

No it wont hurt nothing, I use 10W30 all the time, but it depends on where you live, if it stays alittle colder there its good to use. But not it wont hurt nothing, I would change it quicker than 3000 miles thou, considering that it will gum up quicker than the other. Hope this helps

Answer 9

It will not hurt your car. You may notice, on cold days, that the car is a little more sluggish until it warms up a little, but no harm.

Answer 10

Mechanically speaking i have done it and had no problems and i have a ford pick which i actually use oil that big rigs use. I have a honda to that i used 10w when it took 5w and i have had no problems.

Answer 11

you will most likely want to get the correct oil and put it in. newer engines are built to closer tolerances and the thicker oil doesn't flow through the engines oil ports as well.