What Is the Difference Between 10w30 and 10w40 Oil?
Last Updated Mar 30, 2020 6:08:24 AM ET
The two oil types differ in their high temperature viscosity, and 10w40 is thicker than 10w30 when it comes to high temperatures. Before multi-grade oils were formulated, car owners typically used 10w30 for its wintertime flow properties, while relying on the 10w40 for the summertime when temperatures warmed up.
With oil, the letter "W" signifies "Winter" and provides an indication of how effectively the oil works during the winter months. The 10w30 oil consists of two viscocities, resulting in two grades of oil. Using oil with too high of a viscosity can result in an oil temperature that is too high, along with an increased amount of drag.
More From Reference
Financing the Future: Setting Up Savings Plans for Grandchildren
Responsible Retirement: What's the Maximum Amount You Can Contribute to a 401(k)?
10 Small Business Grants for Women Entrepreneurs
What Is the Federal Minimum Wage?
What Is the Financial Independence, Retire Early Movement — and Has the Pandemic Changed It?
4 Investing Lessons We Can Learn From Warren Buffett's Stock Portfolio