Lubricants are a very common term for motorbike users. As a biker, you’ve already used lubricants in your bike. Lubricants or Engine oils come in different types and grades. So as a bike user, the confusing part is which lubricant you should use.
Using the wrong lubricant or engine oil for your bike can be risky. It can result in doing worse than good. Commonly 5w30 and 10w30 are used by riders. But what do those numbers in the oil grade mean? What’s the difference?
Well, we can understand your concern and appreciate it. So that’s why today we’ll be comparing 5w30 vs 10w30 engine oils. Also, we’ll clear out the most common myths and queries. So keep reading.
Importance of Viscosity in Engine Oils
In day-to-day use, your bike’s engine can get worn off. The piston cylinders inside it can damage the walls and engine parts. So that’s why it’s recommended to use engine oils.
But what do engine oils do? Well, they reduce friction. An Engine lubricant has a high viscosity than normal edible or other types of oils. The thick oils with high viscosity act as a layer between the pistons and engine parts.
The multi-grade oils do two tasks simultaneously- reduces the friction, increases your bike engine lifetime, keeps the engine cool, and prevents engine wear.
Sometimes people use different types of motor oil, which are cheap. These cheap oils don’t do any good to engine performance. Instead, they have a serious effect on the engine’s lifetime and ultimately damage them.
When you use a bike’s lubricant, they keep flowing in between the engine, piston, and other parts. So viscosity value or grade is a major factor to consider here. As said above, engine oils differ according to viscosity grade, working temperature, and other factors.
Lastly, engine oils with lower viscosity are light or more flowing. And the higher-rated engine oils are comparatively heavier and thick in volume. So they provide better protection but don’t flow that good. We’ll discuss them in the latter part. Keep reading!
What’s the difference between 5w30 and 10w30?
This part is important if you’re thinking of buying an engine oil or lubricant for your motorbike. If you want to have the best performance from your bike’s engine, you should definitely choose the right engine oil for it.
5w30 and 10w30 are both multi-grade oils. Both being viscosity oils, there are some differences (mainly in the internal components) between them.
5w30 Engine Oil
The first and primary thing that distinguishes this engine oil from the other one is obviously the first numbers. The reason being, this number suggests their viscosity grades.
The lower number 5 (in 5W30 Oil) means the oil’s viscosity or thickness at warm climates. The lower the value, the more quickly it can start working at cold temperatures. It’s also called cold-start performance.
Moreover, the number also denotes that it’s light in weight and has better flowability. Due to better and faster flow, this engine oil will cover all the gaps in quick time and provide immediate protection to the engine parts.
Now coming to the oil label’s second part, which is 30. By 30, it suggests the oil’s thickness at 30 degrees celsius or room temperature. Now comes the question, what does “W” refer to? W stands for Winter or cold climates. So ultimately, the whole number means the thickness or viscosity at cold temperatures and room temperatures (30 degrees celsius).
10w30 Engine Oil
The 10w30 is also an engine oil like the first one but with different characteristics. The high viscosity of the thick engine oil will be the right choice for your motorbike. But, wait. First, know about its characteristics.
10 in 10w30 stands for the oil viscosity of this lubricant at high temperatures. As the number is big, you can understand that it is thick and has a slow-flowing rate.
Thick engine oils have both good and bad sides. As they are thick, so they provide better engine protection from the pistons. The thick layer of oil acts as a solid shield to provide protection and minimize friction. But the only disadvantage is, their working rate is slow. So they cannot provide protection quickly. Due to this fact, thick engine oils become almost useless in winters. In cold weather, this engine oil cannot flow properly. But these are perfect for using during summer times or hot weather.
The viscosity is the key difference. The rest are the same as the 5w-30 oil. 30 and W stand for the same meaning and denotes the same purpose.
Difference Between 10w30 and 5w30 Motorcycle Oil
Here’s a comparison table of 5w30 vs. 10w30 engine oils.
| Comparison Parameters | 5w30 | 10w30 |
| Denotes | Engine oil with low viscosity and thickness can work under cold or low temperatures. | High viscosity and thick engine oil are ideal for high-temperature areas. They help to provide a better engine lifetime as well. |
| Effectiveness | Due to better flow rate and low thickness, they can reach engine parts quickly. So this engine oil is highly effective | Low flowing rate takes more time to cover engine areas. So they have less efficiency. |
| Operating Temperature | They are effective for colder regions. Working temperature ranges from -35 to 35 degrees. | 10w30 is effective for areas with high temperatures. -16 to 35 degrees is the oil’s working temperature range. |
| Ideal for | Winters or cold conditions or regions. Ideal for vehicles with light-duty engines. | Summer or areas with hot temperatures. Also ideal for commercial vehicles with heavy loads. |
Which one should be used in Summer between 5w30 and 10w30?
5w30 is lighter and less thick than 10w30. As 10w30 is thick and has a high viscosity, it’ll be the perfect choice to use in summer.
What happens if you use 10w30 instead of 5w30?
If you use 10w30 instead of 5w30, nothing will happen. Both the engine oil has the same purpose, just their viscosity and thickness is different. Only the drag will be increased as thick oils take more time to reach the engine and transfer the heat.
5w30 vs 10w40?
In 10w40, the thickness is more than 5w30. Also, it can work better in high temperatures, that is, 40 degrees temperature. But the only drawback is, this engine oil will not be suitable to use in cold conditions. Cold or winter weather can freeze the thick oil easily and will hinder flowability.
5w30 vs 5w40?
Between these two engine oils, the only difference is, one can work well in high temperatures like 40 degrees celsius (5w40), whereas one has a temperature range of within 30 degrees (5w30). Other than that, both have the same viscosity, flow rate, and low-temperature efficiency.
Final Words
As a motorbike user, it’s mandatory to have proper knowledge regarding viscosity oils or lubricants. As you read this far, which one of 5w30 vs 10w30 engine oils is a deal-breaker, according to you?
If you’re looking for an overall better oil, 5w30 will be the ideal choice for you. On the other hand, 10w30 provides better protection and sealing capability and ultimately increases engine longevity.
