Alongside lubrication, some other factors also need to be considered when selecting or buying engine oil for your motorcycle. These include cold-start performance, viscosity rating, working temperature range, and many more. Choosing and using an average motor oil can have an adverse effect on your bike’s engine as well.
So to save your bike’s engine and to increase the efficiency at the same time, you need to choose the motor oil that is perfect for your motorbike. But how can you select the perfect motor oil? By knowing and understanding the different motor oil characteristics and different oil specifications!
So this guide is on the difference between 5w40 vs 10w40 engine oil. We’ll discuss everything related to the numbers, characteristics, and features and add a distinguishing chart.
What is 5w40 Engine Oil?
As we’re comparing between 5w40 vs 10w40, remember that the 5w40 is lightweight and thin engine oil than that of 10w40. You wouldn’t believe it but, in the oil grading of engine oil, the little value speaks all the characteristics by itself.
The 5w40 synthetic motorcycle oil is a lightweight engine oil with low thickness. So it can easily flow between obstacles. As a result, when you’ll be using this engine oil in your bike or motorcycle’s engine, the oil will get easily behind the engine parts. So they’ll provide quick lubrication and quick performance.
Also, note that if engine oil is lightweight or has a low thickness, the viscosity of oil is less. In some engine oils, the term viscosity is also used to mean thickness or weight.
Now let’s come to the engine oil’s grading. How do you know which engine oil has a high thickness or low thickness? The way is simply checking the number or digit after W. The more the value of the number after W is, the more thick the oil is. So in the case of 5w40, the thickness of the oil is 40. If we compare this with 5w30, you can tell that the 5w40 is thicker than 5w30 due to the larger value after W.
Now you might question, what does 5 and W stand for? Well, W stands for Winter. And the number 5 indicates, the oil can cold engine start-up at 5 degrees Celsius.
Applications of 5w40 Synthetic Oil
- Due to high oil viscosity grades and cold-start performance, 5w40 is a very well-known engine oil to many bikers. As it can kick-start a vehicle or vehicle as below as 5 degrees Celsius, so it’ll be ideal for motorbike users who live in a cold region.
- If your bike engine has higher mileage, 5w-40 motor oil will be the perfect choice for it due to the oil’s excellent characteristics. The reason is, due to high mileage, there arises more heat in the engine chamber. As 5w40 has more viscosity or thickness than other oils, it can perform better in a cold engine.
- Another application of 5w40 engine oil is in old or worn-out mechanical parts. Due to the better lubrication facility, the 5w40 enhances the performance in old and rust parts or internal components and reduces friction as well. You can also use this engine oil for modern engines as well.
What is 10w40 Engine Oil?
The 10w-40 motor oils are a thinner lubricating well with high viscosity. Due to being a thinner grade motor, oil can provide better lubrication to the engine part and reduces friction to a great margin. As a result, the engine parts last longer and delivers more output. You can tell the oil is thick by looking at the number “40” after W.
In 10w40, the cold-start temperature of the oil is 10 degrees Celsius. So between 5w40 vs 10w40, 10w40 cannot work properly under freezing conditions.
Another thing to note for this oil is that it cannot quickly spread between all the engine parts due to its high thickness and viscosity. But as they provide better protection, this thing isn’t a deal-breaker!
Applications of 10w40 Synthetic Oil
- 10w40 motor oil is a thick lubricating well good for old and rusty mechanical parts. Their thickness will play an important role in reducing friction between the working parts.
- This engine oil is good enough for use in hot and summertime. The hot temperature will act as a catalyst to bring out the best performance from the lubricating oil.
- As you already know, the kick-star or cold-start temperature for this engine oil is 10 degrees Celsius. So if you live in a cold area or freezing region, using this oil might not be a good choice for you. As it is thick engine oil, so it can get freeze in cold or extreme temperatures. Besides, their flowability is very less compared to 5w40.
Difference Between 5w40 and 10w40
| Comparison Parameters | 5W-40 Motor Oil | 10W-40 Motor Oil |
| Meaning | This is a Lightweight and thin engine oil with low viscosity. So it can easily flow between different engine parts quickly. | The 10W-40 oil is a thick and high viscosity oil. It provides better protection to the engine parts. |
| Effectiveness | As they are lightweight, so they have high and quick flowability. So their kick-start performance is quick and effective. | Although they provide better protection and lubrication, they are slow to react. So you wouldn’t get the quick performance from this engine oil. |
| Operating Temperature | Due to their low thickness and lightweight, they are ideal for cold regions—their working temperature range from -25 to 35 degrees. | It’s better not to use high viscosity oils like 10w40 in cold regions. The operating temperature of 10w40 is from -20 to 40 degrees. |
| Ideal for | It has better flowability and cold-start performance. That’s why this engine oil is ideal for both summer and wintertime. | As they are thick, excess cold can freeze the oil inside the engine. So this oil is well enough to use in the summertime but not recommended to use in engines at extreme temperatures. |
Should I use thicker oil in a high mileage engine?
Ans: Yes, thicker oils can be a good choice for high-mileage vehicles or engines. In high-mileage engines, excess heat is generated. So using a thicker engine oil like 10w40 can provide better performance and prevent leaks as well.
Can I use 10w40 instead of 5w30 fully synthetic motorcycle oil?
Ans: Yes, the 10w40 motor oil can be used instead of 5w30. Between 5w40 vs 10w40, there are differences in viscosity grades and operating temperatures. So you’ll just experience a little issue in freezing temperatures. But the rest of the time everything will be OK. Both 5w30 and 10W40 motor or engine oils have the same purpose. That is, provide better lubrication to reduce friction and increase efficiency.
Is 5w40 thicker than 10W40?
Ans: No, 5w-40 oil is not thicker than 10W-40 motor oil. Instead, at room temperature, both of their thickness is same. But in cold or freezing temperatures, 10W40 motor oil is much thicker.
Is 5w30 good for high mileage
Ans: To many experts, thicker engine oils are good for high mileage. But it depends on the bike’s engine condition and other features. But overall, 5w40 is a good engine oil for high-mileage engines.
What Do the Numbers Attached to Motor oil Signify?
Ans: Let’s take an example of 5W40. Here, the thickness or viscosity of the engine oil is meant by the number 40. So if engine oil is thicker, the number is larger and vice-versa. Moreover, W stands for Winter. And the number or digit W (which is 5) means the working temperature of the engine oil at low temperature (5 degrees temperature). It’s also called cold-start performance.
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Final Words
You’ll need engine oil with a consistent viscosity to keep your motorbike engine running smoothly. The right engine oil will offer proper cooling, filtration, lubrication, and safety to your motorcycle engine’s equipment. Your motorcycle engine or engine components will perform better and survive longer if the engine oil is used.
Check out the differences between 5w40 vs 10w40 engine or lubricating oils to see which oil is the best for your engine types or engine protection!
