The Risks of Using Thicker Oil in Your Car Engine

When it comes to maintaining your car's engine, using the right type of oil is crucial. Understanding the relationship between engine cc (cubic centimeters) and oil viscosity is essential. In this article, we will explore whether using thicker oil can cause problems, especially when the engine's cc does not match the recommended oil viscosity.

Understanding Your Engine's Specifications

Ensure that the oil in your engine is in accordance with the cc of the engine. The higher the cc, the thicker the engine oil should be. If you have a high cc engine, using thicker oil is appropriate. However, if you put thick oil into an engine with a lower cc, it can oppress the engine's motion and increase the viscous force acting upon it. This can lead to performance issues and potential engine damage.

Why Use Thicker Oil Than Recommended?

Following the specifications in your owner's manual is crucial. Using thicker oil can result in a lower flow rate, which can affect lubrication, especially during cold starts. This is particularly important for cold weather driving, where the oil's viscosity plays a significant role in the engine's ability to start smoothly.

Issues with Thicker Than Recommended Oil

The primary issue arises when the cold viscosity of the oil is too high for the ambient temperature at startup. For instance, if your engine specifies 5W30 oil for winter use, using straight 30 oil can impede the oil's flow, leading to poor lubrication and potentially damaging the engine. It could result in the engine not starting at all or starting but failing to operate due to the frozen oil not flowing properly.

Challenges with Using Thicker Oil for Higher Performance

While using slightly higher hot viscosity oil such as 5W40 instead of 5W30 in an engine primarily operating with 5W30 oil is not as risky, it is not recommended for long-term use. In extreme cases, using oil that is too thick (like SAE 50) can cause the engine to self-destruct before the oil reaches the necessary temperature to flow properly. This is especially problematic in sub-zero weather conditions.

How Specifically Does It Affect the Engine?

Using oil that is thicker by one grade from the manufacturer's recommendation, such as going from 5W20 to 5W30, generally will not cause significant negative effects. It provides slightly better protection and slightly worse fuel economy. However, going to the extreme and using SAE 50 oil in a modern engine during sub-zero weather is a high-risk operation. The engine may not start, and even if it does, it could experience severe damage due to the oil not flowing properly.

Ensuring Proper Oil Viscosity

To avoid these issues, always refer to your car's owner manual for the specified oil viscosity. Following the recommendations will ensure that your engine receives the necessary lubrication, especially during cold starts. Using the correct oil can prevent costly repairs and ensure your engine runs smoothly.

Conclusion

Proper maintenance of your car's engine is crucial, and using the right oil is a significant aspect of that. Understanding the relationship between your engine's cc and oil viscosity will help you make informed decisions about what oil to use. Always follow the manufacturer's guidelines to avoid potential issues that can arise from using oils that are either too thick or too thin.