Last Updated on 15 July 2025 by Maelle
People are often confused when it comes to choosing the right motor oil for their car. They have a habit of getting squeezed between the two main oils – 5w30 and 5w40. These two engine oils have different properties and specifications. This is why everything-repair.fr offers you its 5w30 vs 5w40 guide: Which engine oil is suitable for your car? So, to help you find the best one for your car, we have compared the two more precisely. Explore 5W30 vs 5W40:
5W30 vs 5W40 – Which is better?
The main purpose of engine oil is to protect your car by reducing friction and wear of parts mobile. A wide variety of engine oils are available in the market. Among them, 5w30 and 5w40 are the most popular. Here are some characteristics of these two types of oils.

Main characteristics of the 5w30
The 5w30 is a type ofsynthetic oil which helps make your vehicle’s engine purr like new. It ensures better lubrication and protection of your car’s engine. Additionally, it helps increase the fuel economy of the vehicle. Here are some of the main features of this engine oil:
- Improves overall performance
- Offers excellent protection against wear
- Lubricates the engine
- Used in normal to extreme driving conditions
- Suitable for diesel, gasoline and multi-valve fuel engines.

Main characteristics of 5w40
L’synthetic oil 5w40 is a crude oil-based engine oil that is ideal for diesel and gasoline engines. This engine oil is generally used for cars under warranty. Here are some important characteristics of this category of oil:
- Suitable for vehicles that use unleaded gasoline and leaded gasoline.
- Low volatility
- Helps reduce oil usage
- Excellent resistance to heat dilution
- Supplied with multiple approvals
The Difference Between 5w30 and 5w40

To decide which type of oil is best for your vehicle, here are some key differences mentioned below:
1. Viscosity
This term is defined as the fluid’s ability to flow through the engine. The working viscosity of 5w30 is typically between 9.3 and 12.5 mm²/s, while the operating viscosity of 5w40 is between 12.5 and 16.3 mm²/s. This means that 5w40 has a higher viscosity than 5w30. Therefore, 5w30 is better than 5w40.
2. Fuel Economy
In terms of fuel economy, 5w30 is more economical than 5w40. It works surprisingly well with a wide range of vehicles with different engine types. 3. Price
If we compare the cost of these two engine oils, 5w30 is comparatively more expensive than 5w40. However, it’s worth every penny.
4. Temperature Range
You can use 5w40 in a temperature range from -25°C to 35°C. 5w30, on the other hand, is used in a temperature range from -25°C to 35°C. To learn more about the temperature range of these engine oils, you can consult the maintenance tips from automotive experts.
Conclusion:
