what happens if you put 10w30 oil in a car that needs 5w30?

Asked by LeilaJohnson Apr 17, 2013 at 01:00 AM about the 1999 Chevrolet Monte Carlo

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

My friend saw my oil light on so he put oil in my car for me but he bought 10w30 and my car needs 5w30.

21 Answers

177,545

Your oil is a little thicker when cold. No damage will happen.

36 people found this helpful.
177,545

Everything you ever wanted to know about oil and lots more --- http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

23 people found this helpful.
19,495

it will be fine.. i've used 10w30 a lot.

13 people found this helpful.
1,125

The 5W and 10W defines how the oil will flow at 0 degrees. At operating temperature, there will be a completely insignificant difference between the two.

30 people found this helpful.
540

DO YOU RECOMMEND CONTINUE USING 10W30 OR RETURN TO USE 5W30 ON NEXT OIL CHANGE

54 people found this helpful.
19,495

it is just a can right? ..no big deal. just wait till next change.

5 people found this helpful.
19,495

i've used 10w-30 too ..no big deal. it tends to be better when u have put hi miles on the engine.

19 people found this helpful.
260

I agree with Jason that when you have high miles on your car 10w-30 is better even 10w-40. I live in really hot climate so 10w-40 is not bad on the engine. During the winter though on some cars the 10w-30 will be noticeable on a cold engine, your lifters may sound on start up, happened to me that is why i know haaha. just change to 5w-30 on winter if that happens.

14 people found this helpful.
260

Oh and your engine will be fine don't worry, but again your lifters may make a loud clicking sound for about 2 seconds while the thicker 10w-30 oil goes up through the engine during winter.

12 people found this helpful.
100

i have a 2006 Mercedes-Benz and when I got oil changed they put 5W/30 and they told me I had a slight leak in pan but the last 3 weeks have had to add 5W/30 every week and light is still coming on saying it's low, before I got oil changed it, I had no problems. that's why I am asking maybe it will help to go to the 10W/30 Synthetic am I right. Just worried because it is a Mercedes-Benz I always had older cars and had not problems like this

10 people found this helpful.
70

As far as the Mercedes goes. Mine uses 0w30. AutoZone will tell you 5w30 but if you look on all the Mercedes forums they will tell you 0w30. This comes from people who own these cars not a computer telling a guy at a store. Yours could be different tho. Mines the 2000, MB S500. I always go with what other owners say tho before autozone. So while using 5w30 wouldn't hurt idk about 10w30 that's a bigger jump than 1 to the next.

3 people found this helpful.
30

I used 10w-30 instead of 5w-30 for my Chavy engine v8. After I drove 600 miles engine light is on. I don't know why? If you have experience please tell me. Thanks

3 people found this helpful.
19,495

shouldn't @win888 . u have proper oil level? check where it is on the dipstick.

3 people found this helpful.
50

@win888 I drive an 01 Chevy Silverado 1500 hd I have over 200000 miles on it and it runs perfect with 10w-30.it has a slight oil leak on a seal but it really only leaks when 5w-30 is in it it don’t really leak as much with 10w tho

5 people found this helpful.
19,495

@win888 get the codes for the engine light and post a new question.. this one won't get enough attention.

2 people found this helpful.

hey, i have à 2002 mercedes and i want to put 50 in it because i saw it on the internet, and he says 50 weight is the way to go... should i put it in my tractor, harley and chevy!? Or SHOULD I READ MY DAMNED OWNERS MANUAL!?

20

i have always used 10w-30 synthetic high milage oil in my volvo 240 DL wagon every 3-5 months. I also add lucas stabilizer. my volvo just hit 450k.. i replaced all the seals a few years back.. I got the car when i was 20 and i'm 37.. the thing is a beast. I will be driving a expidition soon but wanted to add changing your oil. replacing bad seals, and taking care of the fluids can really make a huge difference long term

2 people found this helpful.

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