If SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, SAE 5W-20 conventional oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change.
Can I use 5W-20 instead of 0W-20?
Can 5w20 be used? Yes you can use both. 0w-20 just provides better engine protection when starting up in cold cold winters. You should use what's specified in the owner's manual.Mar 25, 2019
Can I use 5W 40 instead of 0W-20?
No! 0w20 is used in hybrid engines or other tight tolerance engines. 5w40 is too viscous to flow into the crooks and crannies of the engine, and many 5w40 oils are SM or SL grade instead of the SN plus grade that nearly every 0w20 oil is.
Will 0W20 hurt a 5W-30 engine?
0w-20 is simply a different viscosity of oil. It won't be an advantage to your engine if your manufacturer suggests you use 5w-30 and may indeed be a detriment to your engine. 0w-20 may be a recommended oil for certain conditions for your engine and may not be recommended for your engine.
What happens if you mix 5W 20 and 0W-20?
The 0W20 oil is very thin and will most likely fail to blend well with 5W20 in severely cold temperatures, usually at or under -35°C. Here's another reason why you shouldn't mix 0W20 and 5W20; both motor oils may have different additives for breaking contaminants inside the engine.