How to choose 0w-20 engine oil for your car?
You need to change the oil in your car and you don’t know what parameters to look for when choosing your oil.
No problem, we created this article to tell you how to choose 0w-20 motor oil for your car and what to look for when choosing 0w-20 motor oil so you don’t waste your money.
Years of experience in a car store, as well as extensive experience in writing articles for websites, allow us to put together a simple and straightforward guide for you.
0w-20 motor oil is typically used in newer, modern vehicles and is a versatile all-season oil. You can use 0w-20 oil for quite a long period of time until you see your engine start to consume oil.
In that case, you can switch to another type of oil: 5w-20 or 5w-30, Oils with this viscosity will be a bit cheaper and have a bigger selection.
What does 0w-20 oil mean?
0w-20 is the viscosity of engine oil, meaning a measure of its resistance to flow.
There are two numbers used in the marking that define the viscosity of the oil.
- The first number: 0w indicates how the oil flows at low temperatures when starting a cold engine
- The second number: 20 indicates how the oil flows at normal engine operating temperatures
Where is 0w-20 engine oil used?
0w-20 oil is used in the engines of modern cars, for new cars, or for cars with no more than 100,000 miles. If your car has more than 100,000 miles, you can use 5w-20 or 5w-30 viscosity oil.
Which 0w-20 oil should I choose?
Each car manufacturer specifies in the technical documentation what requirements for the oil he makes. There will be specified such data:
- Engine oil viscosity, in this case, is 0w-20
- ACEA, API, or ILSAC specifications
- Manufacturer’s approvals
The best 0w-20 engine oil
There are quite a few brands of high-quality oil on the market. We will advise you of several brands in different price ranges.
Best synthetic motor oil 0w-20
Amsoil Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil
This engine oil is fully synthetic and meets all current API and ILSAC specifications and has popular vehicle approvals. Amsoil Signature Series 0W-20 synthetic motor oil is based on high quality base oil and premium additive package. It is one of the best oils in the world. It has a rather high price for oil, so it is not suitable for all car owners.
Specifications and Approvals:
- API: SP, SN PLUS, SN,
- ILSAC: GF-6A, GF-5, GF-4
- ACEA: A1, B1
- Ford WSS-M2C947-B1, WSS-M2C947-A
- Chrysler MS-6395
0w-20 oil optimal price
Castrol Edge Advanced Full Synthetic Oil 0W-20
This oil is suitable for a large number of vehicles. It is 0w-20 synthetic engine oil, has high API and ILSAC specifications, and contains approvals from many car manufacturers. This oil is very inexpensive, so it is one of the most popular oils on the market. In our opinion it is the optimum oil for any/all applications.
Specifications and Approvals:
- API: SP, SN PLUS, SN,
- ILSAC: GF-6
- ACEA: A1, B1, C5
- GM dexos1
- GM 4718M
- GM 6094M
- Ford WSS-M2C947-B1, WSS-M2C962-A1
Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20
Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20 is a modern and high-quality engine oil with the new Advanced Fuel Economy technology. This oil has modern API and ILSAC specifications and is approved by popular car manufacturers. It is one of the best oils in terms of price/quality ratio.
Specifications and Approvals:
- API: SP
- ILSAC: GF-6A
- GM 6094M
- Ford WSS-M2C947-A, WSS-M2C947-B1, WSS-M2C962-A1
0w-20 oil for Japanese and Korean cars
For Asian cars a 0w-20 engine oil which has ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6 specifications must be used.
Idemitsu Full Synthetic Oil 0W-20 GF-6
Idemitsu Full Synthetic Oil 0W-20 GF-6 is a high-quality Japanese oil that is very highly regarded by experts. The popularity of the oil is due to two factors: the quality of Idemitsu pure base oil and the production technology. Therefore, for true connoisseurs and owners of Japanese and Korean cars we recommend this oil. The cost of this oil is slightly higher than that of competitors, but this is due to the highest quality of the oil.
Specifications and Approvals:
- API: SP
- ILSAC: GF-6
Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 0W-20
Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 0W-20 is a German high-quality oil, which is designed for Asian and American cars, has modern specifications API and ILSAC, and has approvals from popular car manufacturers. The cost of this oil is quite high, but this is due to the quality of the engine oil.
Specifications and Approvals:
- API: SP
- ILSAC: GF-6A
- Chrysler MS-6395
- Ford WSS-M2C 947-A, WSS-M2C 947-B1
- GM 6094 M
- GM dexos1 Gen 2
- Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Toyota
0w-20 oil for American cars
For Asian cars, you must use 0w-20 motor oil, which has API SN or SP, ILSAC GF-5, or GF-6 specifications. And also has automaker approvals: General Motors Approvals (Dexos), Ford Approvals (WSS), Chrysler Approvals (MS), and others.
Valvoline Advanced 0W-20
Valvoline Advanced 0W-20 is a proven option for any American vehicle. This oil has long established itself as a reliable and quality product that does not cost much.
Specifications and Approvals:
- API: SP
- ILSAC: GF-6A
- GM dexos1 Gen 2
- Chrysler MS-6395
- Ford WSS-M2C962-A1
0w-20 oil for German cars
For German cars it is necessary to use low ash 0w-20 oil with ACEA specifications, as well as automaker approvals: VW Approvals (VW), Mercedes Approvals (MB), BMW Approvals (Longlife) and others.
0w-20 oil for European cars
For German European cars it is necessary to use 0w-20 motor oil, which has ACEA or API specifications, and is also approved by the car manufacturer. And also have the approvals of the automaker: Peugeot-Citroën Approvals (PSA), Renault Approvals (RN) and others.
0w-20 oil for SUVs and Trucks
Shell Rotella Gas Truck
Truck oil is designed for engines that originally require low-viscosity, low-energy class engine oil. These engines have a number of design features aimed at reducing mechanical losses.
Shell Rotella Gas Truck is a fully synthetic SAE 0W-20 viscosity grade engine oil recommended for use in many new cars, SUVs, and trucks with advanced engine technology for maximum fuel economy.
Specifications and Approvals:
- API SN PLUS
- ILSAC GF-5
- Chrysler MS-6395
- Ford WSS- WSS-M2C945-B1
- GM dexos1™ Gen 2
0w-20 oil for diesel vehicles
Modern motor oils are universal oils, so most 0w-20 oils can be used for both gasoline and diesel engine vehicles. Some brands produce a special motor oil 0w-20 for diesel engines. But we recommend that you pay attention to the tolerances and specifications of your car.
How is 0w-20 oil different from other oils?
A 0w-20 is a very thin oil, so it’s used in modern engines where the clearances are very narrow.
Is 0w-20 oil suitable for high-mileage cars?
No, 0w-20 oil is recommended for new or low-mileage vehicles. If the mileage of your car is over 100,000, you can use a thicker oil, such as 5w-30 or even 10w-30 (if you notice that your car is using a lot of oil from change to change).
How often should I change my 0w-20 engine oil?
- You need to change the 0w-20 synthetic oil in your car once a year or every 7,000 to 10,000 miles
- Regular 0w-20 oil in your car needs to be changed every six months or every 3,000 to 5,000 miles
How much does 0w20 oil cost?
The cost of 0w-20 motor oil:
- Price of regular motor oil: $30 to $50
- Price of synthetic motor oil: $50 to $80
How long does it take to change 0w-20 oil?
Changing the oil in a 0w-20 car usually takes about 30 minutes.
How much does it cost to change the 0w-20 engine oil?
An oil and filter change will cost between $20 and $50, depending on the vehicle. The cost of the change along with the oil will range from $50 to $150. The price may vary depending on your area and the quality of the car service.
What are the popular brands of 0W-20 oil?
The most popular brands of 0W-20 oil are:
- Castrol
- Mobil
- Amsoil
- Royal Purple
- Red Line
- Liqui Moly
- Idemitsu
- Motul
- Lucas Oil
- Havoline
- Quaker State
- Shell
- Valvoline
- ACDelco
- K&N
Where can I buy 0w20 oil?
We recommend you buy motor oil from dealers or major online stores like Amazon or Walmart.
Motor oil 0w20
It is safe to say that most drivers are aware of the impact of the change in this indicator when operating a car in different temperatures on the performance of the power unit. According to the SAE classification, 0W20 motor oils are classified as an all-season lubricant. For a long time, they were considered to be made on synthetic or semi-synthetic bases. 0w20 oil is obtained by hydrocracking from mineral-based raw materials.
Engine grease is characterized as ultra-liquid, so its application is limited, and is not recommended for all vehicles. It is best applied at low temperatures when the thermometer value is below 20C. In these conditions, it maintains good fluidity, which facilitates starting in conditions of low temperatures. It not only prolongs the life of the battery but also of other units and assemblies which need an instantaneous supply of lubricating fluid.
What is this oil?
The properties of this product can be easily deciphered by its marking. According to the SAE classification, the letter W indicates that the lubricant is all-season. The numbers before and after this letter indicate the temperature range of this grease.
Choosing engine grease, first of all, one should take into account the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. Most often such grease is used by owners of cars that are made in Japan. Motors of these machines have narrower channels in the oil system, and the cylinder block, pistons, crankshaft, and other parts have a high purity class of manufacturing, which requires a thin oil film. You should also take into account the fact that such oils have a rather high cost. You should also beware of fakes of this product, which are available in retail chains.
Final thoughts
0W-20 oil is a product with an excellent viscosity grade for winter conditions, providing excellent engine performance and smooth oil flow. Its fine oil structure makes it ideal for cold starts and below-freezing temperatures. So if your automaker recommends 0W-20 Oil, use only this type of oil. Use synthetic motor oils from popular manufacturers and your engine will last you a very long time.
