How to choose the best 0w-40 engine oil for your car?
You need to change your 0w-40 engine oil and you want to know what to look for when choosing an engine oil.
We have prepared this article to help you choose 0w-40 engine oil for your car and learn what to look for when selecting 0w-40 engine oil.
Our experience in writing articles for the site and working in a car store has allowed us to put together a detailed guide to choosing 0w-40 oil for you. That’s why we want to recommend excellent engine oil options.
Engine Oil 0w-40 is most commonly used in modern European vehicles. We recommend using 0w-40 engine oil if your car’s mileage is under 150,000.
If your car has more than 150,000 miles and you notice high oil consumption, you can use a thicker oil, such as 5w-40 or 10w-40, while still adhering to the car manufacturer’s specifications.
What does 0w-40 oil mean?
0w-40 is the viscosity of engine oil, which defines its fluidity. Viscosity is an important indicator in all lubricants, and motor oil is no exception. The higher the viscosity, the thicker the condition of the fluid, and vice versa.
Two numbers are used in marking that determine oil viscosity.
- The first number: 0w indicates how the oil flows at low temperatures when starting a cold engine.
- The second number: 40 indicates how the oil flows at normal engine operating temperatures.
Where is 0w-40 engine oil used?
0w-40 oil is typically used in the engines of German and European modern cars, with a mileage of no more than 100,000. Also, 0w-40 is often used in areas with very cold winters. If you’ve driven your car for over 100,000 miles, you could consider using 0w-40 or 5w-30.
The 0w40 oil belongs to the group of universal products designed for use in wide temperature ranges.
The best 0w-40 engine oil
There are quite a few brands of high-quality oil on the market. We will advise you on several brands in different price ranges.
The most popular brands of 0w-40 oil
- Castrol EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- Mobil1 ESP Formula Engine Oil 0w-40
- Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0w-40 Motor Oil
- Red Line Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0w-40
- Amsoil signature series 0w-40
- Valvoline European Vehicle Full Synthetic SAE 0w-40 Motor Oil
- Liqui Moly Synthoil Energy A40 0w-40 Synthetic Motor Oil
- Mobil 1 FS European Car Formula Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0w-40
- AMSOIL European Car Formula 0W-40
- Motul 8100 X-Max 0w-40 Engine Oil
- Royal Purple Motor Oil 0w-40
Best Synthetic Motor Oil 0w-40
Optimal price 0w-40 Oil
Castrol EDGE 0W-40 A3/B4 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Motor oil 0w-40 for American cars
US cars require 0w-40 motor oil with API SN or SP specifications, and auto manufacturer approvals: General Motors Approvals (Dexos), Ford Approvals (WSS), Chrysler Approvals (MS), and others.
Red Line Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0w-40
Engine oil 0w-40 for German Car Oil
Mobil 1 FS European Car Formula Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0w-40
For German cars, you must use low ash 0w-40 oil with ACEA specifications, as well as automaker approvals: VW Approvals (VW), Mercedes Approvals (MB), BMW Approvals (Longlife), and others.
0w-40 oil for Japanese and Korean cars
Amsoil signature series 0w-40
For Asian cars, you must use 0w-40 motor oil which has ILSAC GF-5 or GF-6 specifications.
0w-40 oil for European cars
AMSOIL European Car Formula 0W-40
For German European cars, you must use 0w-40 motor oil, which has ACEA or API specifications and also have approvals by the car manufacturer. And also have the approvals of automobile manufacturers: Peugeot-Citroën Approvals (PSA), Renault Approvals (RN), and others.
Oil 0w-40 for diesel cars
Modern motor oils are universal oils, so most oils 0w-40 can be used for cars with gasoline and diesel engines. Some brands produce a special 0w-40 motor oil for diesel engines. But we recommend that you pay attention to the tolerances and specifications of your vehicle.
Which 0w-40 oil should I choose?
Each car manufacturer specifies in the technical documentation what requirements to the oil he makes. There will be such data:
- Car manufacturer’s tolerances (VW, MB, BMW)
- The viscosity of engine oil, in this case, is 0w-40
- ACEA or API specifications
0w40 synthetic oil has the following characteristics:
- does not require a large number of additives;
- resistant to external influences;
- creates a strong oil film;
- proven in all seasons of use;
- high stability at high temperatures;
- makes it easier to start in winter;
- reduces engine heat;
- cleans the engine from carbon deposits and dirt;
- has good viscosity.
Thus 0W40 oil is an all-season product, which is recommended for use in a wide range of temperatures.
How is 0w-40 different from other oils?
0w-40 engine oil has a wide temperature range, from -35 ºC / -31°F to 30 ºC / 86°F. Therefore the 0w-40 is suitable for most European vehicles and also for vehicles used in winter.
What happens if I use 5w-40 or 5w-30 instead of 0w-40?
Sometimes motorists wonder if there is a difference between the lubricants 0w40 and 5w40 or 5w-30. Of course, they are different compositions, which have their own peculiarities of use. First of all, we are talking about the viscosity index, which is noticeably lower for “zero”.
Another point is the peculiarities of greases’ creation. The matter is that 0w40 is a purely synthetic product, but 5w40 is produced, in most cases, by hydrocracking – removing superfluous particles from the mineral base. That is, we can say that the first option is a fully synthesized lubricant, but the second one is developed on a natural basis.
What can be used instead of 0w-40 oil?
If the mileage of your car is more than 100,000, you can use 5w-40 oil.
Is 0w-40 oil suitable for cars with higher mileage?
No, 0w-40 engine oil is only used in newer, low mileage vehicles. If your car has more than 150,000 miles, you can use 5w-40 or 10w-40.
How often should I change my 0w-40 engine oil?
- You need to change the 0w-40 synthetic oil in your car once a year or every 7,000 to 10,000 miles.
- Regular 0w-40 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-40 motor oil:
Price of synthetic motor oil: $50 – $70
How long does it take to change 0w-40 oil?
Changing the oil in a 0w-40 car usually takes about 30 minutes.
How much does it cost to change 0w-40 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 0w-40 oil brands?
The most popular brands of 0w-40 oil are:
- Castrol
- Mobil
- Amsoil
- Royal Purple
- Red Line
- Liqui Moly
- Motul
- Valvoline
Where can I buy 0w20 oil?
We recommend that you buy your motor oil from dealers or major online stores like Amazon or Walmart.
Final thoughts
0w-40 oil refers to products with a year-round cycle of use. The car owner will not have to waste their time and change the product for another substance. If the manufacturer recommends you use 0w-40 oil, then use it continuously until your car’s mileage is too high. Then you can switch to a thicker oil such as 5w-40 or 10w-40. Only buy oil from reputable manufacturers.
