What happens if I put 5W-30 instead of 5W20?
What Really Happens If You Use 5W‑30 Instead of 5W‑20? Using 5W‑30 oil in an engine specified for 5W‑20 usually won’t cause immediate damage, but the thicker hot‑temperature viscosity can slightly affect fuel economy, cold‑start behavior, and long‑term wear—especially in modern, tightly engineered engines—so manufacturers still recommend sticking with 5W‑20 unless they explicitly approve 5W‑30 …
