What is the difference between 10/40 and 20/50

It is also useful for vehicles subject to hot temperatures and for those used for high-stress activities such as hauling or pulling trailers. BUT and it is a big but! So, 10W30 oil has less viscosity flows easier when cold and hot than does 20W Begin typing your search term above and press enter to search. Press ESC to cancel. Ben Davis January 31, You're talking to an accountant, my friend Alanrider7 Sportbike Whisperer. The truth is that plain bearing clearances determine what weight oil a motor should have circulating through it.

The bearing clearances have gotten tighter with the increase in horsepower output. Proper oil pressure throughout the whole motor is crucial if you want your amped up sportbike to last. If the oil is too thick, especially when cold, oil pressure drops. Andrew definitely contains nuts. Name Andrew. Alanrider7 said:.

Andrew said:. Pressure rises if the oil is too viscous, but more importantly oil flow drops. The service manual will indicate the oil weight that is appropriate for our engines.

Most modern motorcycle engines are designed to use 10w40 or 20w50 for temperature we typically see throughout the year in the Bay Area. Name Evan.

I've run both. The 20w50 won't make anything quieter, in fact during start-up things got louder. I'm guessing the thicker oil took longer to go places. Christina Ash has been writing since , throughout her career as a computer consultant, anthropologist and small-business owner. She has published work in various business, technology, academia and popular books and journals.

Ash has degrees in computer science, anthropology and science and technology studies from universities in England, Canada and the United States. Why Use 20W50 Motor Oil? The way to improve your gas mileage is to drive more efficiently and purchase a vehicle that gets better gas mileage.

Each oil has its own qualities and differences, it is crucial to use the correct oil for your car engine to help it run smoother and prevent and engine failures. Currently you have JavaScript disabled.

In order to post comments, please make sure JavaScript and Cookies are enabled, and reload the page. Click here for instructions on how to enable JavaScript in your browser. Which is better 10W40 or 20W50? In short, the answer is that it depends on the situation.

Can I use 10W 40 instead of 20W50? What is 20W 50 oil used for? What is 10w 40 oil used for?