Questions You Should Know about Engine Oil W20

28 Apr.,2025

 

Ultimate Guide To 0W20 Engine Oil - Unleash Optimal Performance

Are you struggling with the queries about 0W20 engine oil? Are you looking for the best brands of 0W20 oil? If yes, then you have landed on the right website because we have got you covered with all the necessary information regarding 0W20 oil and curated the best 0W20 engine oils and oil service kits suitable for your car in our shop section!

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit our website.

What are motor oils meant for?

Motor oils usually have various additives that help in the proper lubrication of internal combustion engines. Not only that, they increase engine efficiency up to a considerable extent and provide outstanding performance. However, the sole purpose of these multigrade motor oils is to provide excellent overall lubrication and wear protection performance. In addition to that, enhancing fuel economy is another promising specification of these oils, which is the cherry on top!

In this article, we have thrown light on the necessary information about the latest 0W20 engine oil, which is a relatively younger oil than 5W30 and 5W40. It was introduced in and started getting used by many cars later.

What does 0W20 oil mean?

The Society of Automotive Engineers has created a system to categorize motor oils based on their viscosity indexes. They grade these oils using a numerical code system that differentiates these engine oils from one another.

The word ‘W’ in these oils stands for the term ‘winter’. However, the numbers preceding and succeeding this letter ‘W’ represent the viscosity grades. Therefore, in this case, 0 stands for oil viscosity at lower temperatures. On the other hand, 20 represents the oil viscosity at higher temperatures.

The oil 0W20 is the most commonly used low viscosity oil which provides excellent performance at colder temperatures. Quick cold weather starting and fast protection helps to extend engine life. Therefore, it is best for use especially when the engine undergoes cold starts.

Get help for your car from our AI Car Expert!

Which cars and engines should use 0W20 engine oil?

This amazing engine oil is most commonly used in modern gasoline and petrol engines with low engine heat. If you own a car and drive it usually in frosty climates, then this engine oil might be the best oil for your vehicle that could do wonders. Moreover, this engine oil is hands down the best for everyday use, especially if you have to operate your vehicle at an extremely lower temperature.

However, we recommend not using this motor oil in two-wheeled vehicles, sports cars, or avionic vehicles because they usually have to run at a higher temperature. A sports car like a Ferrari could never use this oil as it is most likely to have an engine breakdown because this ultra-thin oil will not properly lubricate the moving engine parts at a higher temperature.

This engine oil is suitable for cars having a low engine heat or peak heat rating. This is the reason for its major usage in hybrid cars. As they are electrically driven at high heat moments, like traffic jams, this oil does the job for them. Most VW, Audi, and Porsche models use this engine oil in the UK and Germany.

Apart from these instructions, various vehicle manufacturers recommend getting your vehicle examined by car experts or your vehicle manufacturers. Contact us to find out whether this engine oil is engineered for your vehicle or not!

Benefits of using 0W20 engine oil

Out of the several benefits of using this commonly used 0W20 oil, here we have listed some of them. Let’s have a look at these advantages!

  • It provides enhanced fuel economy and efficiency being a very “thin” oil.

  • It protects your vehicle from engine wear and tear.

  • It offers the best cold start protection performance as the oil can quickly flow to all parts of the oil system while being cold.

  • It prolongs the lifespan of your vehicle, thus saving you money in the long run. Moreover, using high-grade 0W20 engine oil requires fewer oil changes per year as compared to most other engine oils. Therefore, it also saves you extra costs in this way.

  • It decreases the formation of sludge buildups and soot deposits, thus cleaning your car parts.

  • It offers the promising feature of preventing the viscosity breakdown that most multigrade oils lack.

  • It protects your vehicle against oil breakdowns as well as thermal breakdowns. This fast protection helps in making the lifespan of your vehicle longer.

  • Its low friction enhances engine efficiency, engine management, and the average rating of engine power.

  • It withstands many driving styles along with numerous driving conditions.

  • It provides proper lubrication to all the active car parts and moving engine parts.

  • This engine oil comprises high-performance synthetic base stocks which promise marvellous performance and smoother rides.

What is the difference between 0W20 and 5W30 motor oil?

0W20 has semi-fluid properties due to the low-temperature viscosity index. No matter how cold the conditions are outside, this engine oil tries its best to protect the engine. It flows extremely well and efficiently at lower temperatures and outperforms 5W30 engine oil.

Like 5W30, 0W20 is also very versatile and common due to its amazing properties and features. It can withstand extreme conditions along with protecting different car parts. This multi-viscosity oil minimizes fuel consumption rates and possible losses.

On the other hand, 5W30 engine oil is a highly efficient engine oil engineered for both gasoline engines as well as diesel engines. It is versatile due to its viscosity grade, which works best for most vehicles. It is commonly used because it can withstand both extremes very well i.e. extremely high temperature as well as extremely low temperature.

Both of these oils provide excellent lubrication and performance, However, some people prefer using 5W30 engine oil instead of 0W20 oil because of its versatility!

Best brands for the 0W20 engine oil

There are numerous best-seller brands for the commonly used 0W20 motor oil. Here, we have picked some of the top brands that sell amazing products of 0W20 engine oil. Let’s have a look at them!

LIQUI MOLY Top Tec 0W20 engine oil

The German brand LIQUI MOLY’s Top Tec formula for 0W20 engine oil is hands down the best product available in the market. This oil is able to deliver outstanding engine protection. It never compromises on the quality and provides outstanding engine protection and performance.

This engine oil is specifically made for high-performance vehicles and is best for use, especially during cold starts as it has outstanding low-temperature capabilities. It is a bit pricier than other SAE 0W20 oils but lasts for ages. In this way, it saves you extra costs in the long run.

This engine oil fits to a very wide range of vehicles in the UK that require the 0W20 viscosity. It covers OEM standards from German car brands Porsche C20, VW 508 00 / 509 00 and is also suitable for Asian brands such as Toyota, Honda, Hyundai, Kia, Nissan, Mitsubishi and Subaru.

Are you unsure if this oil fits your car? Please send us a message with your license plate and our experts will cross-check it for you.

UK residents can order the oil here for fast delivery: https://mycar.repair/uk/product/liqui-moly-top-tec--0w-20/

Manufacturer Approvals

APPROVALS:

  • API SP

  • ILSAC GF-6A

RECOMMENDATIONS:

  • Chrysler MS-

  • Fiat 9.-CR1

  • Ford WSS-M2C 947-A

  • Ford WSS-M2C 947-B1

  • Ford WSS-M2C 962-A1

  • GM M

  • GM dexos1 Gen 3

  • Honda

  • Hyundai

  • Kia

  • Mazda

  • Mitsubishi Dia Queen

  • Nissan

  • Subaru

  • Toyota

Valvoline Synpower 0W20 fully synthetic motor oil

Valvoline is another brand that is known for its affordability, high quality, and outstanding engine protection.

Valvoline Synpower 0W20 fully synthetic motor oil is reliable for protecting against engine wear and tears. Moreover, it also protects against sludge formations and soot deposits. It has a good average rating value.

In addition to that, it provides amazing viscosity stability and lowers exhaust emissions. Most importantly, it provides the best fuel economy by decreasing fuel consumption. Therefore, we can recommend getting your hands on this engine oil by Valvoline!

Manufacturer Approvals

  • GM dexos1™

  • Gen 2 APPROVED (Lic No. DGL103)

  • SAE 0W-20,

  • API SN PLUS,

  • API SN,

  • ILSAC GF-5,

  • Ford WSS-M2C947-B1,

  • Chrysler MS-

Castrol Edge 0W20 fully synthetic engine oil

Castrol’s engine oils deliver good engine protection and improve fuel economy. The fully synthetic engine oil of this brand outperforms conventional oils, and it is built right according to industry standards.

Castrol Edge 0W20 fully synthetic engine oil works best even in harsh environments. Not only that, but it also exhibits wear protection performance and provides high-temperature protection. Moreover, it also protects the engine from oxidation and breakdown.

In addition to that, it provides proper lubrication to all the necessary car parts. Therefore, we highly recommend purchasing this product!

Manufacturer Approvals

  • ACEA A1/B1

  • API SN/SN PLUS I

  • LSAC GF-5

  • Meets Ford WSS-M2C947-A

    aikebaotech Product Page

  • GM dexos1™ Gen 2

Royal Purple SAE 0W-20 High-Performance Synthetic Motor Oil

Royal Purple is another top pick for the best-seller brands of 0W20 engine oil. This brand never fails to impress with its amazing quality and outstanding performance.

This engine oil performs extremely well in race cars and other heavy-duty vehicles. It protects your vehicle from metal-to-metal contact.

Moreover, Royal Purple SAE high-performance motor oil also provides protection against wear and tear. So, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, this is the right oil for you!

Manufacturer Approvals

  • Chrysler FCA US MS-,

  • GM dexos1™* Gen 2,

  • API SN Plus,

  • ILSAC GF-5

Mobil 1 Extended Performance Fully Synthetic ow20 engine oil

Mobil 1 0W-20 is engineered with a proprietary blend of high-performance synthetic base stocks fortified with a precisely balanced component additive system. Mobil 1 extended performance fully synthetic 0W20 motor oil provides good engine performance and offers smoother rides.

It contributes a lot to making the lifespan of the engine longer. It enhances fuel economy by decreasing the need for fuel in the vehicle. Moreover, this oil promises to last longer for up to 20,000 miles. Therefore, this engine oil can save you from spending too much.

For proper lubrication, safety, and high performance, you should definitely consider this option!

Manufacturer Approvals

APPROVALS

  • HONDA/ACURA HTO-06

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Ford WSS-M2C945-A

  • Ford WSS-M2C945-B1

  • Ford WSS-M2C946-A

  • Ford WSS-M2C929-A

  • Ford WSS-M2C930-A

  • GM M

  • FORD WSS-M2C960-A1

  • FORD WSS-M2C961-A1

Shell Helix Ultra SN 0w 20 oil

This 0W-20 oil by Shell Helix is a low-viscosity and low-friction formula that does wonders in European cars. This brand produces synthetic base oils from natural gas with the help of its advanced technology.

It ensures long-lasting performance for the car engine. Moreover, it cleans the pistons up to an extra 50% more than the usual industry standards. Also, it reduces carbon emissions, soot, and sludge deposits.

Also, it increases the fuel efficiency up to almost 3%. So, we highly recommend this product.

Manufacturer Approvals

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Turbocharged gasoline direct injection (TGDI) engines,

  • Low-Speed Pre-Ignition API SN Plus/SN,

  • ACEA A1/B1,

  • ILSAC GF-5,

  • Hybrid vehicles

Millers Nanodrive CFS 0W20 engine oil

This 0W20 engine oil by the Millers brand shows outstanding performance. It significantly decreases heat generation as well as friction.

It ensures a longer lifespan of the engine by reducing wear and tear. Moreover, it helps in the increment of torque and engine power output with anti-wear and anti-friction properties.

In addition to that, this reliable product by Millers Nanodrive helps increase engine efficiency. Therefore, you should consider this product!

Manufacturer Approvals

  • API: SM, CF

  • ACEA: A3 / B4

Fuchs Titan GT1 Pro V SAE 0W 20 engine oil

Fuchs Titan GT1 Pro V SAE 0W 20 engine oil is another top pick for the best fuel economy. The main feature of this oil is that it reduces carbon dioxide emissions, hence cleaning the engine.

It provides rapid oil circulation throughout active parts with extreme shear stability. Moreover, it offers the best wear protection in all operating conditions.

Its improved ageing stability makes it best for use in European cars. Therefore, we totally recommend this engine oil!

Manufacturer Approvals

Specifications

  • ACEA A1 / B1

Approvals

  • Volvo VCC RBSO-2AE

FAQs

Are all 0W20 engine oils the same?

No, they are either fully synthetic or synthetic blends. They cannot be conventional oils and are designed for different OEM standards.

Is 0W20 engine oil any good?

Yes, it is extremely safe for most lower-temperature engines. Read the vehicle handbook for more information.

Can you mix two different brands of 0W20 oil?

No, we do not recommend doing it. You should go with LIQUI MOLY products for the best results.

Is Valvoline better than Mobil 1?

Yes, especially in terms of wear protection, Valvoline oil is four times better than Mobil.

Is 0W20 good for summer?

It is OK to use in summer, however, it performs best at colder temperatures.

Do I have to use the recommendation of my car manufacturer?

Yes, we suggest following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations.

Can I use 5W-20 instead of 0W-20 oil?

Yes, you can. There is almost not much difference if you use them in fair weather.

Final Word

0W Motor Oil and Viscosity FAQs - | Pennzoil®

The first number of a multi-grade oil designates the ability for the oil to be pumped and flow at colder temperatures; the “W” stands for winter.  Thus, a 0W oil will be able to flow faster and get to critical engine components better than a 5W or a 10W oil; especially in extreme cold conditions and at engine start-up.

The second number is the viscosity measurement value at engine operating conditions. This viscosity number is crucial for proper lubrication and protection of your engine.  

When motor oil was first introduced, it was sold only in monograde varieties, such as SAE-X. Multi-weight engine oils were first introduced in the ’s to address the issues of varying temperatures and engine operating conditions.  The first number of a multi-grade oil designates the ability for the oil to be pumped and flow at colder temperatures; the “W” stands for winter.  Thus, a 0W oil will be able to flow faster and get to critical engine components better than a 5W or a 10W oil; especially in extreme cold conditions and at engine start-up

The second number is the viscosity measurement value at engine operating conditions. This viscosity number is crucial for proper lubrication and protection of your engine.  Thus, a vehicle that recommends using a SAE 5W-20 can use a multi-grade oil SAE 0W-20; especially in colder climate regions.  Using a lower “winter” weight can help with faster oil delivery, quicker engine warm up to operating conditions and give fuel economy benefits compared to a 5W or 10W motor oil.

0W motor oil was developed to operate in today’s modern vehicle engines, which are smaller and run hotter than older engines. In order to make a 0W motor oil, synthetic base stock is typically required to meet industry and OEM specifications and therefore is available only as a synthetic motor oil. 

The benefits of using the correct 0W grade motor oil for your vehicle are faster flow at start-up to reach critical engine parts, faster engine warm up and delivers better fuel economy as compared to higher viscosity grade oils.  

Yes, our SAE 0W-20, 0W-30 are suitable for use with all current vehicles on the road today calling for API SN PLUS or older specifications.  Remember, the second number in the SAE grade (20 or 30) is the critical viscosity required by your engine. Thus, our 0W will give you faster delivery of oils to critical engine parts at start-up and quicker engine warm up to operating temperatures.

The only exception is SAE 0W-16 motor oils.  0W-16 grade oils are specifically designed for engines requiring this viscosity grade and is not suitable for SAE 5W-20 or thicker oil grades.   

Within the past decade, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have been tasked to meet the legislated regulations for better fuel economy. OEMs have made huge strides by reducing engine size and maintaining horsepower performance through the introduction of smaller Turbocharged Gasoline Direct Injection engines (TGDI) and operating on thinner viscosity grades.

The push for SAE 0W-20 and SAE 0W-16 motor oils grades has helped OEMs achieve some of those fuel economy and emission targets.  

Pennzoil Platinum SAE 0W-16 and SAE 0W-20 meet and exceed the need of these engine oil specifications.  It is designed to meet these fuel economy benefits while offering outstanding performance and protection throughout the oil drain interval.  

No, if your owner’s manual calls for a thicker oil, you should not use a thinner SAE grade nor use a thicker oil for a recommended thinner oil vis-grade.  Using the proper viscosity motor oil will help protect and maintain the performance of your vehicle’s engine.  Thus, always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation while your vehicle is under warranty.

**if you have a car that recommends 0W-20, do not use 5W-30 – back # of vis-grade must match or it is a no-go.

0W motor oils (0W-20) are suitable for use in 5W applications because the 20 refer to the viscosity measurement value. That value is the one most critical aspect to match when selecting a motor oil. The 0W or 5W refers to the pumpability in cold temperatures. Therefore, a 0W would flow more easily than a 5W and could be an acceptable substitute. Thus, it is suitable to use a SAE 0W-20 as a replacement for SAE 5W-20 application.

**Offers same protection as 5W but also provides faster flow and better fuel economy.

You should consult your manufacturer’s owner manual to ensure you use the recommended vis-grade to maintain performance of your vehicle’s engine. However, Pennzoil’s 0W motor oils offer the same protection as SAE 5W and gives you additional benefits of faster flow at start-up, enables faster engine warm up and delivers better fuel economy. For example, if your car calls for SAE 5W-20 motor oil you can use SAE 0W-20 motor oil because the second number (20) is the most crucial number and your engine is designed to take into account the viscosity of the motor oil at engine operating conditions. 

Leaks are not typically caused by the motor oil. If your engine is experiencing oil leaks, it is likely due to engine wear and cracked or worn seals on older vehicles. To circumvent this issue, Pennzoil offers Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage motor oils in 0W grades which not only deliver unbeatable engine but are also boosted with seal swelling agents that are designed to rejuvenate cracked or worn seals to help reduce oil leaks. 

First always consult the manufacturer’s owner manual to confirm the recommended vis-grade to maintain performance of the vehicle’s engine while the vehicle is under warranty. After the warranty period, a car that calls for SAE 5W-20 engine oil can use SAE 0W-20 motor oil because the second number (20) is the most crucial number for suitability. Pennzoil’s 0W synthetic motor oils offer the same protection as SAE 5W and gives the additional benefits of faster flow at start-up, enables faster engine warm up and delivers better fuel economy.

The company is the world’s best Engine Oil W20 supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.