When to Use Engine Oil W20?

19 May.,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!

Please visit our website for more information on this topic.

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.

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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!

With competitive price and timely delivery, Aikebao sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

Manufacturer Approvals

  • ACEA A1/B1

  • API SN/SN PLUS I

  • LSAC GF-5

  • Meets Ford WSS-M2C947-A

  • 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

What Is 0W-20 Engine Oil? | Castrol® USA

Changing needs of vehicles for motor oil grades

Over the years, the most popular and commonly used motor oil grades have changed to keep up with changing engines of the auto manufacturers.  In the ’s, it was common for a vehicle to require a monograde oil and the viscosity or grade of the oil required would change depending on the season.  As motor oil chemistry advanced, multi-grade oils replaced the need to change grades based on seasons or weather.

As vehicle engines technology has improved with time, the size and power output of engines have significantly changed.  In the ’s, it was common to have a very large engine (6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engines were the most common) that had large pathways for oil to travel through to protect the engine.  At that time, 20W-50 and 10W-40 were the most popular grades.  When fuel economy increased in importance, engine sizes got smaller and lower viscosity motor oils were needed – this led to the rise in popularity of the 10W-30, 5W-30 and 5W-20 grades over the years. 

Today, engines are advancing faster than ever.  Auto manufacturers are looking to make engines smaller and lighter while delivering more power than ever.  To protect these smaller powerful engines, thinner oils with better ability to protect and clean engines are needed.  This has led to 0W-20 being the fastest growing grade in the motor oil marketplace.

0W-20 – What does it mean?

Looking at the number 0W-20 (and motor oil grades in general) can be confusing.  Why is there a zero in the grade?  Does that mean I have less protection?  To get a better understanding, let’s discuss the motor oil grading system.

Motor oil grades are defined from an industry specification known as SAE J300 (SAE = Society of Automotive Engineers).  Oil flows differently at lower temperatures than higher temperatures.  Picture starting a car on a cold winter morning versus driving on a desert highway in the summer.  The flow of oil in the engine is very different in those two situations.  The flow and its resistance to movement of a fluid is known as the viscosity of the fluid and is very important in motor oil.

Motor oil viscosity is commonly measured at lower and higher temperatures.  The properties of the oil at lower temperatures define the first part of the motor oil grade.  In the example of a 0W-20, the “0W” part of the grade is related to the measurement of viscosity at low temperatures as defined by SAE J300 (and the “W” stands for Winter – relating it to low temperature performance).  The better the oil performs at lower temperatures, the lower the number before the W.  The numbers are ranges defined by SAE J300, so zero doesn’t mean zero performance; it means the oil performs better at lower temperatures and flows easier than oils that fall in 5W, 10W, 20W, etc. ranges.

The “20” portion of the 0W-20 grade relates to how the oil flows through the engine at higher temperatures – like when your engine gets up to normal operating temperatures.  As a reference, think of it as how your oil flows when your engine has warmed up and you are driving on a highway.  Again, the lower the number, the thinner the oil is and easier it flows around your engine.  An oil that has a 20 after the W flows easier and faster than an oil with a grade that ends in 30, 40, 50, etc.

What type of oil is a 0W-20? 

To make a 0W-20, high quality base oils and strong additives are needed.  The base oils must be able to protect and flow at very low temperatures.  Typically, a large amount of synthetic oil is needed to allow the oil to flow well at these low temperatures.  0W-20 motor oils require synthetic base oils and are either full synthetic or part synthetic (synthetic blend) motor oil; 0W-20 oils are not conventional (or mineral) motor oils.  And the additives must be thin enough to move well but still protect these newer advanced engines.

Why is 0W-20 becoming such a popular grade?

Currently, 5W-30 and 5W-20 are the most popular grades in the motor oil market.  But in recent years, 0W-20 is the fastest growing grade and is in position to be the most common grade recommended by auto manufacturers in the coming years.  The reason for this is due to the technical advancements of automobile engines.  Recent years have seen developments such as hybrid vehicles, cylinder deactivation, stop-start engines, direct injection (GDI) and turbochargers.  All these changes are putting different stresses on the engine and as a result, on the motor oil.  

Despite all this new technology, fuel economy is very important to auto manufacturers.  Auto manufacturers are driving more power out of the same or smaller engines.  This results in the need for a thinner motor oil that are required for these vehicles.  In general, auto manufacturers are requiring a 0W-20 more commonly for their newer vehicles which is the reason for the growth of the 0W-20 in the motor oil market.

For more Engine Oil W20information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.