Choose your country
MotulTech

Engine Oil 5w30

To help you better understand engine oil and what the identification grade 5w30 means, we’ll explain how this oil maintains a balanced viscosity across varying temperatures and why it’s crucial for protecting your engine. If you are asking "What is 5W-30 oil used for?" then hopefully this article will help you learn more and answer your question.

When it comes to maintaining your vehicle’s engine performance and longevity, choosing the right engine oil is crucial. MOTUL 5w-30 engine oil is one of the most popular grades on the market, but what does 5w-30 actually mean, and why is it important to use the correct oil?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down what the numbers mean, explain how 5W-30 engine oil works, and why MOTUL’s advanced formulation is trusted by mechanics, motorsport professionals, and everyday drivers alike.

What Does 5w-30 Mean?

The term 5w-30 refers to the oil’s viscosity rating, which measures how easily the oil flows at different temperatures. This rating is defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).

“5w” stands for the oil’s cold temperature viscosity (the “w” stands for “Winter”). The number before the “w” indicates how the oil flows in cold conditions. A lower number means better cold-weather performance.

 

“30” represents the oil’s viscosity at operating temperature (typically 100°C). The higher the number, the thicker the oil remains at high temperatures.

 

So, 5w-30 oil behaves like a thinner oil during cold starts (helping your engine start smoothly in winter) and maintains a thicker consistency when the engine heats up, providing protection under normal driving conditions.

Why Is Using the Correct Oil So Important?

Using the correct engine oil viscosity is essential for:

 

✅ Engine Protection
The correct oil forms a lubricating film between moving engine parts, reducing friction and preventing wear and tear. MOTUL 5w-30 for example provides exceptional protection for both petrol and diesel engines.

✅ Fuel Efficiency
Low viscosity oils like MOTUL 5w-30 help reduce internal engine resistance, improving fuel economy without compromising protection.

✅ Cold Start Performance
5w-30 flows quickly during cold starts, reducing engine strain and wear during the critical first seconds after ignition.

✅ Longer Engine Life
Clean, well-formulated oil helps prevent sludge build-up, corrosion, and overheating, extending the life of your engine.

✅ Maintaining Manufacturer Warranty
Most modern vehicles specify a particular oil grade in the owner’s manual. Using an unapproved grade could void your warranty. MOTUL 5W-30 meets or exceeds a wide range of OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications.

 

Why Choose MOTUL 5w-30?

 

MOTUL is a world-renowned name in high-performance engine lubricants, trusted by the automotive industry, motorsport professionals, and vehicle manufacturers worldwide.

 

Here’s why our 5w30 engine oil products stand out in the industry:

 

  • Advanced Synthetic Technology
    MOTUL's full synthetic oils offer superior thermal stability and oxidation resistance, reducing oil breakdown and extending oil change intervals.
  •  Superior Cleaning Power
    With excellent detergent and dispersant properties, our 5w30 keeps your engine clean from deposits and contaminants.
  •  Tested in Motorsports
  • MOTUL products are rigorously tested in high-stress racing environments, so you know your engine is getting the best protection possible.
  • Meets the Latest Industry Standards
    MOTUL 5w-30 is compliant with ACEA C3, API SN/SM, and various manufacturer-specific approvals like BMW LL-04, VW 504/507, MB 229.51, and more.

Is MOTUL 5w-30 Right for Your Car?

 

Always consult your vehicle’s manual or speak to a qualified mechanic before selecting engine oil. MOTUL 5w-30 is commonly recommended for:

 

  • Modern petrol and diesel engines
  • Turbocharged engines
  • Vehicles with diesel particulate filters (DPFs)
  • Low SAPS, Mid SAPS or Full-SAPS formulation
    • our 5w-30 offers cater to all types of vehicles, whether the vehicle requests a Low SAPS, Mid SAPS or Full-SAPS formulation. 

Note: SAPS content relates to the sulphated ash phosphours and sulfur content. This is an important charectaristic when the vehicle is fitted with any sort of aftertreatment system including diesel and gasoline particulate filters. 

Whether you drive a normal road car, a performance car, or a family SUV, MOTUL has a 5w-30 oil variant that matches your engine’s needs.

Use the Oil Advisor to find the correct oil for your vehicle.

Protect Your Engine with MOTUL 5w-30

 

Choosing the correct engine oil isn’t just about ticking a box, it’s about protecting your investment, enhancing performance, and ensuring reliability. MOTUL 5w-30 delivers peace of mind with industry-leading technology, precision engineering, and a track record of excellence.

5w30 Oil FAQ's

 

What is 5w-30 engine oil?

5w-30 engine oil is a multi-grade motor oil designed to perform efficiently across a wide range of temperatures. 

 

What does 5w-30 mean?

5w-30 is a way of describing how thick or thin engine oil is at different temperatures. The “5w” means the oil flows well in cold weather, helping your engine start easily and the “30” means the oil stays thick enough to protect the engine when it's hot. A 5w-30 oil works well in both cold starts and normal driving conditions.

 

Engine oil viscosity explained

Engine Oil Viscosity is how thick or thin engine oil is. Thinner oils flow more easily at low temperatures, while thicker oils protect better at high temperatures. Multi-grade oils like 5w-30 adjust to both cold starts and hot engine conditions, ensuring proper protection year-round.

 

Best engine oil for UK weather

For the UK’s mild and often damp climate, 5w-30 engine oil is one of the best choices. It offers excellent cold-start performance during winter and reliable protection in warmer months.

 

Synthetic 5W-30 oil benefits

Better Engine Protection – Synthetic oil provides a stronger, more stable film that reduces wear and friction on engine parts.

Longer Oil Change Intervals – Synthetic oils typically last longer, meaning fewer oil changes and lower maintenance costs.

 

How do I select the correct engine oil

Use the Oil Advisor to find the correct oil for your vehicle.