0W Motor Oil and Viscosity FAQs

Technology was designed to deliver base oils with performance suited to blend 0W viscosity grades and deliver benefits of low viscosity motor oil, low oil volatility and extreme temperatures performance. Low viscosity realizes the fuel economy benefits inherent within the 0W grade oils whereas low oil volatility and temperature performance are necessary in controlling oil consumption over the oil drain and maintaining long term engine protection.

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.  

The benefits of using the correct 0W grade 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. 

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. 

No. Top-off is required when your dipstick indicates incorrect oil level. Pennzoil Synthetics made with natural gas have outstanding volatility control which helps reduce oil consumption and maintain correct oil level. 

In order to make a 0W motor oil, it typically requires a synthetic base stock to meet industry and OEM specifications. Therefore, conventional motor oils are usually not offered in a SAE 0W-XX motor oil.  

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.