When choosing a 0w-20 viscosity grade engine oil for your vehicle, you need to consider the manufacturer’s recommendations, oil composition, tolerances and specifications. We’ve prepared this guide to help you choose the right 0w-20 viscosity grade engine oil for your car.
We’ll look at the main characteristics of 0w-20 oil, what to look for when choosing a 0w-20, and which 0w-20 oils are the most popular in the United States.
Motor oil 0w-20
0w-20 Engine Oils
0w-20 viscosity oils are low-viscosity oils and are generally recommended for Japanese and American vehicles.
The most common recommendation for 0w-20 oils is found in Honda: this concern was the first to switch to total use of the lowest viscosity in all its vehicles.
Also, 0W-20 engine oil can be recommended for new Korean and some German cars, both in winter and summer. And, of course, such oils are also suitable for hybrid engines with low operating temperatures.
Which 0w-20 viscosity oil should I choose for my car?
0w-20 viscosity oils are low viscosity oils and are generally recommended for use in the engine of American and Asian cars.
Also, 0W-20 engine oil can be recommended for new Korean and some German cars, for both winter and summer use. Also, 0W-20 oils are also suitable for hybrid engines with low operating temperatures.
What 0w-20 viscosity oil should I choose for my car?
Most 0W-20 engine oils manufactured for the U.S. market are synthetic (or hydrocracked). We recommend using fully synthetic motor oils from popular brands such as Amsoil, Red Line, Mag 1, Castrol, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Royal Purple, Mobil 1, Liqui Moly, Motul, and Idemitsu for your vehicle.
All of these brands make 0w-20 motor oil on a synthetic basis and have recommendations from automakers: GM, Ford, Chrysler, BMW, MB, Porsche, VW, and others.
Best engine oil 0w-20
Idemitsu 0w-20 SPGF-6
Approvals and Specifications:
- API SP
- ILSAC GF-6
The most popular oils are 0w-20:
- Amsoil Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil
- ACDelco 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
- Castrol Edge Advanced Full Synthetic Oil 0W-20
- Castrol Magnatec Full Synthetic Oil 0W-20
- Eneos Full Synthetic Oil 0W-20
- Idemitsu ZEPRO Eco Medalist 0W-20
- K&N 0W-20 Full Synthetic Engine Oil
- Liqui Moly Special Tec AA 0W-20
- Liqui Moly Top Tec 6200 0W-20
- Mag 1 Full Synthetic Oil 0W-20
- Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0W-20
- Mobil 1 High Mileage Full Motor Oil 0W-20
- Motul 8100 Eco-Lite 0W-20
- Pennzoil Platinum Motor Full Synthetic Oil 0W-20
- Quaker State Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil
- RAVENOL DFE 0W-20
- RAVENOL ECS 0W-20
- RAVENOL EFS 0W-20
- Red Line Motor Oil 0W-20
- Royal Purple High-Performance Oil 0W-20
- Valvoline Advanced 0W-20
- Valvoline High Mileage 0W-20
- Valvoline Modern Engine SAE 0W-20
- Valvoline Extended Protection SAE 0W-20
Popular Genuine Oils
- BMW Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20
- Honda Genuine Full Synthetic Oil 0W-20
- Ford Motorcraft Full Synthetic 0W-20
- Mazda Genuine Oil 0W-20
- Nissan Genuine Oil 0W-20
- Toyota Genuine Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20
- Subaru Synthetic Motor Oil 0w-20
Engine oil 0w-20
Engine oil 0w-20
Low-viscosity oils, of which 0W-20 is one of the most liquid oils, are recommended for the most modern engines which have stringent requirements for lubricants in terms of environmental and fuel efficiency.
The increased fluidity of 0W-20 engine oil enables it to circulate easily inside the engine compartment in frosty conditions.
| Oil viscosity | 0w-20 |
| Application | For American and Asian vehicles |
| Oil type | Synthetic, Semi-synthetic |
| Winter temperature limit | – 31.0 °F |
| Summer temperature limit | 59.0 °F |
0W-20 Oil Specifications
The SAE J300 standard describes oil viscosity using a set of classes given their own numerical indices. Seasonal oils are tested using different methods which simulate their conditions of use.
Since summer oils are not important for starting properties at negative temperatures (pumpability, cranking ability), they are tested only under conditions close to working conditions: kinematic and dynamic viscosity is measured. Each SAE class has its own range of kinematic viscosity and minimum dynamic viscosity. The higher the viscosity of the oil, the higher the index.
For winter oils the main tests are conducted at low temperatures – measured dynamic viscosity at two points specified by the standard for a particular class. The class index, for convenience, marked with the letter W, decreases with increasing starting properties of the oil, that is 0W oil can start at lower temperatures than 10W.
For multigrade motor oils, which also include 0W-20, indices of both classes are shown. By these you can see that such oil is not only low in viscosity at working temperatures, but also increases it to a minimum at negative temperatures. In such oils the pour point exceeds the peak winter temperatures in most of the accustomed climatic zones.
The oil designation is 0w-20:
- 0w is a winter parameter and indicates the minimum safe cold start temperature. This means that the smaller the first digit, the lower the temperature the oil is rated for.
- 20 is a summer parameter, indicating that the oil can be used in certain temperature conditions.
Oils with low viscosity are used for rapid pumping in cold weather so that when you start the engine without warming up, it is instantly lubricated.
0w-20 oil features
SAE 0W-20 motor oil is a special engine oil designed for engines that initially require a low-viscosity, energy-saving motor oil. Such engines have a number of design features aimed at reducing mechanical losses. First of all we are talking about thin piston rings, providing a minimum of friction losses in the cylinder head. The flip side of such a design solution is reducing the efficiency of removing the oil film from the cylinder walls.
For this very reason in engines of this type SAE 0W-20 oils are used all-season, even in moderate climates, where there is no need in them in principle. A thicker oil would inevitably increase the consumption for exhaust through the cylinder-piston group. Additionally, the fluidity and low viscosity themselves reduce engine losses, improving fuel economy, critical for today’s environmental demands.
The mechanism of low viscosity oils and peculiarities of their application
Production of oils of this class is advisable only on a synthetic basis of high quality. There are several reasons:
- The film strength that low-viscosity oils create, all other things being equal, is minimal. To avoid damage to the engine, the oil must provide high antifriction and extreme pressure properties;
- Low viscosity oils are a consequence of stricter environmental standards, which are achieved, among other things, by reducing mechanical losses in the engine. But since the stringency of current standards like API SN is very high, the oil itself must have low volatility and ash content, and regulated phosphorus, and sulfur content. Only synthesis, not the purification of crude oil, can ensure the purity of base oil.
Low viscosity synthetic oils must have higher shear stability to provide adequate protection under high loads. This allows to maintain oil wedge in friction pairs, including the most loaded – main and crank bearings of engines, as well as those operating at extremely high speeds (turbocharger bearings). It is the shear resistance that allows oils with low viscosity to operate successfully in highly accelerated engines, providing them with long service life.
The properties of energy-saving oils are described by ILSAC standards, the latest of which is ILSAC GF-5. It differs from the previous specification GF-4 first of all by the introduction of biofuel compatibility requirements. Phosphorus content in such oils cannot exceed 0,08%, thus compatibility with multicomponent catalysts is guaranteed. At the same time, the ash content is limited in the same way as for MidSAPS and LowSAPS diesel oils.
The energy-saving effect is created by several specific properties of these oils:
- They are easily pumped through the oil channels, through the oil filter. SAE 0W-20 oil thereby reduces the load on the oil pump, which can now draw less power from the engine;
- The anti-friction properties which are important for complex modern engines with a large number of friction pairs are increased: the overall benefit in friction reduction becomes tangible.
At the same time it is highly not recommended to use such oils in the motors, not designed for them. It is necessary to understand that the energy-saving effect and reduced fuel consumption of these oils is inextricably linked to the design of the engine itself, while the engine, designed for a more viscous oil, will experience several problems at once. The oil pressure will drop, because the oil pump was designed for a different viscosity. There will be increased wear on the cylinder walls and upper compression rings, since piston rings and cylinder honing also imply different properties of the engine oil. Hydraulic timing clutches and hydro-compensators may also malfunction on low-flow oil.
The advantages of 0W-20 engine oil
Idemitsu 0w-20 oil fully meets the requirements of modern engines, especially American and Japanese, which are designed for energy-saving lubrication.
Motor oil specifications
API Specifications
API US specifications provide for two groups of classes for vehicles:
- S for gasoline engines
- C for diesel engines
API specifications for gasoline engines: SA, SB, SC, SD, SE, SF, SG, SH, SJ, SL, SM, SN, SN Plus, SP. API specifications for diesel engines: CB, CC, CD, CD, CE, CF, CF-4, CF-2, CG-4, CH-4, CI-4, CI-4 Plus, CJ-4.
ACEA Specifications
The European standard ACEA uses four groups:
- A for gasoline engines
- B for diesel engines
- C for engines with catalytic converters or DPF
- E for heavy-duty diesel engines
ACEA specifications: A1, A2, A3, A5, B1, B2, B3, B4, B5, C1, C2, C3, E1, E2, E3, E4, E5, E6, E7.
ILSAC Specifications
The Asian ILSAC standard defines the Quality Specifications for gasoline engines of passenger cars.
ILSAC Specifications: GF-1, GF-2, GF-3, GF-4, GF-5, GF-6
Asian motor oils are often certified not only to the internationally recognized API and ACEA standards but also to the ILSAC standard, which is the most accurate recommendation for the Asian market. This is handled by the International Lubricants Standardization and Approval Committee, which is based on the Japanese and American automobile associations JAMA and AAMA.
Motor oil for American cars
For American cars, you must use oil that has the specifications API SN, API SP for new cars. For earlier models of cars, you can use oil with specifications API SL, and API SM. It is also necessary to consider the approvals of manufacturers: Ford, General Motors, Chrysler, and others.
The most popular American car brands are:
- Ford
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- GMC
- Jeep
- Lincoln
- RAM
The most popular Ford models:
- Ford Bronco
- Ford F-150
- Ford F-250
- Ford F-350
- Ford F-450
- Ford Taurus
- Ford C-Max
- Ford Escort
- Ford Fiesta
- Ford Focus
- Ford Galaxy
- Ford Kuga
- Ford Mondeo
- Ford S-Max
- Ford Transit
- Ford EcoSport
- Ford Edge
- Ford Escape
- Ford Expedition
- Ford Explorer
- Ford Fusion
- Ford Ranger
- Ford Mustang
The most popular Buick models:
Buick Cascada
Buick Century
Buick LaCrosse
Buick Verano
Buick Enclave
Buick Encore
Buick Envision
Buick Regal
Cadillac CTS
Cadillac SRX
Cadillac STS
Cadillac DTS
Cadillac CT4
Cadillac CT5
Cadillac CT6
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac XT4
Cadillac XT5
Cadillac XT6
Chevrolet Camaro
Chevrolet Cruze
Chevrolet Orlando
Chevrolet Volt
Cadillac CT4
Cadillac CT5
Cadillac CT6
Cadillac Escalade
Cadillac XT4
Cadillac XT5
Cadillac XT6
Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet Bolt
Chevrolet Colorado
Chevrolet Equinox
Chevrolet Impala
Chevrolet Malibu
Chevrolet Silverado 1500
Chevrolet Sonic
Chevrolet Spark
Chevrolet Suburban
Chevrolet Tahoe
Chevrolet Trailblazer
Chevrolet Traverse
Chevrolet Trax
Chrysler 200
Chrysler Crossfire
Chrysler Grand Voyager
Chrysler PT Cruiser
Chrysler Sebring
Chrysler Town & Country
Chrysler 300
Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler Voyager
Dodge Avenger
Dodge Caliber
Dodge Caravan
Dodge Challenger
Dodge Dakota
Dodge Dart
Dodge Magnum
Dodge Nitro
Dodge RAM 1500
Dodge RAM 2500
Dodge RAM 3500
Dodge Charger
Dodge Durango
Dodge Grand Caravan
Dodge Journey
GMC Envoy
GMC Savana
GMC Acadia
GMC Canyon
GMC Sierra 1500
GMC Terrain
GMC Yukon
Jeep Liberty
Jeep Patriot
Jeep Shamir
Jeep Commander
Jeep Cherokee
Jeep Compass
Jeep Gladiator
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep Renegade
Jeep Wrangler
Lincoln LS
Lincoln MKC
Lincoln MKS
Lincoln MKT
Lincoln MKX
Ram 1500
Ram 2500
Ram 3500
Hyundai Accent
Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai Ioniq
Hyundai Kona
Hyundai Palisade
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Sonata
Hyundai Tucson
Hyundai Veloster
Hyundai Venue
Hyundai Azera (Grandeur)
Hyundai Creta
Hyundai Solaris
Hyundai Grand Santa Fe
Hyundai Grand Starex
Hyundai Veracruz
Hyundai Matrix
Hyundai Entourage
Hyundai Equus
Hyundai Terracan
Hyundai Maxcruz (Grand Santa Fe)
Genesis G70
Genesis G80
Genesis G90
Kia Carens (Rondo)
Kia Carnival
Kia Ceed
Kia Mohave (Borrego)
Kia Morning (Picanto)
Kia Niro
Kia Quoris (K9)
Kia Ray
Kia Stonic
Kia Cadenza
Kia Forte
Kia K5
Kia K900
Kia Rio
Kia Sedona
Kia Sorento
Kia Soul
Kia Sportage
Kia Stinger
Kia Telluride
Engine oil 0w-20 for Japanese vehicles
For Japanese vehicles, an engine oil complying with ILSAC GF-5 and GF-6 specifications must be used.
The most popular Japanese car brands are:
- Toyota
- Honda
- Mazda
- Subaru
- Suzuki
Honda City
Honda Clarity
Honda CR-Z
Honda Crosstour
Honda Element
Honda Elysion
Honda Freed
Honda Inspire
Honda Legend
Honda Shuttle
Honda Stream
Mazda 2
Mazda 5
Mazda CX-5
Mazda CX-7
Mazda CX-8
Mazda BT-50
Mazda MPV
Mazda Premacy
Mazda Tribute
Mitsubishi ASX
Mitsubishi Colt
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Mitsubishi Endeavor
Mitsubishi L 200
Mitsubishi Lancer
Mitsubishi Nativa
Mitsubishi Pajero (Montero, Nativa)
Mitsubishi RVR
Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross
Mitsubishi Mirage
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan 350Z, 370Z
Nissan Almera
Nissan Cube
Nissan Elgrand
Nissan Juke
Nissan Micra (March)
Nissan Murano
Nissan Note
Nissan NV (NV200, NV300, NV400)
Nissan Patrol
Nissan Primera
Nissan Qashqai
Nissan Quest
Nissan Sunny
Nissan Sylphy
Nissan Teana
Nissan Terrano
Nissan TIIDA (Versa)
Nissan Trade
Nissan Urvan
Nissan Vanette
Nissan Violet (Stanza)
Nissan X-Terra
Nissan X-Trail
Nissan Altima
Nissan Armada
Nissan Frontier
Nissan Kicks
Nissan Maxima
Nissan Pathfinder
Nissan Rogue
Nissan Sentra
Nissan Titan
Nissan Versa
Subaru Baja
Subaru BRZ
Subaru Outback
Subaru Trezia
Subaru Tribeca
Subaru XV
Subaru Ascent
Subaru Crosstrek
Subaru Forester
Subaru Impreza
Subaru Legacy
Subaru WRX
Toyota Alphard
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Toyota Fortuner
Toyota Harrier
Toyota Hilux
Toyota Land Cruiser Prado
Toyota Matrix
Toyota Scion
Toyota Venza
Toyota Verso
Toyota Vitz
Toyota Voxy (Noah)
Toyota 4Runner
Toyota Avalon
Toyota C-HR
Toyota Camry
Toyota Corolla
Toyota Highlander
Toyota Land Cruiser
Toyota Prius
Toyota RAV4
Toyota Sequoia
Toyota Sienna
Toyota Tacoma
Toyota Tundra
Toyota Yaris
Suzuki Jimny
Suzuki Equator
Suzuki Grand Vitara
Suzuki Kizashi
Suzuki Baleno
Suzuki Ignis
Suzuki Swift
Suzuki SX4
Suzuki XL7
Acura ILX
Acura MDX
Acura RDX
Acura RLX
Acura TLX
Infiniti Q50
Infiniti Q60
Infiniti QX50
Infiniti QX60
Infiniti QX80
Lexus ES
Lexus GS
Lexus GX
Lexus IS
Lexus LS
Lexus LX
Lexus NX
Lexus RC
Lexus RX 350
Lexus UX
When selecting which engine oil to use for your vehicle, please consider the manufacturer’s specifications.