The thought is SAE 30 the same as 10w30 certainly cross the minds of most automobile users. As well, you know that we are very familiar with SAE 30 and 10w30 engine oils. Not to mention, they are widely used for many purposes along with oiling your automotive vehicles.
SAE 30 and 10w30 are not similar at all although they are manufactured from the same brand. Further, there are a handful of factors and qualities responsible for this.
Therefore, it is time you know about the difference between SAE 30 vs 10w30. After knowing the details, you will know which one is perfect for your automobile.
Before starting from the bottom, let’s check out the quick comparison table to know the difference between both of them/
| SAE Viscosity Grade | 10w30 Engine Oil | SAE 30 Engine Oil |
| Density | 865 kg/m³ | 869 kg/m³ |
| Dynamic Viscosity | 69 | 30 |
| Kinematic Viscosity (40°C) | 68.2 | 88.2 |
| Kinematic Viscosity (100°C) | 10.6 | 11.9 |
| HTHS Viscosity (150 °C) | 3.1 mPa | 2.9 mPa |
| Pour Point | -27 °C | -24 °C |
| Flash Point | 233 °C | 205 °C |
| Sulfated Ash | 0.8% | 0.07% |
To understand SAE 30 and 10w30 precisely, you will need to know the essential information and definition. Only then, you will get comprehensive insights about differences and which one to choose.
Therefore, let’s get cracking!
What Is SAE 30 Oil Used for?
SAE 30 motor oil is very compatible when it comes to working at high temperatures. Thereby, SAE 30 aka Society of Automotive Engineers 30 engine oil is developed by SAE manufacturer using of 30 combination technology.
Further, we know to be the typical motor oil used only in generators, mowers, and power digging tools However, it is consistent enough to use on classic motors along with small motors.
How Does SAE 30 Engine Oil Work?
SAE30 has monograde viscosity (30 viscosity) making this engine oil thick and hot enough to operate perfectly in high temperatures.
Moreover, 30 in the SAE 30 refers to the viscosity or consistency of the oil thickness in heat. To be exact the oil consistency will thicken at high temperature and will get thinner at Low temperature.
This also means that SAE 30 oil will not be able to film the right thickness in cold weather. As well the oil won’t be capable enough to run the engine efficiently.
Thus, if you want engine oil for the high-temperature season SAE 30 is the better option. However, it’s not properly suitable for most types of heavy engines.
What Is 10w30 Oil Used for?
Just like SAE 30, the 10w30 is also created by the Society of Automotive Engineers. Therefore, the SAE 10W30 engine oil consists of 10W viscosity at cold temperatures. To be more specific 10W viscosity means that SAE 10 has more viscosity (69.4). And the W in 10W30 refers to the Winter.
Unlike SAE 30, SAE 10W30 is more suitable to utilize in heavy and modern engines. Also, SAE 10w30 is compatible with most types of automobile engines and small motors.
How Does SAE 10W30 Work?
SAE 10W30 comes with higher multi grade viscosity, more anti-oxidants, and anti-wear functions. Well, with higher viscosity, this oil thickens and operates profoundly in cold temperatures.
Just the opposite of the SAE 30, the SAE 10w30 works well even in winter as the oil gets thicker in cold temperatures.
Further, the oil will be efficient regardless of freezing temperature or not. Even though the higher temperature may make the oil thinner, it will still operate moderately.
Hence, in case you want your engines to run around properly all year round SAE 10w30 is more sufficient.
Is SAE 30 The Same As 10w30? – Comparison and Explanation
To simply tell you in short, no the SAE 30 is not at all The same as 10w30. Here are some of the factors to compare and find the difference between SAE 30 vs 10w30.
1. Viscosity
From my research, it is clear that both the gear follow the Standard J300 Classification of Engine Oil.
Therefore, according to the Standard J300 level, 30-grade engine oil must comply with two factors
- At the lower shear rate and 100 °C temperature, the Kinematic viscosity must be:
9.3 mm²/s or centistoke ≥ Kinematic viscosity ≤ 12.5 mm²/s or centistoke.
2. Also, at the shear rate of 1 (m/s)/µm* and 150 °C temperature, the absolute viscosity must be:
absolute viscosity ≥ 2.9 MiliPascal.second or centipoise.
However, the SAE 10W30 also must comply with one other factor exclusively, that is :
In the standard cold-cranking simulator of the engine and at the temperature of -25 °C, the Apparent Viscosity must be: Apparent Viscosity ≤ 7000 Mili Pascal. second. As well, at the -30 °C temperature without any Yield Stress, the maximum pumping viscosity shall be 60,000 Mili Pascal. second.
Well, that is to conform because at the low temperature, the SAE 30 is not capable to gain vast Viscosity. And it will operate with poor pumping ability.
Considering the conformation, SAE 10W30 consists of the 10W (Winter) thickness at cold temperatures and doesn’t shrink that much in the heat. However, SAE 30 avails thickness only in higher temperatures and shrinks way too much in cold.
Although SAE 10W30 is more efficient than engine oil, losing thickness in heat is a slight drawback. On the other hand, SAE 30 is not suitable for most types of engines and loses its thickness in cold drastically. So, SAE 10w30 is a bit better than SAE 30.
2. Oil Grade
SAE 30 is a monograde oil. At 100 °C temperature, the power needed to pump the monograde oil is equal to the total friction and fuel mileage.
On the opposite, the SAE 10W30 is multigrade engine oil. The multigrade oil works better at low temperatures. Therefore, at low viscosity, the engine will avail better pumping, fuel economy, oil warm-up, and so on.
3. Density
The density of engine fuel holds a massive significance when it comes to oil performance. Therefore, per one cubic centimeter, the weight of SAE 40 is 0.869 g.
Regarding that, at 40 °C temperature and standard atmospheric pressure, the density of SAE 30 is 869 kg/m³.
In the case of SAE 10W30 at 15.5 °C temperature and standard air pressure, the density is 865 kg/m³.
Well, most oil loses its density in hot temperatures which is similar to the SAE 10W30. But, SAE 30 loses its density in cold temperatures.
4. Processing Temperature
SAE works best at 100 °C temperature. Well, the Kinematic viscosity stays in the optimum state at 100 °C as well the oil thickness. But on cold days SAE 30 may not perform up to the bare minimum.
However, SAE 10W30 will provide you with satisfying performance on both hot and cold days. As 10W30 is a standard multi grade oil, the Kinematic viscosity manages to ensure moderate oil thickness at any temperature.
Thus, SAE 10W30 again proves to be better.
5. Oil Additives
Now, comes the oil additives to enhance the engine oil performance. Both SAE 30 and 10W30 contain 3-5% of additives in them.
Hereby, the SAE 10w30 engine oil consists of appropriate additives that enable the oil to keep up the viscosity even in hot temperatures. Hence, 10W30 engine oil becomes highly compatible with operating advanced heavy-duty biodiesel, biofuel motors. This also enables the multi grade oils to perform well in any type of weather/season.
Further, 10W30 lessens rust, erosion, wear, breakdown, and exhaust emissions. Also, your engine will get consistent protection, longevity, and performance.
Now, the SAE 30 monograde engine oil is more appropriate for motor engines. Therefore, it is very suitable for ac motor, lawn motor, cutting tools motor and many more.
Well, as we are prioritizing the engine oil rather than motor oil SAE 10w30 is superior to 30.
6. Pricing
Well, there is nothing much to add to the price factor as both SAE 10w30 and 30 are reasonable. Besides, there are not many dissimilarities in the costs they come with. However, SAE 10w30 tends to be less costly in terms than SAE 30.
top Recommendation
As you already know about every little detail and specification of SAE 30 and 10W30.
Further, I know you are ready to choose between the two engine oils to run your vehicle for a long period. That’s why I am going to share my favorite top picks of
1. Valvoline SAE 10W-30 Synthetic Blend Oil – (Best Bang Oil for Bucks)
Valvoline has been in the oil business for more than 150 years providing the best blend of conventional engine oils. Therefore, the Valvoline non synthetic blend SAE 10W30 engine oil is promised to offer you peak performance.
Great Conventional Engine Oil
Valvoline, a non-synthetic blend, and a daily protection engine oil is specifically developed for ensuring the full life of engines.
Moreover, this oil is not only multigrade but also comes with multi-viscosity. So, the engine will run like new regardless of any extreme climate.
Precision Additive Oils
In the long run of the engine, you will love this oil with superior protection. Besides, this oil comes meets the requirements of API SN classification for protecting engines from low-speed pretty-ignition.
Therefore, it consists of detergent and additives to secure the engine from sludge, leakage, deposits, and breakdowns.
Who Is This For?
In case you need a thick oil that can run your vehicle’s engine for a long time Valvoline SAE 10W30 is perfect. Moreover, this engine oil is very convenient providing your engine with consistent oil thickness in both low and high temperatures.
2. Briggs & Stratton 100005 SAE 30 Engine Oil – Great OEM Oil
The SAE 30 oil from Briggs & Stratton’s is an OEM approved specifically for small engines. Thereby, you will avail proper compatibility and high-end performance from this replacement oil.
OEM Approved Oil
Well, this oil is a special Original Equipment Manufacturer’s SAE 30 oil. Therefore, precisely produced a superior operating system for temperature. Besides, it is even fit to use in air-cooled engines.
Precise for Higher Temperature
This high-quality engine oil is very popular to use in small engines with higher temperatures. For engines with a warm temperature range, this mono-grade oil improves engine starting and performance to the max.
Who Is This Product For?
Working With Small Engines
Rather than operating heavy engines, Briggs & Stratton’s SAE 30 is more effective in processing small engines.
Therefore, if you want an all-rounder oil to manage most of the workshop’s motor and engine, use it.
people also ask
1. Is SAE 30 better than 10W30?
No, SAE is not that superior that 10w30. As you know SAE 30 is not much compatible with most of the engines and only operates in hot weather. Whereas SAE 10w30 performs great in hot and cold temperatures.
2. Is it OK to put 10W30 oil in a lawnmower?
Of course, SAE 10W30 is multigrade engine oil that operates greatly with all motors and vehicles. Therefore, putting 10w30 oil in your lawnmower will work just fine.
3. Is all 10W30 oil the same?
Although all SAE 10W30 oils are multigrade engine oil, they are not completely the same. Regarding that, all 10W30 oil do not come with the same viscosity.
closing thoughts
I guess you know the answer is SAE30 the same as 10W30. Thereby, both engine oils are great according to individual perspectives.
Also, you already get the gist difference between SAE 30 vs 10W30. To operate lawn mowers AMD other motors SAE 30 is recommended. On the other hand, most vehicle manufacturers suggest SAE 10w30 engine oil.
