Is it better to run thicker oil in hot weather?
Michael Gray
Updated on June 05, 2026
As a general rule, you'll get the best protection in the summer when you use a slightly thicker grade of oil, such as a 10W30 instead of a 5W30. Engines need a thicker oil in the summer months because of the summer heat and its effects on thinning the oil out.
Is Thicker oil better for hot weather?
Thicker oil in the winter would clog the pumps and fail to lubricate them properly. The best motor oil for hot weather is a thicker grade oil to combat the thinning effects of the heat. In the summer, you need a motor oil that will maintain just the right amount of thickness.Is 5W30 or 10W30 better for summer?
Answer: There is absolutely no need to switch to 10W-30 motor oil in the summer if 5W-30 is an acceptable grade for your engine. While some car manufacturers still advocate the use of 10W-30 (or even 10W-40) as an appropriate engine oil option for summer use, it is completely unnecessary.Is higher viscosity oil better for hot weather?
In general, warm weather calls for thicker oils since they start at a higher viscosity and don't become too thin when the engine heats up further.What oil should you use in hot weather?
Go Synthetic for StressSynthetic oil has been refined to the point where it contains fewer impurities than standard engine oil, and it also makes use of unique detergents and additives that can better protect against the stress of high RPMs on a hot summer's day.