Will Thin Motor Oil Cause Engine Damage? Let's Settle This!

Many modern cars require very thin (low viscosity) motor oil to operate more efficiently. Newer engines typically have tighter tolerances between engine parts. Let’s see if lower viscosity motor oil offers the same level of protection against engine wear. We’ll also see of the thinner oil experiences greater thermal breakdown and evaporation.

I always buy all of the products tested to ensure unbiased reviews. So, thank you for supporting the channel.

➡ Thank you for supporting the channel through memberships:
➡ As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

➡ Products Tested In This Video (in no particular order):

Videography Equipment:

This video is only for entertainment purposes. If you rely on the information portrayed in this video, you assume the responsibility for the results. Project Farm LLC

[ProjectFarm]

Here’s the list of products reviewed. More details in the video description. Thank you!

[olliejohnson]

The amount of effort and time you put into these videos for mundane everyday products is honestly unparalleled on the entire Internet. You sir are a hero for the everyday man.

[clayman]

I'm not being hyperbolic when I say the world would be a better place if everyone watched this channel. This man is a national treasure.

[jimhmod]

Nothing but content. No wasted words. No dead spots. And you sure can talk fast!!
Don't stop doing what you're doing!!

[LSnium]

What I love about this channel is he gets right to the point and no cringe intro and long explanations that are superfluous, it’s quick, coherent and easily understandable throughout the entire video and you never skip a part because it’s everything you need to know in every second. Not to mention there aren’t any cringe sponsors and what not.

[TATTOOFREAK]

I love that you are straight to the point , no fluff. No sponsors. Just raw information quick as not to lose anyone’s attention span. You’ve built a great channel.

[AlaskanFalcon]

As an Alaskan, I'd love to see the -40 oil put into the wear tester to see how they perform when put to work in extreme cold. If nothing else it'd be a great video to show the importance of winterizing your vehicle (Transmission heat pad, Oil pan heat pad, Block heat plug to heat coolant, Trickle charger/battery blanket).
We tend to run thin oils here cause the winters are so cold. Fairbanks Area.

[grizz]

This fella puts a ton of time and effort into each of his videos. Very impressive. Possibly the best test shop in the world.

[puerkito]

I love how nonchalant this man is. He has possibly the most positive comment section in the entirety of YouTube in all of his videos and he always answers with a: Thanks!
Never change 🗣️

[Sphendrana]

I love how clearly you speak, how little time you waste (see example: none) in getting the information down, and honestly, I can tell you really enjoy cracking these questions open. One of the best channels on YouTube period, not just by genre, but entirely. Keep having fun, I'll keep watching!

[SevenSixTwo]

9:32 The manufacturer doesn't always recommend "the best" oil, they will often recommend the oil that best meets EPA specs for mpg. Case in point, Ford's 5.4L 3-valve which officially calls for 5W20, but has incorrect pressure with it (too low) and works/lasts much longer when running on 5W30.

[Huckenbacher]

Sure seems like the oil manufacturer added more additives to the 0w-16 to try and offset the increased wear of such a thin oil. Thank you for another informative test.

[tobiasfunke]

"Project farm” and "The Car Care Nut” are National Treasures. Let’s all pray for these two guys to live up to 100 years healthy.

[craigclu]

I'm retired but worked for a company that developed the micro-finishing film that most engine manufacturers adapted. There was extreme focus on the micro-scratch surface left by the finishing materials and very distinct to the design of a particular engine. There was much more engineering and research on this aspect than one might assume. When the manufacturer recommends a specific oil type and viscosity range, they have some well researched reasons for their recommendations. Modern, low-friction piston ring design also factors into what the manufacturer tells us we should be using.

[coryernewein]

Friction reduction has seemingly lost to fuel efficiency when it comes to the purpose of oils. I still run "thick" oil in the summer and lighter oil in the winter, glad to know that lessons from Papa still hold up🤙

[gallimead]

Don't think anyone has ever commented on this, but the tight vocal editing, is always a plus point, and I appreciate it. Your videos are concise, informative, and still yet through.

[zenriderx]

6:25 yes! Thanks for letting people know this. Also the "S" that they have dropped off the end (10w30s) stood for Summer. Before multi viscosity oils folks would change viscosities for hot and cold seasons.

[dawsonpolaris]

I love how you always explain the standards you are working against so every video can be watched as a standalone. Makes it easier to share the video with the folks I discuss them with.

[dodgecummins]

I’ve set it before and I’ll say it again. Hands down best YouTube channel I’ve found. No long intros, no selling merch, just straight to the point in under 10 min.

[damnyiffers]

Great to see someone finally put evidence behind the anecdote. Sacrifice a tiny bit of fuel economy and get a FAR longer lasting engine. I run 20w30 in my Ls1 statesman and it's got over 500, 000kms on it. Doesn't burn oil, never smokes and has never been rebuklt