Engine Oil Grades Explained: 10W-30 vs 20W-40 vs 20W-50
What do 10W-30, 20W-40 and 20W-50 really mean? A plain-English guide to engine oil grades for Indian bikes, cars and commercial vehicles, and how to pick the right one.
Updated
Knowledge centre
Engine oil & lubricant guides
Expert insights on lubricants, maintenance tips and industry knowledge from the MAXX-LUBE technical team. Learn from three generations of automotive expertise.
Latest guides
Know your oil
Synthetic vs Mineral Engine Oil: Which Is Better in India?
Fully synthetic, semi-synthetic or mineral? Compare heat protection, cold starts, drain intervals and real cost per kilometre to choose the right oil for your bike or car.
When to Change Engine Oil: Km Intervals for Bikes and Cars
How many kilometres can engine oil really last in Indian traffic, heat and dust? Realistic oil change intervals for bikes, cars, tractors and trucks, plus the myths to ignore.
Gear Oil Guide: 80W-90 vs EP-90 and GL-4 vs GL-5 Explained
Gear oil protects the hardest-working metal in your vehicle. Learn what 80W-90, 85W-140 and EP-90 mean, when to use API GL-4 or GL-5, and the signs your gearbox needs attention.
Types of Grease and Their Uses: Wheel Bearing, AP-3, Chassis
Lithium, calcium or lithium complex? NLGI 2 or 3? A practical guide to choosing grease for wheel bearings, chassis points, tractors and workshop machinery in Indian conditions.
Hydraulic Oil for JCB and Excavators: AW 32 vs 46 vs 68
Backhoe loaders, excavators, tractors and presses live or die by their hydraulic oil. Learn how ISO VG 32, 46 and 68 differ, what AW means, and how to choose the right grade for Indian heat.
7 Signs Your Engine Oil Needs Changing (Bikes and Cars)
Gritty oil, a falling level, a ticking engine, rough gear shifts or a warning light? Seven clear signs your engine oil needs changing, and how to check it yourself in two minutes.
Quick tips
Mechanic essentials
-
Check your oil level
Check the engine oil level at least once a month. Low oil can cause severe engine damage.
Read the guide -
Temperature matters
In hot climates, choose the higher grade your manual allows. In cold regions, a lower winter (W) grade helps cold starts.
Read the guide -
Follow manufacturer specs
Always check your vehicle manual for the recommended oil grade and change interval.
Read the guide -
Avoid mixing oil types
Top up with the same grade and type of oil. Mixing synthetic and mineral oil loses the synthetic oil’s advantages.
Read the guide
Newsletter
Stay updated
Get the latest guides and maintenance tips delivered to your inbox.
Technical help
Have a technical question?
Our experts are here to help. Whether you need a product recommendation or have a question about lubricants, reach out to us.
Partner with us
Become a MAXX-LUBE distributor
Stock a complete range of 80 lubricants under one brand, backed by a manufacturer that picks up the phone.
- Distributor pricing and margins
- Bottles to 210 litre drums
- Marketing and mechanic support