5W-20 oil is a lighter viscosity than a 5W-30 oil and therefore has less internal engine frictional losses, or less drag on the crankshaft, pistons and valvetrain, which in turn promotes increased fuel economy.

For the ford escape it is recommended to use 5w-20 or 5w-30 synthetic motor oil.

Engine Oil

Can I use a 0W-20 in my car that recommends 5W-30? No, if your owner’s manual calls for a thicker oil, you should not use a thinner SAE grade nor use a thicker oil for a recommended thinner oil vis-grade. Using the proper viscosity motor oil will help protect and maintain the performance of your vehicle’s engine.

If SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, SAE 5W-20 conventional oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 synthetic oil at the next oil change.

Breaking down the 0W-20 code, “0” is the oil’s viscosity at startup when the engine is cold, “W” stands for its winter certification, and “20” is the viscosity at higher temperatures. Lower numbers designate thinner, lower-friction oil.

Mobil 1 High Mileage 0W-20 advanced full synthetic motor oil is designed to help extend the engine life of vehicles with over 75,000 miles and protect critical engine parts for up to 10,000 miles between oil changes.

The smaller the number, the better the motor oil will flow. A 0W20 will be more fluid than a 5W20 at startup temperatures but will perform the same way at standard engine operating temperatures. Remember, engine oils naturally thicken as they cool down and thin as they are heated.

The letter ‘W’ means both varieties are suitable for cold temperatures. So, 0W20 means the oil’s viscosity is 0 in cold temperatures and 20 at the operating temperature. The 5W20 oil is the same except for a viscosity of 5 in cold temperatures. Both oils are designed to use in cold-weather regions.