What kind of oil can I put in my car? HELP here are the specs

Question

Its a 1994 Saturn 4 cyl.

The oil cap says some numbers some of which read 5w-30

However I checked the oil because my mother in-law who I am borrowing the car from says there is an oil leak, well it was bone dry. I called and asked because the rpms were getting a sticky feel to them. Anyways, The car is at my house, and I dont want to drive it, and there are no gas stations close, and the only one my gas station carries is 10w-40.

Would I be able to substitute this for the 5w-30? I know a little about cars but this is something Ive never dealt with before, and I dont get my new car for another month so if this one kicks the bucket im screwed!!!!! help please. If its totally not compatible i can find a ride MAYBE to get the proper stuff, I just wanted to know how the car would handle this without breaking anytime soon

Answer 1

Your car is a little older now...so the wear in bearings and the small gap or tolerance is not an issue now. The 5w30 your engine states should always be used when it's new...because heavier oil would not flow good...but now that it's older you'll be OK.

Answer 2

It won't hurt to use it.

Answer 3

You should NEVER drive any vehicle without adiquite lubrication. That would be like you walking around with only two pints of blood in you.

If it's "bone dry" then find the leak, and fix it.

5weight 30 oil is for winter driving because it becomes fluid sooner that 10weight 30.

Answer 4

Since it's warm out, the 10w-40 will do for now. But when you can, get the correct oil change done & have that leak fixed. They usually get worse before they ever get better.  

Answer 5

The wrong oil is better than no oil. You can use the 10w40 for now and change the oil later.  

Answer 6

The car is 18 years old, just put any kind of oil in it rather than running it dry.