Originally Posted By: userfriendly
I thought 0W30 was a step thinner in base oil viscosity than 0W20.
If so, 5W20 would be the next thicker oil, and 10W30 the next thicker after 5W20.
Synthetic or synthetic blend 10W30, might be your best next thicker oil.
Viscosity grades are not optional, they are mandatory. If it tests to Grade30, it must be labelled Grade30.
xxW- ratings are only valid at cold temperatures, far below room temperature, let alone engine operating temperature.
0W-20, 5W-20 and 20W-20 are all within Grade20 at room temperature and at engine operating temperatures (as are 0W-30, 10w30, etc in respect to Grade30). Although there is room for variation, it is narrow and there is no reasonable reason to expect any one would be the "thinnest" or the "thickest" in comparison to any other based on the information the Grade alone tells you.
Also, I know of no 0W-xx oils that are not synthetic, therefore the viscosity of the base stock cannot be assumed.