I got my oil changed yesterday and found out that they used 10W30 instead of the 5W30. I know that it shouldnt matter unless you live in extremely cold areas during extremely cold times. But driving to work this morning, I'm almost sure the car feels different. Actually, it's the accelerator pedal that feels different. I think the car's not as responsive as it should be. I dont know if it's just my head or the oil really does make a difference. Some expert opinions please.

98SE Auto

 

Yes it's fine. 5W30 is preferred for most climates, but 10W30 is fine.

-Shing

 

Both oils are the same viscosity when warm.. they are both 30. The difference is when they are cold. So you shouldn't feel any difference when you're driving.

ZuM

 

Only difference 5w30 would make over 10w30 is if you are starting the car on a freezing morning. Other than that, you should not notice any difference, and neither should your engine!

In Northern California it never really gets too cold here, so all the oil change places use 10w30. Some even use 10w40! Jiffy Lube put 10w40 in my mom's 99 Camry and when I found out, they apologized and refilled it with 5w30.

 

To be extremely accurate, 5W30 has a little bit less viscosity at high temperature than 10W30. The difference is only few percent, and you'll never catch the performance changes.
I think it's just an imaginary change for the worth and your car is OK.

Good luck,
DDD