What Kind of Oil Is Best for Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower?
As you know, your Briggs and Stratton lawn mower does one of the most abusive jobs regarding your lawn. Hence, proper maintenance is invincible. And changing the engine oil is the biggest part here.
But, What Kind of Oil Is Best For Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower? As far as Briggs & Stratton recommends, the Synthetic SAE 5W-30 is the best engine oil for their lawnmowers.
However, we can’t always declare one kind of oil best for every scenario since there are different factors. So, to get a clarified idea, stay with us till the end.
What Kind of Oil Is Best For Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower?
As we mentioned in the beginning, choosing the best oil for your lawn mower depends on several factors—for instance, engine type, area temperature, and how much you can pay.
However, the temperature in your area is the most important factor here. While Briggs and Stratton recommend synthetic SAE 5W-30 engine oil as all-temperature performer, some may avoid it due to budget constraints.
This is because synthetic oil can be 3-4 times pricier than conventional. However, if you want to stick to manufacturer recommendations, this would be the best option for you.
If not, check the different types of engine oil used in the Briggs and Stratton lawn mower discussed below. Before this, take a quick look at the table:
| Engine Oil | Temperature Range | Chemical Type |
| SAE 5W-30 | -20 F or -30 C to 120 F or 40 C | Synthetic |
| SAE 5W-30 | Temperatures below 40 F or 5 C | Conventional |
| 10W-30 | 0 to 100° F (-18 to 38° C) | Conventional |
| SAE 30 | Temperatures above 40 F or 5 C | Conventional |
| Vanguard 15W-50 | Temperatures from 20°F to 130°F | Synthetic |
Synthetic SAE 5W-30
From the extreme cold temperature (-20 F or -30 C) to the higher temperature, as much as 120 F or 40 C, the SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil is considered an allrounder engine oil.
This type of oil is eminent for providing superior protection against engine wear while minimizing oil consumption.
At the same time, it facilitates smooth starting even in extremely cold temperatures. So, in areas with varying temperatures all around the year, this oil will be the best option.
SAE 5W-30 (Conventional)
If you live in an area where cold weather is much prolonged, the SAE 5W-30 oil would be a good choice for you.
This type of engine oil works best below the temperature of 40F( 5C). That means the oil will keep your engine well-performing no matter how low the temperature is.
SAE 10W-30
In the recent update, Briggs & Stratton stated the SAE 10W-30 as another all-weather performance engine oil.
This is a conventional engine oil that works best in the temperature range of 0 to 100° F (-18 to 38° C). The SAE 10W-30 engine is almost similar to the synthetic 5W-30 oil in terms of engine protection and cold starting.
However, it has a major drawback which is increased oil consumption, especially above 80 F. That means the service life will be a bit lower. Yet, if you’re seeking a cheaper option, this engine oil will be your best choice.
SAE 30
Another conventional oil recommended by Briggs and Stratton. This type of engine oil is best suited to warmer regions.
This is because an SAE 30 engine oil struggles in cold weather and often results in hard starting. If you live in an area where the temperature stays above 40 F or 5 C, you can use this kind of oil.
Vanguard 15W-50
The Vanguard 15W-50 is a fully synthetic heavy-duty engine oil. Basically, this type of engine oil is recommended for commercial lawn mowers where continuous use is necessary.
Here comes your preference. This is because Vanguard 15W-50 oil will work well in all temperature ranges, but as a small lawn owner, using this oil will be a waste of money.
Read Also: What Oil Filter Do I Need for My Lawn Mower?
Briggs And Stratton Lawn Mower Oil Capacity
As one of the leading manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, Briggs & Stratton produces a wide range of lawnmowers.
And while each model may have specific oil capacity requirements, you should generally use between 20 and 24 fluid ounces (0.6 to 0.7 liters) of motor oil in your Briggs & Stratton lawn mower.
If your mower has a four-stroke engine, it likely uses SAE 30 oil, available at most hardware stores.
You’ll need to use an oil specifically designed for two-stroke engines – such as Briggs & Stratton 2W Oil. No matter what type of oil you use, check the level regularly and top off as needed.
When to Change My Briggs and Stratton Lawn Mower Oil?
The time to change your engine oil depends on the type of mower you have, how long it’s been used, and the total timespan.
For instance, if you use your mower for 5 hours daily, it will require an oil change sooner than others being used for 2-3 hours.
Besides, the type of mower you have is also a determining factor. Usually, a walk-behind lawn mower with 15 oz or 18 oz capacity needs an oil change for every 50 hours of usage or annually.
Whilst riding mowers with 48 oz or 64 oz capacity demands an oil change every 100 hours of usage or annually.
FAQs
Is something more itching in your mind to know about Briggs & Stratton Lawn Mower engine oil? Here is our short FAQ section for you.
Can I use 10W30 instead of SAE 30 in my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower?
You can’t just swap out SAE 10W with SAE 10W30 because they’re totally different in how thick they are. When it’s cold, the oil is about as thick as SAE 10W, but when things heat up, it gets as runny as SAE 30.
What can I mix with my Briggs and Stratton lawn mower oil?
When selecting lawn mower oil, opt for a premium detergent oil that is classified as For Service SF, SG, SH, SJ, or above. Avoid the use of any specialized additives.
Can I Use 5W30 Instead of Sae 30 in My Lawn Mower?
SAE 30 and 5W30 are both motor oils. SAE 30 is a single-weight oil, while 5W30 is a multi-viscosity oil. SAE 30 can be used in lawnmowers, but 5W30 should not be used because it will cause the engine to run hotter.
What is the oil capacity of a 22 HP Briggs & Stratton engine?
This lawn mower engine has two different oil capacities, depending on whether it has an oil filter. For the Briggs & Stratton 40H700 Series Engine, it is necessary to use two bottles of oil to meet the engine’s capacity.
Final Words
Using synthetic oil is always a foolproof choice. While alternative oils may provide temporary solutions, they lack reliability and can eventually lead to engine issues.
It is important to note that synthetic oil is recommended for this particular machine.
By consistently utilizing 5w30 synthetic oil on your lawn mower, you can confidently rely on your warranty to cover any potential manufacturer-related problems.
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