I was changing my.oil today and realized I put 5w-30 in is that gonna hurt anything?

 

nope.

 

It's 100% fine. I run 5w30 in my high mileage XJ with no problems at all. You might actually get a tiny bit better gas mileage from a lower weight oil.

According to my manual, I believe either 5w30 or 10w30 is recommended for a Cherokee, although they say that 5w30 is better for lower temperatures, and 10w30 is better for higher temps. It makes sense because 5w30 is thinner, and flows better at low temps than 10w30, so you'll theoretically get a little better wear protection when starting up very cold with 5w30.

Buying 5w30 is easier for me because that's what all of my other cars take.

 

Good to know. I changed my oil last week and used 5W30, and have since put on 1000 miles with no problems. (long road trip to WV!). The engine is 112,500 miles young, and couldn't be happier.

 

5W30 and 10W30 are the same vis/weight at normal operating temp. 5WXX flows easier/quicker than 10WXX when below normal operating temp.

 

Thanks