What can using the wrong oil viscosity lead to?

Using the wrong oil viscosity can indeed lead to engine damage, making it the most suitable answer in this context. Engine oil viscosity refers to the thickness and flow properties of the oil. Each engine has specific requirements for oil viscosity to ensure proper lubrication under various temperature and operating conditions. When an oil with the wrong viscosity is used, it may not provide adequate lubrication, which can result in increased friction between moving parts.

This insufficient lubrication can lead to overheating, as the engine components generate more heat without the protective barrier that properly viscosity-matched oil provides. Over time, this stress can cause premature wear or even catastrophic failure of engine components, resulting in significant engine damage.

While engine noise, overheating, and oil leaks can also occur due to improper oil viscosity, their occurrence is often a sign of the underlying issue—namely, engine damage. Thus, the more direct consequence of using the wrong viscosity oil is the potential for lasting harm to the engine itself.