0w oil

[fastblackmerc]

Anyone have any experience running the new 0w oil, like 0w-20 or 0w-30?

[boatmangc]

I have used 0W-20 for years in my Mark8

[RF Overlord]

Direct experience? No...

All 0W-xx oils are synthetic (so far). The Toyota 0W-20 is turning out to be very robust (much like Motorcraft 5W-20), and not just in their little 4-bangers. Since I can get it for a decent price, I'm going to start using it in my sister's and B-I-L's RAV4 and Corolla.

There's no reason not to use it in any application which calls for a 20-grade oil...it just flows better at lower temps, like during start-up.

[tbone]

Any reason not to use 5W30 in the summer?

[RF Overlord]

You can use 5W-30 year-round...I do, in both cars.

[tbone]

I just had my oil changed today. They didn't have enough Mobil 1 synthetic 5W20 so I had them put in the 5W30. I would think the 30 would be better in the hot months.

[RF Overlord]

That's another of those urban myths.

Once it's warmed up, the motor runs at the same temperature year-round. It doesn't know or care what the ambient temperature is, unless it's wildly extreme. The important number in the oil-grade equation is the lower one: the "5W-xx"...that number is the oil's viscosity at 40°C and ambient temp DOES matter there as that determines how fast and how well the oil will flow on start-up. Once the oil has reached operating temperature, that's where the upper number...the "xW-30"...enters into it. That's the oil's viscosity at 100°C.

[tbone]

Agreed. But if the oil is too thin, it doesn't provide enough protection. If you are running it hard on a race track on a 100 degree sunny day, the engine will run hotter than on a 40 degree overcast day, therfore a heavier weight oil would be a good idea.

[Ralph Sr.]

tbone - all nascar/stock cars are running very light weight oils , today!!! the reason is more power through oil pumps, dyno, proven.!!!. also.no one is blowing up ,temps. 230>300.,, rpm's 9,000.. the most damage is done at start up, did you notice nascar lets them use a heater to warm oil, before the start of every race !!! all top engine builders , the winners ,using light oils like o-20 weights !!

[Brian H]

I view it as, flows like water,... sticks like glue 0w-20w

[babbage]

Anyone have any experience running the new 0w oil, like 0w-20 or 0w-30?

Yep plenty - I run that exclusively. I use AMSOIL. This really shines in the winter when it's very cold. Great oil for a 32v engine IMHO.

[ChiTownMaraud3r]

I always go for 0w20 if available, but seems to be rare..so 5w20 has been it last couple oil changes.. Seems to have no difference on performance. I beleive it's rated to below 50 degrees instead of just below 40 or so..

[tbone]

Why do different car manufacturers advise using different weights of oil?

If you look at recommended oil charts, it always shows using thicker oils in warmer temps.

[Bradley G]

I just bought a case of Citgo 5-20W for $0.59 a qt. after mfg rebate.

I got the Quaker State oil filter for two bucks too!
the larger style can, when they closed out the old inventory.
That oil change cost me six bucks! :banana:
I only use the weight it calls for, the "Turd" 93P, just turned 93K :burnout:

[tbone]

Mine cost me $59. But full synthetic. Still way too much.