0W20 or 5W30 or 0W30

[Pelican]

On my car manual it says to use 0W20 it also says that one can use 5W30 but to go back to 0W20 at the next oil change, why?
Is this only for fuel economy only or the tolerances are such that W30 may be too thick for continued use? and if the latter is not the case could one use 0W30 thereby covering all the bases? What Say You?

 

[Quattro Pete]

It would help if you provided year/make/model and whether the vehicle is still under warranty.

In general though, no, your engine won't die because you use Xw-30 instead of Xw-20.

 

[RedOakRanch]

Sounds like my 2016 Subaru. It also says a heavier oil is required for high load in hot weather. Seems like if my oil did fail, it's on me even though 0w20 is "recommended".

 

[skyactiv]

What is it with Canadians wanting to use thicker oil than people in the U.S.?

 

[53' Stude]

Sounds like my camry as says 0w20/5w20 for "optimal fuel economy"

I'm using Mobil 1 0w30 next

 

[KrisZ]

If the manufacturers want to keep the carbon credits for their fleet fuel economy numbers, they must discourage use of thicker oils than what was used during the fuel economy test. Basically they get to make more money while giving the customer less choices when it comes to engine protection. It's that simple.

 

[HolyOilSeeker]

My guess is Toyota, for fuel economy. Us cold weather folk should appreciate the thin oils...

 

[FZ1]

Curious re the tolerances as well. Generally best to use the thinnest in grade oil that does not burn.

 

[Pelican]

Hi Pete, it's a 2017 Lexus RX 350 under warranty. As others have said I too think that it's done for fuel economy purposes.
The reason why I'd like to go to a slightly heavier oil is in case of traffic jams where you move slowly or idle for a longtime, a heavier oil would provide better protection. My 2008 Benz was using 0W40 so I'm a bit uncomfortable wit a x20 oil and would rather use a x30 or higher if possible. I thought that a 0W30 would give me the light weight at start-up and a heavier weight when the engine is hot

 

[tig1]

0-20 oils are killing engines all over North America!! Actually, I use Mobil 1 0w20 in my Ford engines because of the performance it gives.

 

[KCJeep]

Engines will certainly not grenade on 20 grades, but I am no fan of them. I run 30's in all my 20 grade spec'd vehicles and will continue to do so.

 

[Nickdfresh]

After nearly two decades of 0/5W-20 in engines, it's astounding at the level of ignorance here...

 

[A_Harman]

It's all about guilt-tripping you on fuel economy. It's a national priority. Just think, if everybody switched to one grade lower viscosity, enough would be saved so that we would run out of petroleum 2 hours later when all the wells run dry.

 

[Oregoonian]

Originally Posted By: tig1
0-20 oils are killing engines all over North America!! Actually, I use Mobil 1 0w20 in my Ford engines because of the performance it gives.
+1
Works perfectly in my Ford Focus.

I believe that thinner oils have better base oils, thus slightly better than the thicker oils. If you have the option (0w20 vs 5w30)....I would go with the 0w20.

 

[Nickdfresh]

Yay, another winning comment on the "carbon credit/CAFE conspiracy" circle jerk...

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: Nickdfresh
After nearly two decades of 0/5W-20 in engines, it's astounding at the level of ignorance here...


It truly is. I used Mobil 1 5w20 in 1978 in engines calling for 10-40, and not one of them suffered the fate of blowing up. It's now possible I may have used 0-20 longer than anyone here in my engines. Performing very well.

 

[Nickdfresh]

I'm wondering where the secret Honda/Ford graveyard is of all the engines grenaded by that evil green sewage of Group II+-V swill of XW-20 oils. Some only made it 400,000 miles...

 

[bbhero]

Hey tig1 that Fusion has done very, very on 0w20 hasn't it?? The pictures of the top end if that motor were absolutely fantastic. Couldn't hardly do any better than that.

 

[demarpaint]

My 2016 Jeep fill cap is stamped 5W20. The owners manual says 5W30 is fine if 5W20 is not available as long as it meets the MS6395 spec. 5w30 it is.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: bbhero
Hey tig1 that Fusion has done very, very on 0w20 hasn't it?? The pictures of the top end if that motor were absolutely fantastic. Couldn't hardly do any better than that.


It has. Just finished my 21st trip to Florida in the Fusion and 0 oil consumption in the 8K the now has on it. 0-20 is my oil of choice because of the performance.