5w-20,0w-30,5w-30, or 10w-30?

[mark pruett]

Ok... my stash of the old 5w-30 Mobil 1 tri-syn is down to the last 5 quart jug.

My truck (1995 Ranger w/3.0L Vulcan) is on Ford's list of vehicles that have 5w-20 recommended. The owner's manual says 5w-30 or 10w-30(above 0 deg. F). Mobil's website says 0w-30 is approved for any 5w-30/10w-30 application.

Is there any advantage to the 5w-20 beyond helping Ford meet CAFE standards?

What about the 0w/5w/10w-30 oils? Are the 5 point winter viscosity steps of any significance in Dallas? (avg. nightly low around freezing)

Or should I just get whichever one's cheapest? (I'm only considering Group III and IV synthetics)

 

[Kompressor]

10w30 M1 would be my choice, strictly based on the positive UOA reports and your climate, I have it in my F150 now but I haven't been with it long enough to have much of an opinion yet. I'd be a little nervous about 5w20 for Texas heat, and think the mpg difference would be very minor.

 

[tenderloin]

Sold my 3.0 Vulcan Aerostar after 290,000 miles...still running strong but rest of van was getting tired...Used mostly Synergyn, Torco and Mobil 1 on 5,000 mi changes.

The 4.0 in my current AWD Aerostar LOVES 0W-30 GC. Quiet, smooth and good mpg! UOA on other vehicles has been very good...Give it a try!

BTW I live in Southern California and it gets hot here as well. GC EATS heat and spits it out!

[ November 07, 2003, 07:46 PM: Message edited by: tenderloin ]