5W-20 or 5W-30

[oilcoholic]

2001 Mazda Tribute calls for 5W-20 oil. I use Valvoline Maxlife 5W-20. However, I was in the local Advance and needed to get the filter # for the PureOne filter and the salesguy said that their computer showed that I should be using 5w30. I guess he saw the 5qts. of 5W-20 I had on the counter. What do you all think about this since even the oil cap has 5W-20 printed on it? Have the oil specs changed for this vehicle? Would 5w30 hurt?

 

[ADFD1]

Use what the oil fill cap and or what the owners manual states. Will 5W30 hurt? No.

BTW Welcome to Bitog, these topics get discussed a few times a month. Makes for some great debates!

 

[SevenBizzos]

Tell them their "computer" is wrong.

 

[Kaboomba]

Tell your computer to go out to the parking lot and read my car's oil fill cap.

 

[tig1]

5-30 is not a problem. My two Fords are spec'd for 5-20 and I use 5-30 with no problem.

 

[hate2work]

Originally Posted By: ADFD1
Use what the oil fill cap and or what the owners manual states. Will 5W30 hurt? No.

BTW Welcome to Bitog, these topics get discussed a few times a month. Makes for some great debates!



+ 1

 

[Greggy_D]

Originally Posted By: tig1
5-30 is not a problem. My two Fords are spec'd for 5-20 and I use 5-30 with no problem.


Yep....I interchange between 5w-20, 5w30, and 10w30 on my Mazda 3 and Ford Taurus. No problem.

 

[Sayjac]

Let's see, owner's manual says 5w20, AAP counter person's computer says 5w30, think I'd believe my OM. Will the 5w30 hurt, no.

 

[sangyup81]

Most manuals for cars that take 5w20 state that you can use 5w30 if you can't find 5w20.

Since you have the choice, go with the 5w20

 

[JeepRubicon2k3]

I like what my 2009 Mazda 6GT owners manual says!
3.7-liter engine

"Use SAE 5W-20 engine oil. If SAE 5W-
20 engine oil is not available, use SAE
10W-30 10W-40 5W-40 engine oil.

The quality designation SM, or ILSAC
must be on the label."

In basic terms, use something oily. lol
Running Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 now

 

[demarpaint]

If Mazda calls for 5W20, use 5W20. The guys at most AAP stores I frequent don't know much about cars. They do know how to look up parts on their computer. As far as advise goes? Forget getting advise from them, trust the fill cap and the OM, not some clerk at AAP.

As a side note 5W30 won't wreck your engine.

 

[labman]

I tried for the Ace Hardware rebate on Pennzoil yesterday, but no 5w30. A bystander claimed he never heard of it shaking his head. His eyes bulged when I mentioned many Ford and Hondas use 5W-20 now. I was kind and didn't mention 0W-20.

Note, I was there buying a garbage disposal. Ace brand and made in America. Not sure where the more expensive ones at Lowes were made. Quality? I am replacing a cheap one that likely froze up from lack of use.