5w-30 > 5w-20 : what differences when made the ...

[smokey1]

switch to a 5w-20 ? Thinking of going from PENNZOIL Platinum 5w30 > P.P. 5w-20 since the approval from TOYOTA to use it in our '08 YARIS that has little under 3,000 miles . Was wondering if any of these things occurred when anyone made the switch to a 5w-20 : 1.)more engine noise ( valvetrain , etc. ) ? 2.) More oil consumption ? 3.) Better mileage ( if so , how many more miles per gallon ) ? . THANKS

 

[Jim Allen]

1) Not likely, 2) Not likely, 3) Very slight possibility in short hop driving (almost unmeasurable gain), but not likely.

In short, there's no great advantage but no serious drawbacks, IMHO. Where this idea would work best is if you live in a cold or cool climate, or have strong winter weather contend with. Lube flow would be better with the 5W20 (or a 0W20)in cold weather.

 

[sunfire]

I went from PP10W-30 > Pennzoil Platinum 5w20 in my 05 Corolla 1ZZFE. I haven't noticed more noise or consumption. My first tank lasted ~251 miles after going to 5W-20. I do a lot of city driving, ~6 miles to work. No mpg noticeable gains so far. I went down a grade because I feel it should help the oil reach operating temps faster. But car feels very responsive esp in the low end.

 

[smokey1]

thanks

 

[nascarnation]

Went to Pennzoil 5w20 conventional in my 97 Saturn. No obvious change in mileage, somewhat confounded due to air conditioning season which peels off about 3mpg making comparisons difficult.

Also the oil consumption is excellent, on track for about one quart consumption in 4000 miles (this engine has 135,000 total miles - was down a pint @ 2000 miles and topped up). As good or better than many other weights and brands. AEHaas theory of thin oil ring seal seems to be working here.