5w20 instead of 5w30 on a new car

[mesastoura]

This is somehow similar to the question posted here https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/98-4runner-amsoil-change-to-0w20.84215/

I recently bought a Toyota Aygo, it now has less than 500 miles. The engine is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1KR-FE.
The OEM requirements regarding viscosity is 5w30, yearly changes at most every 10,000 miles.

I plan to do a couple of changes with a dino 5w30, change it now and then at about 2,000 miles.

The miles in this car are going to be less than 10,000 per year and it is already traveling very small distances (it goes for about 5-10 minutes, city driving - no traffic lights, and then it stops for about 1-2 hours and so on). Therefore I think that 5w20 is a better choice.
The engine oil will usually not reach operating temperature (it needs about 15 minutes, doesn't it?)
I consider using the amsoil xl 5w20 with 6 month OCIs. Disregarding the issue of warranty, would you consider this a better choice?

Thanks in advance and thanks for the answers already received here http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...252#Post1088252

PS
Yes, I have been heavily influenced by AEHaas https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/threads/link-to-aehaas-writings.18776/

 

[mitchcoyote]

Good plan except use 5w30 as specified.......

 

[drewjp]

Yeah, just use 5w30. No reason to go against the engineers that designed the engine.

 

[Titan]

I think your plan makes perfect sense. I've run 5-20 in some Subaru's before, which is spec'd for 5-30, and the engines did fine. UOA's were stellar, as usual. To me, most of the viscosity choice has to do with oil temperature while operating. If you have a car that isn't going to be run hard, and it's going to be on short trips, using a "lighter" viscosity is perfect.

What people tend to forget is that the "weight" of an oil is an expression of a RANGE of viscosity. At the respective boundary of each range, a change of 0.1 centi-Stokes crosses the line into the next range. So a relatively thick 20-weight becomes a relatively thin 30-weight with that one-tenth of a centi-Stoke change....is there a performance difference between one tenth of a centi-Stoke? I'd say it isn't measurable in the real world results.

If you were to race this car on a track, I'd use a thicker oil...because the engineer is looking to make a recommendation that hits a certain viscosity while at operating temperatures...and racing raises the operating temps. Putt-putt-ing around town is a much cooler-temperature event, which in many ways demands the thinner lubricant for optimal performance.

 

[mesastoura]

You are the first to agree with me(I am sure AEHaas does also). Suggestions are average estimations, disregarding extremes (as my case is)

Regarding viscosities, I have quoted redline's, part of the answer to the same question:
Quote:
At initial start up and across the temperature range the 5W20 would be about 10% lower viscosity than the 5W30, so would build oil pressure just slightly faster at start up. During a 10 minute drive the coolant would be up to operating temperature though likely the oil wouldn't have reached full operating temperature

 

[REDDOG]

I agree with Titan-I'm running 5w-20 in a vehicle that specs 5w30 because it does mostly short trips in cool weather. Cold start performance is greatly improved. I think you'll be fine also.

 

[Gary Allan]

I run stuff thinner than a 20 weight. Don't worry. You're not in the margins that will make a difference. That CST difference is minor and is at 212F. There's a big span of oil temp where it's a 70/60/50/40/30 weight. Do a UOA to reassure the fear mongers that they'll be correct on the next candidate that suggests this.



j/k

 

[ToyotaNSaturn]

You have nothing to worry about. My car, engineered in the 80's, was spec'd for 5w30. I've been using 0w-20 & 5w-20 products for thousands of miles now.

You have nothing to worry about by going to a 20wt oil. In fact, the very question you ask shows an education about oil and an open mind.

 

[02zx9r]

Go with the 5W20 and rest easy. Your motor will be well protected!

 

[mesastoura]

The correct link for the engine is http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_KR_engine
I suppose aluminum blocks help the engine warm-up faster

 

[Triple_Se7en]

Use the proper viscosity - at least while the vehicle is under warranty. After the warranty expires, use whatever weight you want.

For the type of driving you do, I would use a semi-syn like Motorcraft) and change twice yearly (5K OCIs).

 

[PT1]

Go with PP 5w30...all the benefits of a 5w20 and none of the risk.

 

[vwalburn]

There is no warranty issue with changing the weight of the oil. It is only a suggestion but not a requirement. If they would require you to use a specific oil, they would have to provide it to you for free. It held up in court in regards to warranties.