Agonizing over 0W-20 vs 5W-20 for Boston MA winter

[GearheadTool]

The title is as it says. In approximately one month or perhaps two I will be picking up an unknown secondhand car. My criteria are that it not be a gas hog as well as is inexpensive yet fairly roomy. It will be used and craigslist will be sought. Unsure what it will be yet. SUV is not out of the question as the stepback in mileage for 4x4 will be acceptable. The real issue is that I am finding it extremely difficult to predict the likelihood of a severe winter this year. Could be pretty much anything, weather and car. They are unknowns.

I am in New England, yet new here from Virginia. I used 5W20 in a couple of vehicles previous in VA. Sometimes thicker in the summer, though 20 is a favorite in how the cars behaved. I usually used off the shelf Quaker State Advanced Durability 5W-20 and even tried Royal Purple of the same grade a time or two and I liked these oils. SO my question is, If I were to go to a Mobil oil or something else in either a 0W or 5W 20 grade, what advantages if any would I see in a car or truck from the 1990s regardless the weather here this winter? What if I continued to use either of the two aforementioned oils?

 

[Astro14]

Boston isn't that cold...either will be fine. Were you in Northern NH or VT, I would go for the 0WXX...but the city is a lot warmer than those places, so a 5WXX is fine.

But if you're getting a car that old, use what is specified in the manual, likely a 5W30 (and a 0W30 would be fine as well...).

 

[svhanc]

Back in the "good old days" there were no 0wXX and 5wXX oils.
I don't recall that there were huge rashes of cars dying from severe winters.

There are always block heaters if there is an issue with startup viscosity on cold mornings.

Either 5w20 or 0w20 would work well. Boston isn't the arctic.
Without knowing what car you will have, it may even be better off with an Xw30. Short of putting a 20wXX in the dead of winter without a block heater, it will all be okay.

There is no needed to Agonize.

 

[RF Overlord]

Welcome to New England, from Cape Cod...

Originally Posted By: svhanc
Either 5w20 or 0w20 would work well. Boston isn't the arctic.

There is no needed to Agonize.


I've lived here since 1969 and what svhanc says ^^^ is right on.

 

[Hallmark]

During the coldest Boston month (January), the average low is only 22 degrees F...fairly moderate.

 

[rfeir]

You will get less engine wear with 0W-20. Cold starts even in not that cold a location is the issue.

 

[mpvue]

agonizing over motor oil, LOLZ...

 

[HerrStig]

I'd use what the book lists. I've never had a starting problem using 5 W and since you are buying a used car, unless the manual lists 0 W 20 I wouldn't assume it is back speced unless the manufacturer has clearly so stated. I doubt you;ll have the car long enough to see an actual difference in "start up wear".

 

[Doog]

Originally Posted By: rfeir
You will get less engine wear with 0W-20. Cold starts even in not that cold a location is the issue.


This is completely untrue unless you live in North Canada.

 

[jkhawaii]

0w30 Amsoil Signiture Series

 

[dparm]

The 0w20 is going to be better during "cold" starts, even in the summer. When I say cold, I mean "not at operating temperature".

 

[fdcg27]

PP 5W-30 has good cold specs and a good VI, as does QSUD.
I can tell you that down to at least -15F on cars left outside overnight, PP does just fine.
You may or may not come across a vehicle that suits your needs and budget that specs a twenty grade in any event.
Nothing GM does, for example.

 

[GearheadTool]

Originally Posted By: RF Overlord
Welcome to New England, from Cape Cod...

Originally Posted By: svhanc
Either 5w20 or 0w20 would work well. Boston isn't the arctic.

There is no needed to Agonize.


I've lived here since 1969 and what svhanc says ^^^ is right on.


Why, thank you!

I live in a Boston suburb that borders Quincy. Weymouth Landing is down the street. I can say that I love it here. It appears my friend made south of Boston sound like Northern VT/NH.