Any GM Owners running 5w20 year round?

[jeepman]

I am asking because I have an 08 Aveo (1.6l Ecotech II) and 06 Saturn Vue (2.2l Ecotec) that I would like to run MC 5w20 in all the time. Neither car is driven more than 8 miles each way to work, and both at 90% city and 10% freeway. The temps here are about 0F - 90F. I have used the search feature and done research to find that MC seems to be my best value for cars that only see 8-10k per year. I am hoping to do 4-5k OCI's on both changing in April and Novemember.

Reasoning for this is the short trips both cars are subjected to, as well as mild MPG increase and cost savings from the PP I am using now. My logic is also that I don't risk that much increased wear with the shear resistance that most 5w20's show, vs. the thin nature of PP 5w30 over the course of a normal OCI. I picked MC because it looks to be the "thickest" 5w20 out there, therefore closing the gap between the 2 oils. Also it is a very cost effective solution. I like what I see from the MC UOA's and personal experiences listed on this site, but very few GM owners have reported extended year round use.

I am planning UOA's on both, and have already switched one car over, but was more interested in long term users, and any feedback from GM owners in similar situations.

 

[jeepman]

One other thing that factors into my logic is that all other major manufacturers are using 5w20 even while offering extended warranty coverages, and I find it hard to believe that the clearances are that much tighter in a Ford/Honda/Toyota/Chrysler than they are in a GM, therefore forcing me to use 5w30 or above. I am sold on the idea of going thin, and have experience with Trop Artic (same as MC) so I like the oil choice for this application. I am just looking for any upside/downside advice from those who are already using the "thin" stuff and have been for awhile, especially in GM products.

Thanks in advance for the responses.

 

[Zaedock]

I would run the factory recommended oil in both. The bearing clearances are not a factor in being able to run a 20wt.

 

[CourierDriver]

If u are 8 miles from work, Id take a bus if it is doable, or walk or carpool, or ride a scooter, oil types would be last thing Id worry about, Ps ,,,see below

 

[Johnny]

When I use to smoke, I would not walk a mile for a camel, I'm sure not going to walk 8 miles to work.

 

[CourierDriver]

ok,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

 

[addyguy]

Use the 5w30 the man. specifies. The '08 at least, should still be under warranty.

Is the 5W-20 going to hurt anything? Nope, but if you have to show proof of maintenance for warranty work, you'll want it showing the right grade was used.....

 

[jeepman]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
Use the 5w30 the man. specifies. The '08 at least, should still be under warranty.

Is the 5W-20 going to hurt anything? Nope, but if you have to show proof of maintenance for warranty work, you'll want it showing the right grade was used.....


Yea, I suppose you guys are right. Typical BITOG fever, I am overthinking this. Going back out to change it back to PP 5w30 now, and will sleep well tonight.

Thanks to all for letting me rant on something that really doesn't matter that much.

 

[Hitzy]

You won't notice any real gains in MPG with 5w20....at least I haven't. I noticed a slight gain switching to synthetic 5w30 from 5w20 in my Jeep, but nothing to brag about.
The thickest 5w20 I can find is Redline....other then the price, I would have no problem running that stuff...but when PP5w30 is $20 a jug, there is really nothing else to use

 

[jstutz]

dont drain the 5w20 now. It will work just fine for an oil change. I have been running it in my blazer for 4 months now due to really short trips most of the time. Its not all the much thinner than the thin 30 weights. it has good base stocks and HTHS is plenty high for a daily driver. Im not saying its better or worse, im just saying the difference is small and you will never notice the difference one way or another. At very least, keep in in there until summer or something.

 

[addyguy]

Yeah, Jeepman - don't waste a perfectly good fill of PP 5W-20!

It will do fine for one change - just stay at the recommended interval......

 

[jstutz]

he is probably draining it right now. If i was close, i might would swing by an use it for one of my trucks. Picture that new PP flowing into a used oil pan and waiting to go clean up the oil containment bin at the auto parts store. Uhhhh this is gonna give me nightmares!

 

[labman]

Just curious if the 5W-20 engines got an oil pump upgrade? Higher flow would give better lubrication if using a thinner oil.

 

[jstutz]

im not sure if it would be better. Higher flow oil pump would increase the oil pressure allowing use of thinner oils all things being the same. I believe there would be some crossover point where it is simply too thin to protect properly. I think i read somewhere that this is part of the reason the ford explores or something didn't back spec to w20 oils. Im not sure about this so maybe some google searches would either confirm or deny about the fords.

 

[jstutz]

I just pulled a sample on my blazer at 5500 miles on PP5w20. ill post it when i get the UOA back.

 

[Pop_Rivit]

Originally Posted By: CourierDriver
If u are 8 miles from work, Id take a bus if it is doable, or walk or carpool


Walk? Really? A brisk walk is about 4 MPH. That's 2+ hours of walking each way for a total more than 4 hours of walking per day.