Best cold flowing oil for winter temps?

[Artem]

Hi guys, my 2014 Mazda 3 is due for an OC and with winter around the corner for us in sunny Florida, I'm leaning towards using a 0w20 instead of the current Castrol Gold bottle extended performance 5w20 that will drain out.

I don't have any preference of brand, so I'm willing to use whatever actually flows best. A quick Google search for PDS doesn't always tell the full story. I've even looked at youtube videos of cold flow tests and still can't make up my mind.

I'm leaning towards Castrol, because I have a ton of it @ $2 a quart but for winter, I ultimately want the best protection possible for my Lil' daily beater.

Any recommendations? I'm sure this topic has been beat to death in the past but as time flies, perhaps new fresh data is available for consideration...?

 

[Nickdfresh]

It won't make much difference either way, but Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0w20 is 70% PAO AFAIK. It's a great bargain with rebates but there are none at the moment...

 

[Garak]

It's not going to make the slightest measurable difference in your climate. Most off the shelf 20 grades will have similar HTHS, and you're not going to approach the limits of a monograde there, much less a 5w-XX versus a 0w-XX. Choose by price. Personally, if it were me, I'd go for the 0w-20 if using a synthetic, simply because I'd be spending the same money and getting the advantage of a 0w-XX. But, that being said, I would be able to realize the advantage of a 0w-XX. In your case, you might get a tiny, immeasurable fuel economy improvement, so call it on that, if you like.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

You have too much flow already. Maybe try SAE 20

Seriously for a moment, do you experience an unusual engine noise that is of concern to you? What is this concern about "flow"? How did it manifest?

 

[CT8]

Unbelieveable.

 

[BrocLuno]

All but a very few (handful) of engines have positive displacement oil pumps. As long as the oil reaches the pump intake (no screen clogging) they will push any liquid the same distance in the same amount of time. 5W, 0W, 10W will make no difference in FL. MAYBE north of USA border ...

So pick the oil that best matches other requirements. Is this a direct injected motor? What does the manual want, etc.?

 

[69GTX]

Stick with the Castrol gold 5w-20. You certainly don't need a 0w. And your car probably can't tell the difference from 5w to 10w through most of the Florida winter. All the better name oils will flow quite well in mild Florida "winters." That's not even as issue for you. Your concern should be on the other end, very hot Forida summers...and ensuring your oil is giving you top protection when stuck in traffic on 90-100 deg days. 30-45 degF Florida mornings are a cake walk for SN oils.

 

[KrisZ]

You want at least a 1000W oil pan heater otherwise your engine is pumping molasses during those Florida winter months, doesn't matter the winter rating.

 

[69GTX]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
You want at least a 1000W oil pan heater otherwise your engine is pumping molasses during those Florida winter months, doesn't matter the winter rating.

 

[CT8]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
You want at least a 1000W oil pan heater otherwise your engine is pumping molasses during those Florida winter months, doesn't matter the winter rating.
+3

 

[Bgallagher]

Unless you're moving to Siberia I would stick with what you haven't. There wont be any true cold flow issues I would be concerned about. I am running 15w40 in my Equinox and it is flowing fine at 10 degree days. Rest assured your car will survive

 

[cmhj]

Originally Posted By: CT8
Unbelieveable.


Ya GEZ it is

 

[MolaKule]

Originally Posted By: KrisZ
You want at least a 1000W oil pan heater otherwise your engine is pumping molasses during those Florida winter months, doesn't matter the winter rating.

 

[AirgunSavant]

Both grades virtually interchange and I'd stick with 5w20 since you have it and
even if you didn't. 5w20 very easy to find and most often cheaper and you got it cheap.

 

[MobilinHyundia]

4600 posts here and you still did not learn anything?

No hope for you troll.

 

[aquariuscsm]

Maybe substitute a quart of the 0W20 with a quart of MMO to thin the oil a little bit so you won't get any additional start up wear. I'm assuming there in FL you have a heated garage as well? That should help tremendously.

 

[Rolla07]

Ok, glad im not the only one that thinks this post is completely insane.

 

[Leo99]

Originally Posted By: Rolla07
Ok, glad im not the only one that thinks this post is completely insane.


There's been a few lately.

 

[Artem]

Goodness gracious some of you took this WAY too serious.

Yea I live in FL but I also do a little thing called TRAVEL, especially up north to visit the parents and work related. Was in Harrisonburg VA the other day and it was 26F in the morning and it isn't winter YET. Just planning ahead.

I asked a simple question regarding what oil flows best, REGARDLESS of what my location is. Perhaps the answers will help fellow BITOG-ers who live in way colder places who might have the same question. Geez. No need to go off on me. All info on this topic is old. It's technically 2017 and maybe there's some new info about which oil brand and viscosity simply flows better then others in "cooler" weather.

Who cares if the engine will be fine with 20w50 in the sump, that's not the point.

 

[Artem]

I went to AAP and got some Castrol 0w20 with Titanium. I'll save the 5w20 for summer months.

$36.99 retail, was on sale for $27.99 (save $9) minus a $20 speed perks coupon I had as well as leftover gift card funds = $1.85 a quart for full synthetic after tax. No bad for a regular Monday while shopping at expensive AAP.

Decided to go with 0w20. Didn't want to switch brands just yet so staying with Castrol for now (not my favorite brand but for under $2 a quart, I'll use it.