Originally Posted By: typ901
I understand the comments made concerning using 5w-20 if it is spec'd for your application/engine. I just checked out PP 5w-20 v 5w30 on the spec. sheets. The 5w30 is ACEA A5-04 Rated, while the 5w-20 is rated A1-02. Doesn't the A1 rating indicate a mere fuel economy rating, and not necessarily a high performance, or extended drain interval? Making the 5w30 a higher performing oil?
Good question, I found this and copied and pasted it. This is for Euro PP, so I can't give an accuate answer, perhaps one of the resident oil experts can weigh in.
What I found interesting was it saying that: " Remember, API SM and ILSAC GF-4 oils are aimed at the best possible fuel economy and emission standards, and not necessarily longevity and wear protection." I believe they're referring to all grades of oil with those ratings??
Here is the whole section: Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils are aimed at our customers desiring excellent synthetic motor oils with outstanding reputations. 0W-20 is focused on the HYBRID CAR market and those customers that desire to high quality lower-viscosity oils. The focus here is fuel economy coupled with excellent wear protection. Pennzoil Platinum 0W-20 for HYBRIDS is recommended for SAE 0W-20 and 5W-20 applications. Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic Euro motor oils are designed to survive the extreme heat, mechanical loads and shearing forces of today’s precision-made engine parts as well as the punishment of extended drain intervals. Pennzoil Platinum synthetic motor oils contain a unique additive formulation created to provide superior protection against engine wear and deposit formation. Moreover, Pennzoil Platinum synthetic oils are the most advanced products ever developed by Pennzoil. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils are a full synthetic engine oil with the latest technology protective additives. These oils provide a level of engine protection that exceeds USA and European industry standards like ILSAC GF-4, API SM and ACEA A1-02, A5-02 & B1-02 performance standards. Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic Motor Oils is designed to provide protection under the most severe driving style or conditions. The Euro 5w30, Euro 5w30 (Diesel) and Euro 5W-40 synthetic motor oils are API SL/CF and are not ILSAC GF-4. Remember, API SM and ILSAC GF-4 oils are aimed at the best possible fuel economy and emission standards, and not necessarily longevity and wear protection. Examine the data sheets below identified as “regular and Euro” and you decide which is correct for your application. We, at Euro Synthetic Oils carry only the Euro 5w30 & Euro 5W-40 and the regular 0W-20. The Europeans do not, in general, use 20 weight oils.
EDIT TO ADD: The Euro 5w30, Euro 5w30 (Diesel) and Euro 5W-40 synthetic motor oils are API SL/CF and are not ILSAC GF-4.
Seems the SL oils are better at engine protection according to this?