Castrol Edge 5w20 vs 0w20

[92saturnsl2]

Why almost all of the oil manufacturers carry both a 5w-20 and 0w-20 is a real head-scratcher for me. My indecisiveness is a bit overwhelming when it comes to oil anyways, and this really stirs the pot...

That said, what would you guys go with, given the choice? The 0w-20 seems to have better cold weather performance in that it is a fair bit thinner at 40C and most other temps. I chose this weight simply because we are right in the dog days of winter.

Would it make sense to use 5w-20 in the summer? Why are we given a choice between 0w and 5w20 when they are so similar? I noticed the 5w20 carried specific manufacturer approvals, while the 0w-20 just had API SN, Ilsac GF-5, the standard ratings. Is there any reason to believe that the 5w20 is a more robust oil, because of this? Or is that just the oil company's unwillingness to pay for yet another oil to receive all the manufacturer's approvals?

Any info / advice / discussion on the subject is welcome and appreciated.

 

[lawman1909]

Engines like the 2.4L in my CR-V require a 0w-20, partly due to CAFE but also because the timing chain runs off of oil pressure. In this case, 0w-20 will provide the quickest oil pressure. Unless you are operating in extreme heat, or constant WOT, I see no reason to use 5w20 where 0w20 is spec'd.

 

[92saturnsl2]

Originally Posted By: lawman1909
Engines like the 2.4L in my CR-V require a 0w-20, partly due to CAFE but also because the timing chain runs off of oil pressure. In this case, 0w-20 will provide the quickest oil pressure. Unless you are operating in extreme heat, or constant WOT, I see no reason to use 5w20 where 0w20 is spec'd.


What timing chain runs off of oil pressure..? The timing chain is driven by the crank. Do you mean the timing chain tensioner, or even the cam phasers run off oil pressure? Even then, I find it highly unlikely that 0w-20 and 5w-20 would make one iota of difference. Especially given that the viscosity difference is practically nil in temperatures down to -20F or so...

 

[901Memphis]

They have to have both available to meet the demands of customers whose owners manuals recommend one or the other. If they made only 0w20, then they would miss out on those who read the manual and it says 5w20 only.

While they can definitely be used interchangeably most average Joes don't know this.

 

[Nick1994]

Originally Posted By: 901Memphis
They have to have both available to meet the demands of customers whose owners manuals recommend one or the other. If they made only 0w20, then they would miss out on those who read the manual and it says 5w20 only.

While they can definitely be used interchangeably most average Joes don't know this.
+1

Some people are still too afraid to even use a 5w30 in their 10w30 application cars. If they see a 0 on there, people who don't know about oil automatically think it's just water and they need a thicker oil for their car.

 

[lawman1909]

That explanation of timing chain and pressure was given to me by a fellow BITOG'er and Honda confirmed it. They said on cold mornings (like what we had today at 9 degrees farhenheit) I may hear a quick 1/2 second grinding noise. That is the chain and excess wear. Again, all my from another BITOG.

 

[fdcg27]

I'd have no hesitation about running any OTS 0W-20 in a 5W-20 application.
I might avoid some of the very high VI Japanese branded oils, simply because they are typically thinner at all temperatures and might be too thin for some 5W-20 applicatons.
There are many newer engines for which a 0W-20 is recommended.
There are a lot more engines for which a 5W-20 is recommended.
There are those who at least know enough to check what grade is recommended who will not use a 0W-20 in a 5W-20 application.
Doesn't matter what Amsoil says, doesn't matter what M1 says.
They just aren't going to do it.
So, you have both grades available in the same brand and type of oil.
Synthetic motor oil is, after all, all about marketing to the declining number of DIY oil changers.
Most shops don't stock synthetic and if you want it, you'll pay an arm and a leg.
I wonder how many applications for which a 0W-20 is recommended are running around on bulk 5W-20 due to sticker shock when an oil change is due?

 

[Tabor]

Originally Posted By: fdcg27
I'd have no hesitation about running any OTS 0W-20 in a 5W-20 application.


+1

That's what I do.

 

[Danh]

Originally Posted By: Tabor
Originally Posted By: fdcg27
I'd have no hesitation about running any OTS 0W-20 in a 5W-20 application.


+1

That's what I do.


Okay, but do keep in mind that, for whatever reason, Ford doesn't approve 0w20 in your Focus. And while Mobil give broad assurances that its 0w20 is suitable for 5w20 applications, 0w20 won't show up in its list of recommended lubricants for you car, nor is 0w20 listed as meeting Ford's WSS-M2C-945a spec.

Now, whether this is just laziness on Ford's part or Ford's acknowledgment that every 0w20 may not suitable or concern about shearing we don't know. But you don't see the "0w20 is suitable for 5w20 applications" language on Pennzoil's website, so maybe ther's something to it. I'd love to run Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0w20 in my Focus, but to avoid any possible warranty debates I'm going to stick with 5w20; there's just not a super-compelling reason to do otherwise.

 

[Shannow]

Danh, interesting thought process, and certainly holds merit.

(Potentially) easier to leave the issue silent rather than have a use/don't use list.

It doesn't discredit Mobil's stance on their 0W20/5W20 compatibility, but Mobil aren't making the unicorn 0W20s.