I just started running 5w-30 in my wife's 2018 Hyundai sonata hybrid that is supposed to run 5w-20. So far it likes it, fuel economy unexpendedly increased when I expected to see maybe a slight decrease.
Change from 0w20 to 5w30
- Thread starter GaryMX5
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Less metal-to-metal contact friction with more MOFT from the 30 weight.
We stepped up from 0w-20 to 5w-30 a couple of years ago on the 2017 Accord with 2.4 liter Earth Dreams engine due to fuel dilution. No complaints thus far. We might get an oil analysis if the driver plans to keep the car for a few more years. At present he is thinking PHEV or EV for the next car.
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Fuel economy improves from summer blend fuel
+1 on fuel blend
Not like this. We have had this car since 2018 and haven't seen fuel economy numbers like this since we put normal tires on it.
It’s not from the oil.
It shouldn't be. But haven't changed anything else.
Physics still matters. Manufacturers and blenders aren’t chasing thicker oils to decrease fuel consumption.
Things change for you every second you’re driving. There is zero chance you can control the 100 variables in everyday driving. For one thing the fuel itself (even at the same gas station) can vary approximately 4% in energy content per an article I linked here once. The only way you get rid of that one variable is by using standardized test fuel.
This is about gasoline but the content is still valid. Any oil related change is deep within the noise:
Best Brand of Gasoline
Get all my Premium at Sam's Club. Other places around here are 40-50 cents more expensive than Sam's Club premium, making it well worth driving a couple extra miles to fill it up. Get my 87 wherever it's convenient.
bobistheoilguy.com
We bought both Kias in sig brand new at once back 10+ years ago. Both call for 5w-20 oil and I did every single oil change on both with mostly 5w-30 and lately 0w-30, within and outside warranty, and I think the plan and oil served us well.
Note: I did try oils ranging from 0w-20 to 0w-40 in both engines. Both engines seem to love 10w-30 but both get 0w-30 MB 229.52 oil for year around and top certification reasons.
Note: I did try oils ranging from 0w-20 to 0w-40 in both engines. Both engines seem to love 10w-30 but both get 0w-30 MB 229.52 oil for year around and top certification reasons.
We have always used ethanol free gas from the same gas station the whole time we have had the car except when out of town on road trips.
Initially I figured it was because I was running winter gas after it had warmed up, but the winter gas should be long gone.
The variation I noted is irrespective of seasonal changes.
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If clearances are tighter in modern engines, can they run a 30 weight? Like if an engine was truly designed for 16 weight, could a 30 weight still Be beneficial?
How many times have you asked this question?
Engine clearances have been basically the same for decades - you can only go so tight before it's too tight, which will smoke parts quickly. Going too tight can cause massive oil film shearing, lots of heat and then causes the oil film to break down, even more parts rubbing and heat, and then engine damage. Engines that are designed to run xW-16 and thinner will have slightly wider journal bearings to make up for thinner oil use. That's why they say do not use 16 or less in an engine not specifying it. Running a xW-20 or xW-30 will work in an engine speced for 16, just like a xW-50 will work in an engine speced for a xW-20 (ie, Ford Coyotes run anything from xW-20 to xW-50 depending on the use conditions).
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No one gave me a good answer except for zeeoh6 just now. All I got was a more or less “it’s fine”
Keep in mind that operating temperature also dictates viscosity, and so can which fuel you use.
Stop and go traffic in summer, road racing, and alcohol fuel due to fuel dilution can afford to go up a grade.
I have a 2024 Mazda Miata and recently performed the initial oil change at 850 miles and used Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5w30 instead of their recommended 0w20! I live in hot and humid eastern North Carolina and wanted to go with a tad heavier oil. It’s been about 600 miles since and it’s running great and I definitely think I’ll stick with this weight and oil.