Consequence of switching oils, winter vs summer

[Carlostrece]

If the operative word in your statement is 'needs' then sure. But if you are saying that there is no difference in running an oil that shears more vs an oil that shears less...? I don't think anyone is saying they need to switch to a 15w40 for the summer. And I don't want to speak for the O.P., but for me I was just wondering if it can make a little more sense.

Just like he stated in his first post 6 month oil changes work well for me in one of my vehicles. And running Delvac 15w40 Extreme for the warmer months and Delvac 1 ESP 5w40 for the colder half of the year seems like a good idea. He was more worried about additive packages. I'm more curious if anyone had done it and had any notes to share.

Generally 15w40 has less synthetic in its base oil than 5w40 does. So 15w40 is unlikely to shear less than 5w40. Surely this was covered earlier in this thread?

Also, I agree with what @kschachn said in post 60.

The OP can use 15w40 just fine in summer, but I see no benefit in doing so.

 

[oil pan 4]

Six month changes work well for me. Honestly, I could probably use 15w40 all year, or 5w-40 all year.

Question, is there any tribological reason to avoid alternating 15w40 summer and 5w-40 winter? I'd likely stick within a brand: Delo XSP or Delvac ESP/Extreme.

Is there potential that I'm actually accelerating wear by alternating additive packages that compete with each other?

Our heavy towing is mostly in the summer, which the 15w gives me extra mental margin against fuel dilution, high temperatures, etc. 5w makes me feel better about winter starts when/if it's frosty outside. Owners manual sets a lower threshold of 0F for the 15w. Subject engine is Cummins 6.7, solid lifter.

Depending on what part of Virginia you're in it might not get cold enough to make any difference between 5w-40 and 15w-40.
Probably be better off with fresh 15w-40 than 5 month old 5w-40 af far as cold starting if it's only getting in the 20s.

 

[johnmyster]

Depending on what part of Virginia you're in...if it's only getting in the 20s.

Thanks for the weather update.

 

[OM617YOTA]

We're spoiled for oil choices these days. Lots of inexpensive oil choices that'll work great for both -20F cold starts and hauling max GVW up a mountain pass at 105F. Switching oil summer/winter just isn't worth the trouble.

 

[GI_GRIFF]

Six month changes work well for me. Honestly, I could probably use 15w40 all year, or 5w-40 all year.

Question, is there any tribological reason to avoid alternating 15w40 summer and 5w-40 winter? I'd likely stick within a brand: Delo XSP or Delvac ESP/Extreme.

Is there potential that I'm actually accelerating wear by alternating additive packages that compete with each other?

Our heavy towing is mostly in the summer, which the 15w gives me extra mental margin against fuel dilution, high temperatures, etc. 5w makes me feel better about winter starts when/if it's frosty outside. Owners manual sets a lower threshold of 0F for the 15w. Subject engine is Cummins 6.7, solid lifter.

This day and age the only reason you would alternate the oils is you enjoy stocking different oils and complicating things. That is ok, some people like to complicate things, makes them feel good. Use the 5W-40 all year long, no need or legitimate reason to alternate. Your switching idea is unnecessary, but if that is what floats your boat, it won't hurt anything.

 

[Carlostrece]

If you're changing oil twice a year, then 15w40 in warmer 6 months could financially make sense if 15w40 costs less.

 

[GSCJR]

This day and age the only reason you would alternate the oils is you enjoy stocking different oils and complicating things. That is ok, some people like to complicate things, makes them feel good.

That would be me. I buy clearance oil and use them when appropriate, according to ambient temperature.

 

[Japanese]

This day and age the only reason you would alternate the oils is you enjoy stocking different oils and complicating things. That is ok, some people like to complicate things, makes them feel good.

This reminds me of when I used to alternate 5W-30 and 10W-30 as a winter and a summer grade, long time ago.

 

[oil pan 4]

Thanks for the weather update.

Wasnya weather update. What part of Virginia you in? You in the northern mountains where it can get down to zero or you a coastal flat lander where it maybe gets down to 25f once every few years?

 

[johnmyster]

I guess to close the loop on my own necro thread, I eventually decided I could live within margin on 15w-40 and have converted to Delo ADF 600.

Reality is the truck doesn't get much use in winter and camper towing is minimal/zero. (I last refueled in October. I don't think it's done a regen since September.) We saw some low-single digits in the recent events but it would be nice to know I had some margin if I needed to use it to go visit in-laws, etc. Winter front cover and block heater are handy. I think I can live on 15w-40 and commit to ADF 600 with a clear conscience.

I may consider Delo 600 10w-30 in future winters if we have snowbird trips planned during the holidays.

 

[Fishstyx]

On my 6.7 Cummins the factory fill is 5W40. I run it year round no problems. The only problem I see swapping winter to summer is how much weight your bank account will lose.

 

[daniel327]

Just switch to Valvoline oil.

 

[kschachn]

Just switch to Valvoline oil.

The brand affects winter/summer use?