Going back to 0w-20 for the winter

[Klutch9]

I have used 0w-20 for every OCI on the Carnival except the current one, where I used ESP 0w-30. My reasoning was: 1) the oil sump temps settle at 230F+ on the highway and 2) we drove to Florida this summer. We drive a LOT in the summer, especially this year. Lots of hot weather, long trips. All 'cold' starts are at 60f+ or near enough. Just wanted an extra buffer of protection whilst bombing down the highway/up a mountain in 90+ weather.

But in the winter, this vehicle gets driven far less. Lots of half mile 25mph trips to/from school, with errands around town. We use the van for volunteer work sometimes, where the oil will reach full temp for awhile. But the vehicle will spend most of its time putting around on trips 30 mins or less. In these conditions, fuel dilution will go up for sure, but since the oil won't get as hot and not nearly as often, I'm going back to 0w-20 in the winter. Now what to use... probably ESP 0w-20.

 

[walterjay]

That sounds reasonable.

 

[GSCJR]

If dilution is an area for concern, I'd want to stick with a Xw-30.

 

[Klutch9]

If dilution is an area for concern, I'd want to stick with a Xw-30.

It’s not a huge concern, I just know I have some based on the smell test. The engine has dual injection.

 

[tbm5690]

but since the oil won't get as hot and not nearly as often, I'm going back to 0w-20 in the winter.

I don't see that as a reason to go back to a 20 seasonally.

 

[Klutch9]

I don't see that as a reason to go back to a 20 seasonally.

Why not? I tend to like thicker oils, but a 20 grade at the temps I’ll usually be running in the winter will still be about as thick as the ESP 0w-30 I have in there now at summer highway temps, given how we drive.

 

[CKN]

I have used 0w-20 for every OCI on the Carnival except the current one, where I used ESP 0w-30. My reasoning was: 1) the oil sump temps settle at 230F+ on the highway and 2) we drove to Florida this summer. We drive a LOT in the summer, especially this year. Lots of hot weather, long trips. All 'cold' starts are at 60f+ or near enough. Just wanted an extra buffer of protection whilst bombing down the highway/up a mountain in 90+ weather.

But in the winter, this vehicle gets driven far less. Lots of half mile 25mph trips to/from school, with errands around town. We use the van for volunteer work sometimes, where the oil will reach full temp for awhile. But the vehicle will spend most of its time putting around on trips 30 mins or less. In these conditions, fuel dilution will go up for sure, but since the oil won't get as hot and not nearly as often, I'm going back to 0w-20 in the winter. Now what to use... probably ESP 0w-20.

Love these posts. I towed this past year up to the highest city in the U.S., Leadville, Colorado (10,000 feet) pulling a 5,000 pound travel trailer in 90 degree heat using 0w/20 in my 2023 Silverado (5.3). That's what the manual states-that's what it gets.
Don't think your mini van will see conditions like that-especially in your part of the U.S.

 

[Glenda W.]

Smart move bumping up a grade with oil temps in the 230’s. Personally I use 0W-30 all year.

 

[50yr Street Mech]

13' CRV AWD K24 engine / 614,934k / original owner / New York 20-90 degree temps on average / cap says 0W20 / use 0W20 - 20 k synthetic / 3k OCI intervals with OEM filters / Still going as daily driver

 

[Klutch9]

Love these posts. I towed this past year up to the highest city in the U.S., Leadville, Colorado (10,000 feet) pulling a 5,000 pound travel trailer in 90 degree heat using 0w/20 in my 2023 Silverado (5.3). That's what the manual states-that's what it gets.
Don't think your mini van will see conditions like that-especially in your part of the U.S.

Doesn’t your truck’s oil run a lot cooler though? I can’t remember if it was your post or someone else’s, but I recall seeing that oil temps in this truck never got much above 200. Mine get above 240. That was my main determining factor in choosing viscosity. The engine is also high compression.

 

[Glenda W.]

Doesn’t your truck’s oil run a lot cooler though? I can’t remember if it was your post or someone else’s, but I recall seeing that oil temps in this truck never got much above 200. Mine get above 240. That was my main determining factor in choosing viscosity. The engine is also high compression.

Exactly. Oil temp is key.

 

[Lawnman23]

I’m looking at getting a ‘26 Carnival in the very near future(Labor Day sales). Based on a few threads about it on here, I was planning on running ESP 0w-30 year round after the initial OCI with the 0w-20 FF.

Based on your details, it seems like a fine plan for winter.

 

[oil pan 4]

I have used 0w-20 for every OCI on the Carnival except the current one, where I used ESP 0w-30. My reasoning was: 1) the oil sump temps settle at 230F+ on the highway and 2) we drove to Florida this summer. We drive a LOT in the summer, especially this year. Lots of hot weather, long trips. All 'cold' starts are at 60f+ or near enough. Just wanted an extra buffer of protection whilst bombing down the highway/up a mountain in 90+ weather.

But in the winter, this vehicle gets driven far less. Lots of half mile 25mph trips to/from school, with errands around town. We use the van for volunteer work sometimes, where the oil will reach full temp for awhile. But the vehicle will spend most of its time putting around on trips 30 mins or less. In these conditions, fuel dilution will go up for sure, but since the oil won't get as hot and not nearly as often, I'm going back to 0w-20 in the winter. Now what to use... probably ESP 0w-20.

What's the oils operating temperature?
If you know the oil doesn't get above 90c during the winter then 20w would be a fine choice.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

That ACEA ESP 0w-30 with its high HTHS is nothing like an AFE 0W-30.

Why not a good 0W-30 ILSAC lube for those Michigan winters, then you will have those uncurled VM for when you take longer trips with a hot sump. The poor engine will get confused being fed a Golden Honey then Weasle wee in the Wintertime. I can hear it exclaiming, " What did I do wrong to deserve this, this injustice?!"

 

[oil pan 4]

Love these posts. I towed this past year up to the highest city in the U.S., Leadville, Colorado (10,000 feet) pulling a 5,000 pound travel trailer in 90 degree heat using 0w/20 in my 2023 Silverado (5.3). That's what the manual states-that's what it gets.
Don't think your mini van will see conditions like that-especially in your part of the U.S.

Does the manual really recommend using 20wt for pulling huge trailers up mountains in summer?
I'd bet it does not.

 

[CKN]

Does the manual really recommend using 20wt for pulling huge trailers up mountains in summer?
I'd bet it does not.

Yes-it does.

 

[edyvw]

Go ESP 0W20 X2. Same additive package as ESP 0W30.

 

[6.7 CTD]

Does the manual really recommend using 20wt for pulling huge trailers up mountains in summer?
I'd bet it does not.

Even if it does, common sense should prevail. But to each their own. GM and their 20w, as good as a weather forecast 17 days from now.

 

[oil pan 4]

Even if it does, common sense should prevail. But to each their own. GM and their 20w, as good as a weather forecast 17 days from now.

Agreed

 

[oil pan 4]

Yes-it does.

Is GM that stupid, I'd believe it.