Has Ford "embraced" 0W-20 at all?

[addyguy]

Ford was one of the first manufacturers to spec. 5W-20 oil for it's vehicles. AFAIK, almost all ford vehicles still call for 5W-20 MC oil.

Other manufacturers that have also started to spec. 20-weight oils have gone further, and allowed or recommended 0W-20 oils as well - Toyota, Subaru, and Honda come to mind. they either recommend 5W-20, but allow for 0W-20, or they outright spec. 0W-20.

Why hasn't Ford gotton on the 0W-20 bandwagon? I know there isn't much difference between 5W-20 and 0W-20, but others are 'making use' of it being on the market.

My best guess is Ford spent a lot of time and effort encouraging the use of 5W-20, and they spent a lot of time and effort working with C-P to develop the much-loved MC 5W-20, so they don't want to confuse people...

 

[ARCOgraphite]

I guess for most folks the 5 deg difference in gell point on a 20 grade isnt worth worrying over. Plus the oil would be costly to make as a real synthetic, and may RUIN the good stability and cleanliness of a tight 5w-20 if made "cheaply" as a bulk 0w from a semi syn or group III stocks. PLus, Who wants to go out in -35 temps?
-
NOT me, Ever!

 

[Hallmark]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
My best guess is Ford spent a lot of time and effort encouraging the use of 5W-20, and they spent a lot of time and effort working with C-P to develop the much-loved MC 5W-20, so they don't want to confuse people..


I can't offer any comment on your rationale, but it's sure nice to see a good product (Motorcraft motor oils) seemingly remain immune from all the marketing games being played by some competitors.

 

[dparm]

C-P is already producing 0w20 for Honda. I'm betting this will eventually find a spot on the shelves at Ford dealers. The parts counter will always find a way to spin some new marketing of 'YOU NEED THIS'.

 

[30valve]

Maybe they are working on it. Ford could create a new spec name like "Mercos1" and then make it sound like you must run this licensed oil in all their new vehicles. Next they try to charge oil companies to put the "Mercos approved" label on oil bottles that already meet the specs anyway. Oh shoot, I forgot someone already did that.

 

[UNC017]

Originally Posted By: 30valve
Maybe they are working on it. Ford could create a new spec name like "Mercos1" and then make it sound like you must run this licensed oil in all their new vehicles. Next they try to charge oil companies to put the "Mercos approved" label on oil bottles that already meet the specs anyway. Oh shoot, I forgot someone already did that.

 

[Drew2000]

I think it kind of boils down to diminishing returns. How much more fuel can be saved running a 0W vs a 5W? Maybe on a hybrid with tons of starting cycles, but for most cars, it probably will be almost immeasurable.

 

[demarpaint]

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Originally Posted By: 30valve
Maybe they are working on it. Ford could create a new spec name like "Mercos1" and then make it sound like you must run this licensed oil in all their new vehicles. Next they try to charge oil companies to put the "Mercos approved" label on oil bottles that already meet the specs anyway. Oh shoot, I forgot someone already did that.

Nah that's a GM stunt. LOL

 

[JOD]

Well, I have a Ford, and I've embraced it. I'm not really worried about the .03% increase in fuel economy, I switched over because I figure it'll result in slightly less engine wear--knowing full well that my engine would probably outlast the rest of the car and almost any oil (within reason) changed at a reasonable interval.

I'm not worried about "real" or "fake" synthetics, since I think there's a lot more to motor oil than generalizations about base stocks. I'm also not worried about VI's "gumming up" my engine, since it's not 1970.

We'll see how the oil has held up. I'm just about to 10K, so I'm going to send off a sample, just to check out the oil's condition and see how this VI-riddled tap water is about to destroy my engine...

If I had to guess why Ford isn't suggesting 0W20 (yet), it would simply be availability of the oil aftermarket. Take a look at all of the bellyaching about not being able to get 0W20 on various car-specific forums where manufacturers spec this oil. The general tone seems to be there's a conspiracy by the MFG to force people to use their oil, or really expensive oil. I can see Ford not wanting to deal with it.

 

[Bruce T]

Originally Posted By: Hallmark
Originally Posted By: addyguy
My best guess is Ford spent a lot of time and effort encouraging the use of 5W-20, and they spent a lot of time and effort working with C-P to develop the much-loved MC 5W-20, so they don't want to confuse people..


I can't offer any comment on your rationale, but it's sure nice to see a good product (Motorcraft motor oils) seemingly remain immune from all the marketing games being played by some competitors.


Exactly, I think Ford is a progressive international company, and that's coming from a Honda and Toyota fan. I like that Ford has kept their oil requirements simple and stable over time. At present, Ford only needs to specify the 0W-20 for hybrids and very cold weather (5W cranks down to -30°C/-22°F, 0W cranks to -35°C/-31°F).

I see no reason for Ford to rush their move to 0W-20. The 5W-20 grade is adequate for most customers, not to mention cheaper. I think Ford's heart is in the right place -- with their customers. GM's heart is with GM.

 

[Tomhollywood]

I believe the Castrol Edge states it exceeds dexos1 spec but I don't think their Syntec is making that claim.