Is 5W20 still fine for long road trips

[Keaunym]

A few weeks ago I purchased a new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer ES (2.0L non-turbo) with 100 miles on the odometer. The manual "recommends" 5W20 oil throughout all temperature ranges, with no suggestion for alternate oil for higher temperatures or driving conditions. For the turbo model, there are multiple oil recommendations depending on temperature, etc. I currently live in Illinois but will be moving to Texas in a few months. I have to do the ~1000 mile drive there and back several times a few times and wonder if 5W20 is still the best oil to use. Thanks in advance.

 

[Rand]

yes. you have a thermostat. The oil temp in a non turbo engine wont be very high compared to a turbo engine.(if pushed hard)

 

[buster]

No, 5w20 can only be used for trips no longer than 146.5 miles at a time. Any further you run the risk of severe engine wear.

 

[addyguy]

Thinner oils could actually be seen as better in hot-driving comditions, as thinner oils aid with engine cooling.

 

[Scorch]

Originally Posted By: buster

No, 5w20 can only be used for trips no longer than 146.5 miles at a time. Any further you run the risk of severe engine wear.

Made me laugh

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: Keaunym

I have to do the ~1000 mile drive there and back several times a few times and wonder if 5W20 is still the best oil to use.

Typical hwy driving is actually very easy on the engine and oil, so I don't see why not.

 

[KCJeep]

If your vehicle is spec'd for 5w20, a total non-issue. Drive it coast to coast and back if you want. You are worrying about an issue that doesn't exist.

 

[45ACP]

Originally Posted By: buster

No, 5w20 can only be used for trips no longer than 146.5 miles at a time. Any further you run the risk of severe engine wear.

 

[HerrStig]

That isn't 146.52 miles is it?

 

[45ACP]

Originally Posted By: KCJeep

If your vehicle is spec'd for 5w20, a total non-issue. Drive it coast to coast and back if you want. You are worrying about an issue that doesn't exist.

But what if it isnt?

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Is this the World engine used by chrysler, mitsubishi, mercedes, Hyundai?

 

[Keaunym]

Originally Posted By: KCJeep

If your vehicle is spec'd for 5w20, a total non-issue. Drive it coast to coast and back if you want. You are worrying about an issue that doesn't exist.

Perfect, just making sure. I've been changing oil for a long time for many cars I've owned and never used anything other than 5W30 or 10W30. As soon as I saw 5W20 for this vehicle, I thought Mitsu is specing an inferior weight for fuel economy, at the expense of engine longevity, but since the overwhelming majority here agree it is fine, that's what I'll use.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Originally Posted By: Keaunym

A few weeks ago I purchased a new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer ES (2.0L non-turbo) with 100 miles on the odometer. The manual "recommends" 5W20 oil throughout all temperature ranges, with no suggestion for alternate oil for higher temperatures or driving conditions. For the turbo model, there are multiple oil recommendations depending on temperature, etc. I currently live in Illinois but will be moving to Texas in a few months. I have to do the ~1000 mile drive there and back several times a few times and wonder if 5W20 is still the best oil to use. Thanks in advance.

I drive 1200 miles a week on PP 5w20, for 10k runs. CR-V has 136k on it and will outlive all of us.

 

[aquariuscsm]

What I wonder,is why do some car manufacturers recommend thicker oils for extended high speeds and/or racing?

 

[CarbonSteel]

Originally Posted By: Keaunym

I currently live in Illinois but will be moving to Texas in a few months. I have to do the ~1000 mile drive there and back several times a few times and wonder if 5W20 is still the best oil to use. Thanks in advance.

I live in Texas and have towed heavily loaded in 100+ heat for thousands of miles (Texas, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana) with zero issues using nothing but 5W-20. There is a belief that 5W-20 is not as good as say 5W-30, but many times the 5W-30 shears down to a 5W-20 whereas the 5W-20 remains in grade. I would not hesitate to use it on the road trip that you describe and you should not worry, it will be quite ok.

 

[IndyIan]

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm

What I wonder,is why do some car manufacturers recommend thicker oils for extended high speeds and/or racing?

Well if he does the 1000 mile trip in 8 hours, then I'd say he might need some thicker oil. If the oil temps get high enough you need thicker oil to maintain proper oil pressure, plus thicker oils tend to have higher flash point temperatures as well which could be an issue in engines run wide open for extended periods of time.

 

[tig1]

You may even want to consider a quality 0-20. I have made several trips to Florida with M1 0-20 in the sump and all is well with my Duratechs.

 

[tig1]

Originally Posted By: IndyIan

Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm

What I wonder,is why do some car manufacturers recommend thicker oils for extended high speeds and/or racing?

Well if he does the 1000 mile trip in 8 hours, then I'd say he might need some thicker oil. If the oil temps get high enough you need thicker oil to maintain proper oil pressure, plus thicker oils tend to have higher flash point temperatures as well which could be an issue in engines run wide open for extended periods of time.

Lets see. 1000 miles in 8 hours. Like 125 MPH without stopping. may want to opt for a differant vehicle.

 

[Durango]

Originally Posted By: Keaunym

A few weeks ago I purchased a new 2010 Mitsubishi Lancer ES (2.0L non-turbo) with 100 miles on the odometer. The manual "recommends" 5W20 oil throughout all temperature ranges, with no suggestion for alternate oil for higher temperatures or driving conditions. For the turbo model, there are multiple oil recommendations depending on temperature, etc. I currently live in Illinois but will be moving to Texas in a few months. I have to do the ~1000 mile drive there and back several times a few times and wonder if 5W20 is still the best oil to use. Thanks in advance.

Keaunym, I would not hesitate to use a 5W-20 oil. Save a bucks on gas on the highway. Buy a good synthetic oil and be confident in it's use. Durango

 

[oldmaninsc]

Originally Posted By: 2010_FX4

Originally Posted By: Keaunym

I currently live in Illinois but will be moving to Texas in a few months. I have to do the ~1000 mile drive there and back several times a few times and wonder if 5W20 is still the best oil to use. Thanks in advance.

I live in Texas and have towed heavily loaded in 100+ heat for thousands of miles (Texas, Nevada, Wyoming, Colorado, Montana) with zero issues using nothing but 5W-20. There is a belief that 5W-20 is not as good as say 5W-30, but many times the 5W-30 shears down to a 5W-20 whereas the 5W-20 remains in grade. I would not hesitate to use it on the road trip that you describe and you should not worry, it will be quite ok.

Exactly. I've made the trip from San Diego to Seattle many times in my Mercury with no problems - and there are a LOT of steep hills to climb in Northern Ca and Southern Oregon. This is about 1200 miles one way with 4 adults in the car and the trunk loaded with junk (uhh stuff women just 'have to have' with them). Never a problem using 5W-20. Personally I don't understand where all this paranoia about 5W-20 oil comes from.