M1 0w40 in winter for my Maxima 3.5

[mahanddeem]

Hi,
I have been contemplating the idea of using a 0w40 oil in my VQ 3.5 engine (Maxima 09 and 11). Manual calls for anything from 5w30 to 20w50 depending on ambient. 5w30 is preferred in USA(10w30 for Mexico). 09 burns a bit (half a quart) in 3k miles. Mileage is 95k.
Currently using PUP 5w30 (last OCI was in June). Admittedly it runs smooth on that light 5w30. But once it warms to 100c I kind of feel it needs a thicker oil.
I anticipate next OCI in November.
Seeing numerous VOAs of PUP 5w30 viscosity at 100c in the range of 9.5 to 9.8 is kind of turn me away from using PUP in the future. M1 0w40 is one of the candidates. Being a light 40 weight.

1. Will 0w40 be fine for winter(VS 5w30)? In MD winter morning temp is around 20s to 30s F, car sits in parking lot under the element and no indoor garage.

2. Should I be concerned about the higher calcium content in the M1 0w40 in the 2000s ppm? I see newer oils of SN plus and SP have lower calcium to minimize chances of LSPI. Though my engine is not turbocharged or a GDI.

Thanks

 

[mclasser]

I used M1 0w40 in my old VQ35 during the winter without issue. Engine ran real smoothly with it. Temps of 20s-30s really aren't that cold.

 

[mahanddeem]

I used M1 0w40 in my old VQ35 during the winter without issue. Engine ran real smoothly with it. Temps of 20s-30s really aren't that cold.

Thanks. What was the car? And why did you think of using 0w40?

 

[OVERKILL]

The 0W-xx indicates super Winter performance/a better Winter rating, which means at extremely low temperatures (-35C/-40C) that the 0w-40 actually has an advantage.

It may not come with any appreciable benefit (the use of the 0w-40) but it isn't going to hurt anything.

 

[mahanddeem]

The 0W-xx indicates super Winter performance/a better Winter rating, which means at extremely low temperatures (-35C/-40C) that the 0w-40 actually has an advantage.

It may not come with any appreciable benefit (the use of the 0w-40) but it isn't going to hurt anything.

I understand it works "better" at the extreme range (hot or very cold -30s or -40s) but was concerned about the middle range 20s to 60s (the realistic range in winter)

 

[kschachn]

I understand it works "better" at the extreme range (hot or very cold -30s or -40s) but was concerned about the middle range 20s to 60s (the realistic range in winter)

You can plot that out yourself using the Widman graphing calculator.

 

[Hall]

@Trav loves and recommends 0W-40 for Nissan's VQ engines

Manual calls for anything from 5w30 to 20w50

Does it ? Is this a US market owner's manual ? I've always looked for non-US manuals to see what Nissan specs or allows for their VQ engines. I have an '08 G35 with the VQ35HR engine and have used 5W-30 and 0W-40.

 

[mahanddeem]

I see

 

[aquariuscsm]

I’d stick with a W30 and maybe try 10W30 before moving up to a W40.

 

[JustN89]

I've got 0W-40 in two family member's Maximas. Works great in these engines.

 

[wpod]

What does the 0W- mean?

 

[OVERKILL]

What does the 0W- mean?

Means it passes the CCS and MRV requirements at -35C and -40C respectively to obtain the "0" Winter rating.

 

[avi1777]

the cx5 manual also says 20 to50w.