Mobil 1 SS 5W 30 vs 10W 30?

[SilverStreak]

How different is the M1 SS 5W 30 from the M1 SS 10W30? My mfg recommends 10W 30 but I've been running 5W 30 for the winter where it has dipped to - 20F this week. In terms of viscosity, how much more would the 10W 30 protect the engine?

I am switching back to 10W 30 this weekend. Just a bit paranoid that is all. Thanks.

 

[sub_zero]

I live in the up in Canada and when it's that cold 5W30 is way better. Change back to the 10W30 and you'll notice decreased starting performance guaranteed.

When it get's alot warmer, which won't be for awhile change it back.

[ March 11, 2003, 12:45 AM: Message edited by: sub_zero ]

 

[Patman]

For the cold weather you get in Calgary, you definitely want to use 5w30 or even 0w30 in the winter. Save the 10w30 until the weather gets warmer (springtime)

 

[Dr. T]

I agree with the other posts...in that extreme cold you should go for a 5-30 or 0-30...although with M-1...there will be a less of a performance difference than with conventional oils...both grades will be excellent in extreme cold.

 

[SilverStreak]

Thanks guys, hope it warms up soon. The Mobil 1 SS doesn't flow as well as the old TriSyn but it has a better additive package.

 

[Scott P]

The manual for my GP indicates 10W-30 in temps above zero (I think) and 5W-30 in temps below sixty degrees. Our evil cold this year in NY makes me wonder what wear numbers I'll be seeing.

 

[Eiron]

quote:

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Originally posted by Patman:
Calgary gets pretty cold though in the winter, and there is a bigger difference between 5w30 and 10w30 than you think. The 5w30 has a cold pumpability limit of -51F, while 10w30's is only -42F...

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Thanks, I felt like I was missing something in those numbers I posted! You're right, pumpability is much more important than pour point, & 5W-30 is much better than 10W-30 in that regard.

OK, so I'll revise my earlier statement & say that the 5W-30 should be good to use year-round, as long as you don't mind giving up "tried-n-true" 10W-30. If you can't abandon 10W-30, then I guess you'll have to switch with the seasons. But I still think the unmentioned 0W-30 would be a better year-round choice...

 

[Eiron]

It sounds like you want to stay with the 10W-30 as much as possible? The 5W's only rated to 3*C/6*F lower than the 10W, & with that small of a "cold" difference, I think I'd just stay with 10W year-round. But really, either one should work equally well for you.

If you can get it in your area, I say go with the 0W-30 year-round. It's slightly thicker at 40*C than the 5W-30, & slightly thicker at 100*C than both the 5W-30 & 10W-30. Plus, it's got the best cold flow characteristics of the three.

 

[Patman]

quote:

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Originally posted by Greg Netzner:
It sounds like you want to stay with the 10W-30 as much as possible? The 5W's only rated to 3*C/6*F lower than the 10W, & with that small of a "cold" difference, I think I'd just stay with 10W year-round.

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Calgary gets pretty cold though in the winter, and there is a bigger difference between 5w30 and 10w30 than you think. The 5w30 has a cold pumpability limit of -51F, while 10w30's is only -42F. And the cold cranking specs on 5w30 are 3600 at -30c, while the 10w30 is 3848 at -25c.

When it's getting below 0F as often as it does in Calgary in winter, you will definitely notice easier starts with 5w30 over 10w30.