Somewhat Hypothetical Oil Choice

[Shel_B]

Last summer I planned a long road trip but didn't get very far due to fires in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. I'd like to give it another attempt a bit later this year. I have two oil choices in my stash, such as it is: A Frankenbrew of M1 ESP 0W20 (20%) & 0W-30 (80%) or M1 EP 5W-30. I think it's kind of a wash, but nonetheless, I'm curious what others might think, and if you're feeling expansive, why you made your choice. The car is 2011 Camry 2ARFE engine, 86,000 miles on the clock.

 

[PimTac]

I don’t think either choice will matter much. In my travels I have never considered oil grade. Mountains, ocean, Las Vegas or Phoenix, I just ran what the manual said.

I concentrate on other things like tires, cooling system, etc to make sure it’s all up to snuff before heading out.

Hope you get to go this time around.

 

[MStarmer]

I think most will say it doesn't matter but for me since it's summer and you have it I'd go with the 5w-30. But of more importance as noted I'd make sure belts / hoses / tires and everything else is in good order.

 

[wpod]

If you pour the oil in left handed all will be good.

 

[Passport1]

Don't fret about it and jeopardize your plans. Get one of these. Guaranteed to have the correct oil already in it;

 

[FZ1]

Last summer I planned a long road trip but didn't get very far due to fires in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. I'd like to give it another attempt a bit later this year. I have two oil choices in my stash, such as it is: A Frankenbrew of M1 ESP 0W20 (20%) & 0W-30 (80%) or M1 EP 5W-30. I think it's kind of a wash, but nonetheless, I'm curious what others might think, and if you're feeling expansive, why you made your choice. The car is 2011 Camry 2ARFE engine, 86,000 miles on the clock.

Wash but........I'd run the 5w in warm weather and the 0w in colder weather.

 

[Hall]

Pour it ALL into one container and use it for your next (2) oil changes. "Problem" solved.

 

[Gene K]

Last summer I planned a long road trip but didn't get very far due to fires in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. I'd like to give it another attempt a bit later this year. I have two oil choices in my stash, such as it is: A Frankenbrew of M1 ESP 0W20 (20%) & 0W-30 (80%) or M1 EP 5W-30. I think it's kind of a wash, but nonetheless, I'm curious what others might think, and if you're feeling expansive, why you made your choice. The car is 2011 Camry 2ARFE engine, 86,000 miles on the clock.

2.9 HTHS (est) vs 3.1 HTHS. Seems to me long drives in the summer would lean toward the 5W-30 EP, not that I think it will really make any significant difference. .

 

[Shel_B]

Thanks, I surmised there'd be little if any difference, and since M1 EP is already in the sump, I'll just stick with that.

 

[Shel_B]

If you pour the oil in left handed all will be good.

I am always impressed by your broad and deep sense of humor and subtle sarcasm.

 

[ZeeOSix]

Last summer I planned a long road trip but didn't get very far due to fires in Northern California and the Pacific Northwest. I'd like to give it another attempt a bit later this year. I have two oil choices in my stash, such as it is: A Frankenbrew of M1 ESP 0W20 (20%) & 0W-30 (80%) or M1 EP 5W-30. I think it's kind of a wash, but nonetheless, I'm curious what others might think, and if you're feeling expansive, why you made your choice. The car is 2011 Camry 2ARFE engine, 86,000 miles on the clock.

You could run the mixed Frankenbrew through the Widman calculator to see what it comes out as.

Mixing viscosities | Widman International SRL

www.widman.biz

 

[Shel_B]

You could run the mixed Frankenbrew through the Widman calculator to see what it comes out as.

Mixing viscosities | Widman International SRL

www.widman.biz

I did that a couple of days ago. The results are very close.