Switch to 5w30 from 5w20 on Sonata. Observations.

[rikstaker]

I have used 5w20 synthetics in my Sonata over the 40k kilometers I have owned it. i decided to try out qsud 5w30 this Sumemr although it doesn't really get that hot in Toronto but stil..

1.Quieter ride. The engine seems much quieter, less valve train noise.

2.not as sluggish anymore. In the past on highways, while merging I used to floor it and the revs rise but there is no real momentum forward for a few seconds and then slowly the acceleration comes, it was embarrassing but now it seems there is a more direct connection with revs and acceleration.

3. No change in gas mileage whatsoever. Ya..no change.

 

[widman]

I did a study at the local KIA dealer here. Outside temps run 65F to 95F They were using 10W-40 and customers were complaining about valve train noise, etc. They were thinking of going to 15w40. We took 3 cars with the same engines and about 3000 miles on them. Comparisons are to 10W-40 before and in the car next to them.
15W-40 in one - slightly quieter
5W-20 in another - slightly quieter than both
5w30 so quiet that the mechanics thought engine was off.

Changed all to 5w30 and had 3 super quiet engines. They have used nothing but 5w30 now for 6 months or more in every car.

 

[toneydoc]

Sorry guys


At this point in my life I do not believe anything I hear and only half of what I truly see.

 

[GumbyJarvis]

all depends on the condition of the engine, the mechanics of the engine, and how it is used.

I've put everything from 0w20 to 10w40 in my truck, High Mileage, Synthetic, Dino, Semi, etc.
No perfect oils for all vehicles, just a perfect oil for that particular engine in that particular car.

 

[KCJeep]

I switched our 2012 KIA (it has the Hyundai 3.5 v6) from it's diet of fully syn 5w20's to Castrol Syn Blend 5w30 about 2k ago. I really can't tell much difference at all and I am normally pretty acute with such things.

I do however not feel the slightest bit guilty when I get on it hard now... I was always hesitant to do so in the past I just didn't think the 5w20 was the oil for flogging it. Especially since the manual quickly defaults to a 30 grade when any real work is involved, like towing or use in higher temperature climates.

I have no plans to return to 5w20.

 

[crazyoildude]

the 3.5 is very noisy at startup..

 

[bvance554]

Originally Posted By: rikstaker

2.not as sluggish anymore. In the past on highways, while merging I used to floor it and the revs rise but there is no real momentum forward for a few seconds and then slowly the acceleration comes, it was embarrassing but now it seems there is a more direct connection with revs and acceleration.


That was just your butt dyno.

 

[CharBaby]

My daughter's '06 Mazda3i w/2.0L requires 5W20 motor oil. I prefer 5W30 over the last 5 years that she's ownd the car. 5W20 makes the engine sounds more noticable and 5W30 seems to quiet things down.

I have never noticed any performance differences from the Butt Dyno and on my digital stop watch from 0-60. And believe it or not, the MPG is =/> with the 5W30 even in the winter months as all fillups of gas are calculated each time.