Switching back to semi-syn blend?

[SwampSurvivor]

Before the winter rolled in, I switched over to Castrol 0w-20 synthetic.

At the time, I was expecting a cold winter and I did a lot of short trips around the city for my job. I figured an oil that was lighter when cold would be to my advantage.

I now have a "normal" commute where I just start the car and drive it to work. And this winter ... didn't quite get to be as cold as we all though.

I'm assuming I won't cause any problems - but would switching back to Motorcraft 5w-20 synth blend cause any problems?

I plan on going back and fourth for winter and summer if there will be no adverse affects.

Vehicle in question is a 2011 Ford Focus 2.0 5 speed with 16500 miles.

 

[bepperb]

Hey, winter's not over yet. Don't jinx this.

But yeah, the Mc 5-20 is a good fit. 0w-20 in the winter and 5-20 in the summer isn't a bad plan. I think most would just pick one but what's the fun in that?

 

[CarbonSteel]

Switch every time if you like, nothing will happen and no damage will be caused. The concept that damage will be caused by switching oil remains from days of old. Although some or most people stay with a particular brand, there would be no harm done in switching between them as long as the oil meets your required engine specification.

 

[dparm]

Won't hurt a thing. Your wallet might be in a bit LESS pain as a result.

 

[Shagger]

Originally Posted By: 2010_FX4
Switch every time if you like, nothing will happen and no damage will be caused. The concept that damage will be caused by switching oil remains from days of old. Although some or most people stay with a particular brand, there would be no harm done in switching between them as long as the oil meets your required engine specification.

+1

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Not a problem switching between "syn" and syn blend, but the DP are very finely balanced on the new low/mid saps oils and I would not recommend switching willy nilly without reason. The packages can be non-compatible and can show up as high wear rates and excessive engine noise. This was less of an issue in "the old days" when the package was Ca organometallic and the AW EP was ZDDP period. They were all basic and all the same (maybe some had some MoS2 also) Some new EP/AW are zero ash and dont mix well with drain and refill "leftovers". Pick a good oil and stick with it. Ask TIG how well thats works. Any reason why you dislike the Castrol 0w20? Cost?

 

[tig1]

Why switch? Nothing to be gained by doing that. I use 0-20 year round.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Scared by zero?

 

[Oregoonian]

There should be no harm in switching....but why bother. An 0w20 costs a few bucks extra...and provides a longer OCI... and better cold start-ups. Its a good oil for short-trippers.

If cost is an issue....just go with Motorcraft Semi-Syn year-round. Its a proven oil (some say it has 50% Synthetic), and is well liked on this forum.

 

[lexus114]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Scared by zero?

Nah......saved by zero!

 

[SwampSurvivor]

Motorcraft 5-20 is half the price of 0-20.

We'll see. I'm doing significantly less driving now .. the price difference won't affect me that much.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Originally Posted By: lexus114
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Scared by zero?

Nah......saved by zero!

Maybe some time soon he'll "Reach the Beach"

 

[daves87rs]

Originally Posted By: lexus114
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Scared by zero?

Nah......saved by zero!

+1

 

[JavierG]

Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Originally Posted By: lexus114
Originally Posted By: ARCOgraphite
Scared by zero?

Nah......saved by zero!

Maybe some time soon he'll "Reach the Beach"

As long as he gets his Fixx, I guess.