My question applies to a car which normally uses 0w20 oil as recommended by the vehicle manufacturer. (I assume their recommended viscosity is intended to cover most normal daily drives.) In any case, if the car was going on a 5 day summer road trip of approx 800 kilometers/500 miles per day, I tend to think that a 5w30 synthetic would probably provide better protection for the trip. However, I wonder if going to a 5w30 for a single trip like this would be even worth the bother? (Of course, I'm talking about a well maintained good working vehicle.) Any opinions?
Thicker Oil For Long Highway Trip ?
- Thread starter Spudislander
- Start date
- Status
?
I wouldn't even consider it, especially if it means dumping out perfectly good oil just to do it. Long trips are extremely easy on the motor oil and engine. A lot of times I'll even save the oil change for after a long trip unless it would be due for an oil change during the trip. I might bring along a quart of oil just in case water or fuel burns off during the long trip, but you should be fine.
You won't need 5w30 if the OM specs 0W-20. At most some people might consider a synthetic 5W-20 instead.
You won't need 5w30 if the OM specs 0W-20. At most some people might consider a synthetic 5W-20 instead.
Highway cruising is actually LESS stressful on oil. I don't think you need to play any games with switching viscosities. Don't you think the manufacturer tested for all those different conditions?
Originally Posted By: dparm
Highway cruising is actually LESS stressful on oil. I don't think you need to play any games with switching viscosities. Don't you think the manufacturer tested for all those different conditions?
Exactly.
For example TGMO 0W-20 is spec'd for the new Toyota FRS and Subie BRZ sportscars and even for track use there is no benefit to using anything heavier.
If the oil temp's get too high during some extreme usage the built in electronic management safety systems dial back the maximum power so that a safe minimum operational viscosity is always maintained.
All late model cars have these safety systems built in so that it is actually counter-productive to use anything heaver than the lightest specified oil which in the OP's case is a high VI 0W-20.
Highway cruising is actually LESS stressful on oil. I don't think you need to play any games with switching viscosities. Don't you think the manufacturer tested for all those different conditions?
Exactly.
For example TGMO 0W-20 is spec'd for the new Toyota FRS and Subie BRZ sportscars and even for track use there is no benefit to using anything heavier.
If the oil temp's get too high during some extreme usage the built in electronic management safety systems dial back the maximum power so that a safe minimum operational viscosity is always maintained.
All late model cars have these safety systems built in so that it is actually counter-productive to use anything heaver than the lightest specified oil which in the OP's case is a high VI 0W-20.
Curious about the comment that all late model cars have built in safety systems. Explain this and how they work, please. Ed Hayes
I known. of a guy that drove for one of the big three. all he did was drive all highway. They would. drive cloked cars in small convoys , these. cars are pre-production test cars. he said that the company with the blue things front and back acumulate millions of test and torture miles on most if not all designs.
he remembers a focus go some 100-150k with just used oil analysis and make up. torn down inspected and reasembled still ran.
ken
point being they test for everything posible. the oil will do no more and possibly less then the oem oil will.
he remembers a focus go some 100-150k with just used oil analysis and make up. torn down inspected and reasembled still ran.
ken
point being they test for everything posible. the oil will do no more and possibly less then the oem oil will.
To the OP:
Use the 0W-20 oil the manufacturer recommends. The engine in your vehicle was specifically designed to use 0W-20 oil.
Does the owners manual state that you can use 5w30?
Mobil 1 makes a 0W-20 oil called Advanced Fuel Economy.
Use the 0W-20 oil the manufacturer recommends. The engine in your vehicle was specifically designed to use 0W-20 oil.
Does the owners manual state that you can use 5w30?
Mobil 1 makes a 0W-20 oil called Advanced Fuel Economy.
Thanks for the replies.
I realize that I tend to think too far in the past - or I should say, not think, because if I thought about it, I had been aware that technology has improved motor oils so much since I was a teenager that the old thick vs thin no longer applies!
I realize that I tend to think too far in the past - or I should say, not think, because if I thought about it, I had been aware that technology has improved motor oils so much since I was a teenager that the old thick vs thin no longer applies!
No advantage to using 5-30 at all. I have done 12 trips to Florida(2300 miles round trip) and 1 trip to Maine(3200 miles round trip) with Mobil 1 0w20 in the Fusion. My engines stay like new clean and both engines still perform like new. All on 10K(miles) OCIs.
Last edited:
Just to pile on... I've towed at near max GCVW with the Ram 1500, in 105+ F ambient temps, using 0w20 (factory spec is 5w20). Superb UOA at the end of the interval that included that run. Engines that call for 5w20/0w20 can do everything they need to do using that grade.
If you are towing a trailer in the mountains with a car without an oil cooler, you might want to think about a 5W30, but most likely its unnecessary even then. Without knowing oil pressure you are only guessing.
But for normal speeds on normal roads, whatever the manufacturer specs is fine.
But for normal speeds on normal roads, whatever the manufacturer specs is fine.
With revs up there (highway) you'll have plenty of pressure and flow coming out of the oil pump. 0w20 will (needlessly) open the pressure relief valve the least of any oil, and will run the fastest through the rest of your engine... carrying heat away and totally soaking everything that needs it in oil.
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2006
- Messages
- 29,558
Does your owner's manual and/or FSM have an addendum that says to use a certain viscosity or not to use a certain viscosity for extended high speeds?
You need to know the definition of "extended high speeds".
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Does your owner's manual and/or FSM have an addendum that says to use a certain viscosity or not to use a certain viscosity for extended high speeds?
Originally Posted By: aquariuscsm
Does your owner's manual and/or FSM have an addendum that says to use a certain viscosity or not to use a certain viscosity for extended high speeds?
Originally Posted By: Spudislander
Thanks for the replies.
I realize that I tend to think too far in the past - or I should say, not think, because if I thought about it, I had been aware that technology has improved motor oils so much since I was a teenager that the old thick vs thin no longer applies!
I wouldn't exactly say it no longer applies. There are cases where a step up in viscosity is needed. What it comes down to is oil temp. Modern vehicles are able to maintain consistent oil temps through engine management, design, and cooling capacity.
I have towed my Jeep and trailer across the country with 5W20 (over the Rockies) and my Ford didn't miss a beat.
If your vehicle specifies a 20 grade, then rest assured you're OK to run it in any condition you may encounter.
Thanks for the replies.
I realize that I tend to think too far in the past - or I should say, not think, because if I thought about it, I had been aware that technology has improved motor oils so much since I was a teenager that the old thick vs thin no longer applies!
I wouldn't exactly say it no longer applies. There are cases where a step up in viscosity is needed. What it comes down to is oil temp. Modern vehicles are able to maintain consistent oil temps through engine management, design, and cooling capacity.
I have towed my Jeep and trailer across the country with 5W20 (over the Rockies) and my Ford didn't miss a beat.
If your vehicle specifies a 20 grade, then rest assured you're OK to run it in any condition you may encounter.
Most long trips will actually help clean the oil by burning off the water etc.
Stay with 0W20 with a good quality filter and you'll be fine as others have said.
Stay with 0W20 with a good quality filter and you'll be fine as others have said.
- Status
Similar threads
