"Universal" oil...

[blackandblue]

I'm new here... though I have been browsing these forums quite a bit before actually registering.

While I understand that rarely does anyone get a definitive answer based on facts in these forums, it also appears as though there are certainly some very well informed opinions worth listening to... I'm hoping for some of such opinions for a couple of questions that strike me in my browsing of the various debates in the forums...

My question is this:

Why is 0w30 not now a "Universal" oil (in terms of viscosity)? Granted, add packs vary greatly and there are those "outliers" who race or tow etc., but why is 0w30 not appropriate for 95% of all "normal" use?

 

[pbm]

0w30 probably is appropriate for 95% of normal use (where 5w30 is recommended) but it's also probably costlier to make because it requires more PAO.....(this is just my guess)

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: blackandblue
Why is 0w30 not now a "Universal" oil (in terms of viscosity)? Granted, add packs vary greatly and there are those "outliers" who race or tow etc., but why is 0w30 not appropriate for 95% of all "normal" use?


You ask a very good question, and make a good point. Well, some manufacturers still cling to 5w30, including GM with their dexos1 spec, at least with the original oils offered in it.

0w-30 would work well for most 10w30 and 5w30 applications, but some don't want to spend extra on synthetics.

 

[chubbs1]

Originally Posted By: blackandblue

My question is this:

Why is 0w30 not now a "Universal" oil (in terms of viscosity)? Granted, add packs vary greatly and there are those "outliers" who race or tow etc., but why is 0w30 not appropriate for 95% of all "normal" use?


If the vehicle call for the use of a xxW30 grade oil it could probably be used in 95% of applications, there are 0w30 HDEO oils that cover the other 4% and 0w30 racing oils that cover the last 1%. Of course those percentages are conjecture, but there is a 0w30 that could be used in ANY situation I could think of.

The problem is (IMO), that 0w30 is not a widely consumer recognized oil. Therefore comfort and availability prevent a wider use of 0w30. Besides Mobil 1 0w30, I don't really see any stocked at my local stores.

OTOH we are seeing a rise in the use of 0w20's and apps that can be back-spec'd. 0w30 just hasn't "caught on" except for some racing and HD use in Canada and Alaska.

Hope that helps some and WELCOME!

 

[friendly_jacek]

Most users don't benefit from the 0 part. In my climate, 0W30, 5W30 and 10W30 is basically the same thing. Wait, 0W30 is actually the thickest of all, as it's CG rated ACEA A3.

 

[blackandblue]

I'm just thinkin'...

If I am, say, SOPUS (I realize that by bringing actual brands into the discussion I risk starting a whole new "thing"... this isn't my intent, I am just using them as an example) I market a "Universal" motor oil using "Adaptive-Performance Technology" (=Decent 0w30 Synthetic)I make it a bottle and label that look very very different than anything else, and only mention "Formulated by the top motor oil scientists in the world" to create a mystery/ buzz about who is actually behind it. I put it in every Wal-Mart and KMart on the planet, and pay for a huge endcap display. I tout it as being a "universal, normal-use, passenger car, small truck, and SUV motor oil". Marketing would center around there being no viscosity listed whatsoever, and would be aimed at women and "weekend warrior" type DIY's. Basically re-package Pennzoil Ultra (in a 0w formulation) to market it to the uninformed/ uninterested masses... even put the same "warranty" that PU has now front and center in marketing. Maybe even tout it as "12 month protection!" (with disclaimer of course- maybe 10k OCI under "normal" driving conditions) Package it with some sort of rebate to incentivize buying a branded filter as well- I think they could really make a push in synthetics (which is good for them because once you get a consumer "hooked" on synthetics, they rarely, if ever, would go back to dino)

"Now...The best protection available, regardless of what vehicle you drive!"...

 

[Bill in Utah]

0w oils are not needed in most vehicles and most areas in the US.

I'd never buy another quart unless it was close to free. No improvement in MPG, harder to get and costs more than 5w30 oils that protect just as well.

Take care, Bill
PS:

 

[Garak]

Surprisingly, Bill, we have one exception in Canada - the PC synthetic 0w30 is cheaper than the PC synthetic 5w30, for whatever reason.

That being said, the 5w30 has more formal approvals, including the Honda/Acura spec and dexos1 (and both obsolete GM specs). Until it gets more common for a grade like 0w30 to get more formal approvals, it'll remain somewhat marginalized.

I suspect a lot more GC 0w-30, with its fairly length list of approvals, is sold than the 0w30 SN/GF-5 type oils out there.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: blackandblue
"Now...The best protection available, regardless of what vehicle you drive!"...

But a lot of people out there don't care about "best protection" as much as they care about low price. They'll buy something cheap that'll just do the job. As was mentioned before, 0w30 would have to be a synthetic, which =/= low price.

 

[blackandblue]

I guess I am not saying 0w is needed by everyone, just that it would cover a range suitable to call it "universal." If the "universal" thing caught on, the price would certainly come down (not that it's really unreasonable now)and availability wouldn't be an issue either.

 

[tommygunn]

True; but 5w30 is currently considered universal. It works anywhere, hot or cold, and has been the norm for years. 0w30 is better, sure, and works fine, but its synthetic and more expensive. Most people either don't need or care so really, 5w30 is more "universal" then 0W-30. 0w30 is mostly the sort of oil you really want in Canada, and even in Canada 5w30 is super common.

 

[blackandblue]

Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete

^^^^^^^^^^^
Where can I buy that! (The dogs that weren't harmed can be seeing eye dogs for the poor guys that lost their eyesight and my engine will last forever- win/win!)