Using higher viscosity oil after a certain mileage? 150k? 200k?

[e36andy]

As the question says... I ask because I recently sold my 7th gen Honda Accord and I have like 5 jugs of 5w20 oil left over. If I had the hindsight I would've just given it to whoever bought the car. My Mazda uses 0w20 and I know a lot of you use frankenbrews and whatnot. At what point is it safe to just use the 5w20 oil in it? After 100k? 150k?

 

[rijndael]

You're in LA where cold temps aren't a consideration. I would use it now, no need to wait.

 

[e36andy]

You're in LA where cold temps aren't a consideration. I would use it now, no need to wait.

Right on, I forgot that the first number is mainly for cold weather.

 

[rijndael]

I would just be mindful of the rating of the oil.

Pay attention to if it's an older API SN oil vs a newer SP, if your new car is a DI/turbo engine, it would matter. What is your oil rated at and what does your car require?

 

[e36andy]

The Mazda is NA and the oil is SP Plus (Castrol Edge). I had to do some reading on this just now as I wasn't too clear on the API stuff.

 

[rijndael]

Thx. Run it.

 

[kschachn]

Right on, I forgot that the first number is mainly for cold weather.

Not just mainly since both you’re mentioning are 20-grades. If you want a thicker oil it’s going to have to be a 30 or 40-grade.

 

[JavierH19]

It's basically the same. It could even have a slightly lower kv100 and be thinner than the 0w-20.

 

[Patman]

As others have mentioned, 5w20 is not a thicker viscosity than 0w20.

But in regards to when someone might want to consider going up by one viscosity grade, I don’t think mileage should necessarily be the deciding factor. I think consumption should be. If you have 200k on an engine and it’s not consuming a significant amount of oil then just stick with what has been working for you so far.

 

[f355spider]

I have two cars, a 2001 BMW 540 and a 2007 Tundra. Both have over 370,000 miles and I simply use the factory spec oils. Neither consume significant amounts of oil. The BMW maybe 1/4 quart in 7500 mile oci (since new) and the Tundra perhaps 1/2 quart in 6k to 7k oci since new.

Does a heavier viscosity oil really reduce oil consumption if that was an issue?

 

[OilStainedNapkin]

I have two cars, a 2001 BMW 540 and a 2007 Tundra. Both have over 370,000 miles and I simply use the factory spec oils. Neither consume significant amounts of oil. The BMW maybe 1/4 quart in 7500 mile oci (since new) and the Tundra perhaps 1/2 quart in 6k to 7k oci since new.

Does a heavier viscosity oil really reduce oil consumption if that was an issue?

It can. Lots of anecdotal evidence

 

[wlk]

I have two cars, a 2001 BMW 540 and a 2007 Tundra. Both have over 370,000 miles and I simply use the factory spec oils. Neither consume significant amounts of oil. The BMW maybe 1/4 quart in 7500 mile oci (since new) and the Tundra perhaps 1/2 quart in 6k to 7k oci since new.

Does a heavier viscosity oil really reduce oil consumption if that was an issue?

It may, try it and find out as it will not hurt anything

 

[gfh77665]

Viscosity is probably THE most over-thought charatersitic of motor oils. If the viscosity is anywhere close to the recommended spec its perfectly fine to use. Of course there are extreme exceptions (car being driven on the north slope of Alaska, etc.) but for the vast majority of motorists a grade + or - the recommended spec is fine. Use all the oil up, your vehicle will never, ever know the tiny difference.

 

[Astro14]

As the question says... I ask because I recently sold my 7th gen Honda Accord and I have like 5 jugs of 5w20 oil left over. If I had the hindsight I would've just given it to whoever bought the car. My Mazda uses 0w20 and I know a lot of you use frankenbrews and whatnot. At what point is it safe to just use the 5w20 oil in it? After 100k? 150k?

Right now. You can use it right now. You’re in LA. Even in the mountains, that 5W20 will be fine.

 

[f355spider]

It may, try it and find out as it will not hurt anything

The consumption is not enough for me to ocd over, so not going to be trying any changes at this time. With 1/2 quart consumption between oci I don't even perform top ups.

 

[Alex_V]

No threshold of mileage it'll make any difference. Use it and fuggetabahttit.