On some forums, I have heard a lot of people talking about how if an oil meets VW 502 specs that it is "the best" in terms of protection vs. any oil that doesn't meet that spec.
Also, they talk a lot about the "hierarchy" and that a 503 oil is better because the number is higher and therefore a newer and better spec.
I believe both statements that are so often thrown out as fact are wrong, but I don't really know what exact factors the VW spec. considers. Does any body have a link to the actual test? I assume the following factors are part of the VW spec.? Does anyone know how much anti-wear/protection weighs vs the other factors?
1) mpg
2) emissions
3) starting viscosity (start of test I mean)
4) ending viscosity (end of test I mean)
5) anti wear/protection
6) detergency
7) other?
It just doesn't seem right to talk about VW spec oils as the holy grail for protection when instead I think the specs are trying to balance many factors, one of which is anti-wear/protection.
Also, they talk a lot about the "hierarchy" and that a 503 oil is better because the number is higher and therefore a newer and better spec.
I believe both statements that are so often thrown out as fact are wrong, but I don't really know what exact factors the VW spec. considers. Does any body have a link to the actual test? I assume the following factors are part of the VW spec.? Does anyone know how much anti-wear/protection weighs vs the other factors?
1) mpg
2) emissions
3) starting viscosity (start of test I mean)
4) ending viscosity (end of test I mean)
5) anti wear/protection
6) detergency
7) other?
It just doesn't seem right to talk about VW spec oils as the holy grail for protection when instead I think the specs are trying to balance many factors, one of which is anti-wear/protection.
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