What's the downside to using 0W-30 vs 5W-30?

[tired]

Cold start is where a 0wX really shines.....real cold, not SC cold.

Yes, below -22F.

 

[GW.]

When using high quality oils the difference between 0W-30 and 5W-30 is negligible.

If you’re below -25f or so I’d give the slight edge to 0W-30.

 

[AuthorEditor]

I live in upstate NY and we do occasionally get down around -20F and a good 5W-30 works fine for start ups. 0W would be better, but it's not needed most winters around here. If I lived in the Adirondacks I would use it. Old Forge, NY bottomed out at -52F in 1979.

 

[burbguy82]

Yes, below -22F.

If it got -22 in SC, the state would be destroyed, and all inhabitants would likely perish.

 

[tired]

I live in upstate NY and we do occasionally get down around -20F and a good 5W-30 works fine for start ups. 0W would be better, but it's not needed most winters around here. If I lived in the Adirondacks I would use it. Old Forge, NY bottomed out at -52F in 1979.

Yep I've started 5W-30 in -20F. Did just fine.

 

[dubber09]

Downside of using 0w-30 is less oil is left for others to buy