sorry, I edited my post to include how the wide range of formulations change the characteristics hence why there are spec sheets and tests to document said differences such as the ccs numbers.
What's the downside to using 0W-30 vs 5W-30?
- Thread starter mojoe
- Start date
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
I’m only running:
0W-30
5W-30
10W-30
0W-30
5W-30
10W-30
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
Well, do have some SuperTech SAE30 HD
dnewton3
Staff member
Mojoe, there is absolutely no reason to sweat this, because:
- the location you're at will never reveal any cold start disparity
- the engine you're putting it into isn't a known shear-monster
- the OCI plan (which you've not revealed, but if you're like any other BITOGer, you'll OCI more often than necessary) will never bring any sort of volatility to light to a degree which would make a difference in top-off needs
In short, you'll not be in a condition which will ever illuminate any sort of difference between the two.
- the location you're at will never reveal any cold start disparity
- the engine you're putting it into isn't a known shear-monster
- the OCI plan (which you've not revealed, but if you're like any other BITOGer, you'll OCI more often than necessary) will never bring any sort of volatility to light to a degree which would make a difference in top-off needs
In short, you'll not be in a condition which will ever illuminate any sort of difference between the two.
Thanks! That's what I suspected, but confirmation from the BITOG brain trust seals the deal. Amsoil claims 15k OCI based on severe duty, so that is my goal, and I plan on UOA along the way to confirm.
It's a different question, but was in the back of my mind all along: Will we reach a point where 5W-30 is no longer needed, and is replaced altogether with 0W-30? It seems that's where we're headed.
Amsol is fine oil but other products are equally serviceable over extended OCIs for less money and they come in more convenient sized jugs (5Q). Your Camry is not hard on oil so any of the extended life major brands will work great. For example, Mobil 1 Extended Performance 0w-30 is on sale at Walmart for $28 / 5Q and there is a $10 rebate from Mobil.
edyvw
$50 site donor 2026
Only if all things equal. Meaning both oils use same base stocks, polymers etc.
However, of ten 0W use more expensive stuff.
Castrol 0W30 Euro and 5W30 are prime example of that.
I am using the CarQuest (Premium Guard) Extended Performance filter.
Hey neighbor, no trade off around here when it comes to temps as some might suggest. Heck, you can even use straight 30wt. and be fine. Lots of folks confuse winter ratings, pour points, and cold pumpability for low temp use, essentially when either will work just fine if there is a concern. Trade offs are basically none if you're comparing the AMSOIL Signature Series line, however, any consideration for something like the Mobil 1 ESP 0w30 or 5w30? Less expensive and easier to find, especially since I dare say you're really not going to see a definitive benefit of using the Amsoil over it unless the extended OCI is your main goal in a 23 year old car. I'm sure you could still do 10K with the Mobil 1 though.
A while back, when I was flush with money, I stocked up on oil. So, I already had the Amsoil sitting on the shelf, ready to go. I see your point though, and your perspective is appreciated! I may consider Mobil or some other oil going forward.
Perfect filter for going a full year on the Amsoil.
Do you have any UOA data yet for Amsoil Signature in this particular vehicle to reflect the outcome with its driving conditions?
I used 0w-30 in the Fit for a couple consecutive intervals; 9 months and 12k miles followed by 10 months and 14k miles. I got enough data to satisfy going to 1 year and 18k miles as the limit (my yearly avg)as it sees 70% Hwy miles.
That said, I’ll be using 5w-30 next time, but expect it do just as well. I was curious if the lower Noack would lead to less consumption over the full year/at that mileage; as that’s the reason I’m running Valvoline Restore and Protect currently trying to cut consumption down to make topping off with the AMSOIL Signature Series more economical.
All that said, in the end if consumption remains the same, the oil cost isn’t the thing to worry about yet (this side of whatever happens post supply issues) and then I may reconsider if AMSOIL Signature Series were to become much more expensive or hard to acquire their AMSOIL Signature Series (which is still due for the reformulation; TBD if that gets pivoted or effected from the supply concerns etc)
Anyway, stay curious. Your vehicle could be a good candidate for the full year. Just sample to verify.
"Your vehicle could be a good candidate for the full year. Just sample to verify.Perfect filter for going a full year on the Amsoil.
Do you have any UOA data yet for Amsoil Signature in this particular vehicle to reflect the outcome with its driving conditions?
I used 0w-30 in the Fit for a couple consecutive intervals; 9 months and 12k miles followed by 10 months and 14k miles. I got enough data to satisfy going to 1 year and 18k miles as the limit (my yearly avg)as it sees 70% Hwy miles.
That said, I’ll be using 5w-30 next time, but expect it do just as well. I was curious if the lower Noack would lead to less consumption over the full year/at that mileage; as that’s the reason I’m running Valvoline Restore and Protect currently trying to cut consumption down to make topping off with the AMSOIL Signature Series more economical.
All that said, in the end if consumption remains the same, the oil cost isn’t the thing to worry about yet (this side of whatever happens post supply issues) and then I may reconsider if AMSOIL Signature Series were to become much more expensive or hard to acquire their AMSOIL Signature Series (which is still due for the reformulation; TBD if that gets pivoted or effected from the supply concerns etc)
Anyway, stay curious. Your vehicle could be a good candidate for the full year. Just sample to verify.
"That's the plan!
Patman
Staff member
It wouldn’t surprise me if we start seeing less and less 5w-30 and more 0w-30 options on the shelves. Similar to how we used to see a lot of 10w-30 choices on the shelves and then 5w-30 took over. I also feel like we’re seeing more 0w-20 options and less 5w-20 options these days too.
Not only not a concern, but the narrow spread AMSOIL oils have remarkably low Noack. I know that's not really something you care about, but many do, and if given the choice, I'd take the oil with the lower Noack.
In SC, I'd strongly encourage the 10W-30. It has a Noack of 4.1%. Hard to find any lower than that. You will never see temps that will approach the point of unsafety with a 10W oil (0F).
You could also easily do 10W-30. Even lower Noack.
Well, I’m not chasing the lowest Noack score for one and the W grade will get worse over an extended OCI. I’m happy with the Noack of all AMSOIL Signature Series lineup actually. Not a single one is a concern or “too high”. I just chose 5w this time out of curiosity.
Also, while I believe the lineup is closer in formulation across the grades, showing some PAO for their 0w and 5w; the 10w doesn’t list it at all.
I’m happy with my choice. Again, I don’t need to chase the lowest Noack score alone, and there are other factors to consider; otherwise we’d all be using mono grade.
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