I just read through "Motor Oil 101" on the BITOG home page and I'm left with the question, 'Why not use 0w30 synthetic in everything?"
Why not 0W-30 Syn for all?
- Thread starter Indydriver
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Not everyonoe is willing to pay for expensive synthetic oil, among other reasons.
An auto manufacturer not requiring synthetic wouldn't recommend that grade. And most people follow the manufacturer's recommendation. And Synthetic oil producers like to sell product to that majority.
Because of that, it's a lot easier to find a 5-30 than a 0-30. Your average shelf is probably 50:1 ratio of those.
Because of that, it's a lot easier to find a 5-30 than a 0-30. Your average shelf is probably 50:1 ratio of those.
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And, don't forget those of us with older HP motors where the oil can become contaminated with fuel before the benefits of long oil drains are realized.
Then there's the question of specific oil weights needed for engine management devices (camshaft timing, intake runners, etc.) that rely on a specific oil viscosity.
Then there's the question of specific oil weights needed for engine management devices (camshaft timing, intake runners, etc.) that rely on a specific oil viscosity.
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Welcome to BITOG and I guarantee this will not be the first time you scratch your head wondering something.
As for 0/30 its simple, every car has different needs. If every car was exactly the same, then one oil would work for all.
Jeff
As for 0/30 its simple, every car has different needs. If every car was exactly the same, then one oil would work for all.
Jeff
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Originally Posted By: Indydriver
I just read through "Motor Oil 101" on the BITOG home page and I'm left with the question, 'Why not use 0w30 synthetic in everything?"
With all your cars there listed, just keep using the Conventional Oil unless you plan on running EDI's (extended drain intervals) otherwise your just waisting your money.
I just read through "Motor Oil 101" on the BITOG home page and I'm left with the question, 'Why not use 0w30 synthetic in everything?"
With all your cars there listed, just keep using the Conventional Oil unless you plan on running EDI's (extended drain intervals) otherwise your just waisting your money.
I wouldnt mind going 0w30 for all my cars but I havent seen anything but M1 in that flavor. Im a Pennzoil kind of guy so if they had a 5qt of it you can bet Id buy it. I have NEVER been able to find GC 0w30 either. Which sucks. Id buy that.
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It's probably true that every late-model non high-performance passenger car would be served fine by 0W-30.
So why isn't it universally used? Maybe expense. Maybe because it's overkill in most situations. Maybe it's because auto companies have little interest in lubricant standardization.
So why isn't it universally used? Maybe expense. Maybe because it's overkill in most situations. Maybe it's because auto companies have little interest in lubricant standardization.
Originally Posted By: NateDN10
It's probably true that every late-model non high-performance passenger car would be served fine by 0W-30.
So why isn't it universally used? Maybe expense. Maybe because it's overkill in most situations. Maybe it's because auto companies have little interest in lubricant standardization.
You've answered your own question, it's expensive.
Most 5w30 syn's have a VI of 170 all ready which is pretty good.
On top of that there are very few 0w30 oils from which to choose. There is Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 with it's VI of 180 which is excellent but not much else without going with a boutique oil from RL,RLI or Lucas. There's GC but it's an older formulation and with a VI of only 167 no better than most 5w30's except at extreme cold temp's.
The other problem is the general public's misunderstanding of what a 0W-XX oil is. Believe it or not, but most think it means zero viscosity and therefore are reluctant to buy a 0W-XX over a 5W-XX which is perceived to be better. With time hopefully that perception will disappear as more and more manufacturers specify 0W-XX oils.
It's probably true that every late-model non high-performance passenger car would be served fine by 0W-30.
So why isn't it universally used? Maybe expense. Maybe because it's overkill in most situations. Maybe it's because auto companies have little interest in lubricant standardization.
You've answered your own question, it's expensive.
Most 5w30 syn's have a VI of 170 all ready which is pretty good.
On top of that there are very few 0w30 oils from which to choose. There is Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy 0w30 with it's VI of 180 which is excellent but not much else without going with a boutique oil from RL,RLI or Lucas. There's GC but it's an older formulation and with a VI of only 167 no better than most 5w30's except at extreme cold temp's.
The other problem is the general public's misunderstanding of what a 0W-XX oil is. Believe it or not, but most think it means zero viscosity and therefore are reluctant to buy a 0W-XX over a 5W-XX which is perceived to be better. With time hopefully that perception will disappear as more and more manufacturers specify 0W-XX oils.
the average consumer thinks 0w30 is too thin and like water.
+1 - I actually had a mechanic argue with me that (and I quote) "0W30 is too thin for the summertime...you need some viscosity when the engine is cold to protect the bearings, so you should use a 5W30, or preferrably a 10W30, in the summer or you won't have enough viscosity at start-up. That 0W30 is fine for winter, but not for summer..."
I let it go...because in the mild weather of Virginia, 5W30 or even 10W30 is fine year 'round...
I let it go...because in the mild weather of Virginia, 5W30 or even 10W30 is fine year 'round...
Originally Posted By: Indydriver
I just read through "Motor Oil 101" on the BITOG home page and I'm left with the question, 'Why not use 0w30 synthetic in everything?"
For me, expense. If I had your cars, the only one I'd use synthetic oil in is the Mazda Speed.
I just read through "Motor Oil 101" on the BITOG home page and I'm left with the question, 'Why not use 0w30 synthetic in everything?"
For me, expense. If I had your cars, the only one I'd use synthetic oil in is the Mazda Speed.
Originally Posted By: whip
Originally Posted By: Indydriver
I just read through "Motor Oil 101" on the BITOG home page and I'm left with the question, 'Why not use 0w30 synthetic in everything?"
For me, expense. If I had your cars, the only one I'd use synthetic oil in is the Mazda Speed.
Thanks for the feed back all.
I'm thinking 0w30 for the Intrepid and 300M because they both sit outside in wonderful Indiana winters and they've been complaining about it lately. The Speed3 is an obvious candidate for syn although it seems happy with its diet of Pennzoil Conventional every 3-4000 miles. The van is a drippy old 3.3 so I thought I'd try some Pennszoil HM in that one prior to a July run to San Antone. My DIY inventories got low so I've been stocking up on the good stuff at various sales. Dare I mention filters in the oil thread? From my reading here, it seems like Purolater Pure One is held in high regard for a mid-price filter. True?
Originally Posted By: Indydriver
I just read through "Motor Oil 101" on the BITOG home page and I'm left with the question, 'Why not use 0w30 synthetic in everything?"
For me, expense. If I had your cars, the only one I'd use synthetic oil in is the Mazda Speed.
Thanks for the feed back all.
I'm thinking 0w30 for the Intrepid and 300M because they both sit outside in wonderful Indiana winters and they've been complaining about it lately. The Speed3 is an obvious candidate for syn although it seems happy with its diet of Pennzoil Conventional every 3-4000 miles. The van is a drippy old 3.3 so I thought I'd try some Pennszoil HM in that one prior to a July run to San Antone. My DIY inventories got low so I've been stocking up on the good stuff at various sales. Dare I mention filters in the oil thread? From my reading here, it seems like Purolater Pure One is held in high regard for a mid-price filter. True?
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Originally Posted By: Indydriver
I just read through "Motor Oil 101" on the BITOG home page and I'm left with the question, 'Why not use 0w30 synthetic in everything?"
I just read it a couple days ago too.
Assuming cost isn't an issue, couldn't you say 'Why not use Red Line 5w20 in everything?'
I just read through "Motor Oil 101" on the BITOG home page and I'm left with the question, 'Why not use 0w30 synthetic in everything?"
I just read it a couple days ago too.
Assuming cost isn't an issue, couldn't you say 'Why not use Red Line 5w20 in everything?'
Indy, in regards to the oil in the Intrepid and 300, my Nissan has sat outside in Ohio winters it's entire life. Nothing but conventional oil for 190,000 miles. I've never had a problem. There's maybe 5-10 days a year where the cold flow properties of synthetic oil are really needed. To me, it's not worth the expense.
Originally Posted By: NYSteve
Originally Posted By: Indydriver
Assuming cost isn't an issue, couldn't you say 'Why not use Red Line 5w20 in everything?'
Well you're right about one thing, Red Line 5W-20 with it's HTHS vis of 3.3cP is definitely a 30wt oil. Problem is, with it's VI of only 145 that makes it probabily the worst syn value out there with the exception of Red Line's 10w30 (VI 142).
Originally Posted By: Indydriver
Assuming cost isn't an issue, couldn't you say 'Why not use Red Line 5w20 in everything?'
Well you're right about one thing, Red Line 5W-20 with it's HTHS vis of 3.3cP is definitely a 30wt oil. Problem is, with it's VI of only 145 that makes it probabily the worst syn value out there with the exception of Red Line's 10w30 (VI 142).
Indydiver you haven't said what 0w30 oil you're considering? There's a lot of variation within that grade.
Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Indydiver you haven't said what 0w30 oil you're considering? There's a lot of variation within that grade.
Not many that I could find.
Indydiver you haven't said what 0w30 oil you're considering? There's a lot of variation within that grade.
Not many that I could find.
I've been looking for M1 but a lot of the parts stores around here don't carry it. Please share your knowledge of the variations.
Because variety is the spice of life.
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