Why so few extended life 0w30s?

Patman

Patman

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Guelph, Ontario
I’m curious as to why the major manufacturers really don’t seem to offer an extended life (20k plus) in 0w30? Yes, if you look to HPL and Amsoil they both have 0w30s available that are in this category, but if you look at Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Castrol, Quaker State, none of them offer any 0w30 in their extended life category. It seems like there would be a market for this, as I’m sure a lot of people in colder climates who want a longer life oil would buy this. I know that there are not a lot of people who are doing 20k intervals, but there are a lot of people who are doing 8-10k intervals and like the idea of using an oil that is rated for 20k+ for the extra deposit resistance, better base oils, and the extra margin of safety if they can’t change the oil on time (especially during a harsh winter when they might have to wait longer than usual to get an oil change done)
 
I think the demand is low, especially for many areas, and for a 0w-30 more VII are needed as well as more expensive VII are needed for a long drain interval oil. I believe off the shelf choice brands are more interested in the mainstream consumer and profits.
 
Yes it's interesting that Amsoil even shows "up-to-25k" protection using both their 0w30 and 0w40 Signature Series motor oils.
I tip my deep blue towel to them... (y)
 
zfasts03 said:
I think the demand is low, especially for many areas, and for a 0w-30 more VII are needed as well as more expensive VII are needed for a long drain interval oil. I believe off the shelf choice brands are more interested in the mainstream consumer and profits.
Click to expand...
Not necessarily more VII but certainly a better base oil. Maybe it’s too cost prohibitive for them to make.
 
It does seem like a strange omission from the M1 line-up, especially when 0W20 and 5W30 are offered in the extended performance varieties. Maybe it's such a witches' brew that it isn't cost effective to manufacture??
 
And I know that 5w30 will still be good down to some pretty cold temperatures as well but that’s when it’s new. Someone who is using an extended interval with a 5w30 might find themselves in the middle of a tough winter with thousands of miles on their oil and it’s now only a 10w30 (or possibly even a 10w20) Even though it’s rare to see too many days below 0F here in my area, I like having a 0w oil in there just to be safe, as then even with a few thousand miles on it, it’s still likely to be a 5w
 
So basically it requires expensive ingredients the average person won’t pay, especially for something they don’t necessarily need.
 
I don't think they could sell enough of it to justify the cost of even formulating it.

But yes, if it were cheaper I'd run it.

How many people even know what oil their engine takes let alone look at the odometer more than once to see they're 1000 miles overdue - which means stop at a 5-Minute oil change place and watch cat videos while some HS kids drain *most* of the old out and pump *some* new in (hopefully the correct grade).
 
Patman said:
I’m curious as to why the major manufacturers really don’t seem to offer an extended life (20k plus) in 0w30? Yes, if you look to HPL and Amsoil they both have 0w30s available that are in this category, but if you look at Mobil 1, Pennzoil, Valvoline, Castrol, Quaker State, none of them offer any 0w30 in their extended life category. It seems like there would be a market for this, as I’m sure a lot of people in colder climates who want a longer life oil would buy this. I know that there are not a lot of people who are doing 20k intervals, but there are a lot of people who are doing 8-10k intervals and like the idea of using an oil that is rated for 20k+ for the extra deposit resistance, better base oils, and the extra margin of safety if they can’t change the oil on time (especially during a harsh winter when they might have to wait longer than usual to get an oil change done)
Click to expand...

Any C3 or A3/B4 is capable of that, sure it's not the best idea though.
 
I think it is just lack of demand you can see at two walmarts around here that 0w-20 and 5w-20 sells well 5w-30 not so much. Right now around here there is no 0w-20, 20,000 mile Quaker state ultimate protection to be found right now. Been like that for a few weeks.
 
RooflessVW said:
5W-30 to 0W-30 is splitting hairs, IMO.

People already complain there are "too many choices" and "complex product lineups"
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On paper maybe. When you are in the colder temps that are pushing the limits of 5w30, engines turn over quicker with a 0w. It could be the difference between starting and not starting on a weaker/discharged battery.

I think that because so very few owner’s manuals list 0w30 as an option it is just not worth the development costs or shelf space.
 
Patman said:
And I know that 5w30 will still be good down to some pretty cold temperatures as well but that’s when it’s new. Someone who is using an extended interval with a 5w30 might find themselves in the middle of a tough winter with thousands of miles on their oil and it’s now only a 10w30 (or possibly even a 10w20) Even though it’s rare to see too many days below 0F here in my area, I like having a 0w oil in there just to be safe, as then even with a few thousand miles on it, it’s still likely to be a 5w
Click to expand...
What vehicle do you wish you could put an extended drain 0w30 in?
 
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