Winter coming:Should I stick with Amsoil ASL5w30

[DragRace]

Last winter I used the oil thats in the Explorer now,the Amsoil ASL 5w30. We had temps last winter that were as low as -25 below zero,(thats not including what wind chill was),the truck started fine. This winter,I was thinking about trying the Amsoil SSO 0w30 to see if I experience anything different(such as faster starts,quicker oil pressure,etc) from the ASL 5w30 that I'm presently running.

Any thoughts, what would you do?

 

[demarpaint]

I would run the 0w30 if the Explorer doesn't leak, and call it a day. I am toying with returning the PP 5w30 I stock piled for my E-150 and swapping it for Mobil 1 0w30 just to see what happens.

I am currently running Mobil 1 10w30 EP, and want the added cold start protection the 0W offers for the winter months. If it works well I'll use it all year. I was warned about possible leaks from the 0W-xx oils but have no leaks and am willing to take the chance.

If I lived in your cold climate I would definately be using it.

JMO,
Frank D

 

[Spector]

I have been running the 0W30 year round for about 5 years now but temps here rarely get to 10 above in the winter. It holds up very well in the heat if that was one of your concerns for not running it all year. IMO, I would definitely try it in temps as low as -25 and use it all year

 

[dnewton3]

Both are appropriate choices.

I'd use up what you already have in the cupboard, then try something new once the stock is used up.

 

[Turk]

Dude, you have other variable fiduciary factors when comparing faster starts, etc.

Battery condition.
State of engine tune.
Remembering how fast it started last year.
And others...

 

[DragRace]

Originally Posted By: tpitcher
Dude, you have other variable fiduciary factors when comparing faster starts, etc.

Battery condition.
State of engine tune.
Remembering how fast it started last year.
And others...


I realize this,but was mainly lookin for some users who have went from a 5w30 weight to a 0w30 weight oil,to see what their experience has been.

 

[ARB1977]

Running PP 5W30 now, plan on running 5W30 this winter. If it works keep using it.

 

[TeeDub]

The big improvement would be with the Amsoil 0w-20, both in terms of cold starting ease and in terms of fuel efficiency. As I recall the Amsoil 0w-30/SSO is about 6000 Cp @ -35C, vs 4000 Cp @ -35C for the 0w-20/ASM. The 0w-20 is basically 33% thinner @ -35C/-31F in terms of the effective cranking viscosity!

Since your peak oil temps are significantly lower in the winter, you can safely go down one SAE grade. Note that the minimum HT/HS viscosity for an SAE 30wt is 2.9 Cp @150C. The Amsoil 0w-20 comes in at 2.8 Cp@150C. So its right on the cusp of meeting the 30wt requirement!