ELW
Thread starter
Originally Posted By: dnewton3
...it seems you're caught up in the "thicker is better" rationale. Not so at all. Thicker oil does not always assure "better" wear protection...
dnewton, thanks very much for your comments.
In considering optimal viscosity for my vehicle and usage, I'm thinking less about wear and more about mitigating two existing issues:
- Burns about 1 quart every 1,500 miles with conventional 10W-30
- Some oil leakage from valve cover gasket.
My general thought is to get the thinnest viscosity that still provides good wear characteristics and mitigates the burn and leak issues.
The US Owner's Manual recommends 10W-30, but this is restricted by US CAFE energy conservation regulations.
The Australia Owner's Manual is unrestricted by CAFE and recommends 10W-30 or 15W-40, et al. depending upon outdoor temps.
If my vehicle did not have the two issues mentioned, there would be less reason for me to consider 15W-40, and I might select a 10W-30 instead for better gas mileage.
...it seems you're caught up in the "thicker is better" rationale. Not so at all. Thicker oil does not always assure "better" wear protection...
dnewton, thanks very much for your comments.
In considering optimal viscosity for my vehicle and usage, I'm thinking less about wear and more about mitigating two existing issues:
- Burns about 1 quart every 1,500 miles with conventional 10W-30
- Some oil leakage from valve cover gasket.
My general thought is to get the thinnest viscosity that still provides good wear characteristics and mitigates the burn and leak issues.
The US Owner's Manual recommends 10W-30, but this is restricted by US CAFE energy conservation regulations.
The Australia Owner's Manual is unrestricted by CAFE and recommends 10W-30 or 15W-40, et al. depending upon outdoor temps.
If my vehicle did not have the two issues mentioned, there would be less reason for me to consider 15W-40, and I might select a 10W-30 instead for better gas mileage.