Conventional that has great cold-flow properties?

[Rachael]

... Or stick with synthetic?

Our 92 SE has become a short trip car, used for a commute that's 5 minutes each way (1/2 hour to walk, and it's gonna be getting really cold here soon). It might do two decent length drives per week.

I have been running PP to clean up the motor for a few changes. But now, I would like to run conventional if I can (Interested in NextGen Maxlife 5w30). I'm worried about cold flow though here in central MA. Are there some conventionals out there that have great cold flow properties? Or should I just stick with synthetic in my situation?

 

[Turk]

I would stay with PP; especially before the Winter. Go to conventional in the Spring if you like.

 

[JHZR2]

agreed.

And remember that cold flow properties are rated at well below freezing. How cold do you anticipate getting?

 

[OldCowboy]

Also, remember that ANY oil is too thick at ambient temps. Something like Mobil 1 0W-30 will provide better cold flow than a 5W-30.

 

[Zaedock]

Even with last year's spell of well below freezing temps, there are no temps where we live that a 5W30 conv. can't handle.

My vehicles that run conventional did fine.

 

[CharBaby]

I would agree with synthetic in the winter and conventional oil in the Spring through Autumn.

 

[AuthorEditor]

A good conventional can handle it, but a good synthetic is better for short hop winter driving like you describe. I have used both (5W-30) in the same cars here in upstate NY and there is definitely easier starting using the synthetic, especially when temps drop below zero. You can hear it in the starter motor.

 

[bepperb]

A conventional oil that is thin in cold weather? Well a 5-20 would probably fit that bill well. Not sure if you want to use that in your application, though.

The maxlife / high mileage oils are usually on the thicker side of things. I'd stick with PP in 5-30, or find a different 5-30 oil.

 

[cchase]

In Fitchburg I wouldn't sweat the conventional vs. synthetic too much. Most of your weather is going to be above 0F and in those circumstances most conventionals are going to be just fine. I wouldn't lose sleep over the decision.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Since cold flow numbers are similar, would % moly and fatty ester in the package a better indicator for winter? Youll get poor fuel mileage regardless even with a 20 grade (NOT recommended)

 

[Dakota1820]

Sounds like a little but of over thinking going on. If you were to put in pyb or qsgb in the correct grade it would do just fine for you. I believe mobil super is on the thin side I've used it before and really like it . It has titanium in it as well and can usually be had pretty cheap. Id probably go with Mobil super .

 

[Clevy]

Here in Saskatchewan we get -40 celcius weather in the winter. I have been using the rotella 0w-30 synth blend. It's cheap,durable and did I mention cheap

 

[SuperDave456]

Wish I could find Rotella 0w-30. However we do have the T6 5w40, which is overkill in just about everything I run it in.

Down here in Texas anything below 40 degrees is considered cold. Tonight it is getting down to 28 degrees, last I checked. People are freaking out.

Anyways, I did a OCI in my 2002 Taurus last week, 2 bottles of Supertech 15w40, 2 bottles of Chevron 10w30, 1 bottle of LubroMoly Moly additive, and I topped off using some other 10w30 in my stash.
It leaks, and through trial and error the 15w40 and Moly really helps slow it down.
This morning when I started it it was 38 degrees outside. It didn't sound or feel bad. It just does its thing.

I imagine that I wouldn't start to have trouble till I hit the low teens or maybe 0 degrees. However, I'm not sure this part of Texas has ever hit that type of low, or why I would be driving in it if we ever did.

 

[mechtech2]

I'd use a dino because of the more frequent oil changes you should do to get the short drive problems out.

 

[Rachael]

I'm sure if I ran a quality conventional, I'm not going to notice much a difference in starting/ driving. I'm only concerned about minimizing cold start/trip long-term wear as much as possible. I've put so much work into this car I can't help but worry.

thanks for all the thorough input, very helpful. I figured if I'm being OCD about oil I'm in good company here.

 

[CATERHAM]

Mobil Special 5W-30 has a 169 VI which puts it on par with most 5W-30 synthetics. If you can get it cheap that's probabily your best bet in a conventional 5W-30.

 

[Garak]

Originally Posted By: Rachael
I have been running PP to clean up the motor for a few changes. But now, I would like to run conventional if I can (Interested in NextGen Maxlife 5w30). I'm worried about cold flow though here in central MA. Are there some conventionals out there that have great cold flow properties? Or should I just stick with synthetic in my situation?


I wouldn't worry terribly much in your climate. For peace of mind, you could use Chevron or Petro-Canada conventional 5w-30. Both are very nice.

 

[JeremyInMT]

QSUD 5w30 is a great low-temp, inexpensive synthetic. I think Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 is in the running as well.

 

[JOD]

Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
Mobil Special 5W-30 has a 169 VI which puts it on par with most 5W-30 synthetics. If you can get it cheap that's probabily your best bet in a conventional 5W-30.


Peak 5W30 would be another one: http://www.peaklubricants.com/new_spec_sheets/peak_multigrade_motor_oil_spec_sheet_gf5.pdf

A VI of 169, and it's a thin 30W. This is what I put in my buddy's Subaru for the winter. It's seems to be regularly on sale for 12.00 w/filter. Hard to beat for the price.

 

[steve20]

I'm using Peak as my flush oil in a car I just replaced the headgaskets. It was on sale for 1.89 Run it about 100 miles and dump it X 3