More MPG desired; 0w20 over OEM suggested 5w30?

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TexasTea

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Hi all,

2004 Silverado 5.3L 160,000 miles.

I want more MPG's, Manufacturer spec's 5w30, and I'm wondering will 0w20 provide any greater MPG? Also is it even safe to put 0w20 in the vehicle?

What about 0w30 (or would that oil only help with cold starts not MPG?)
 
It will improve your gas mileage by an immeasurable amount. You'll be better served by a proper tuneup and changing your driving habits.
 
+1
Be pretty hard to see a fraction of a MPG ...
I think without CAFE pressure - there would be way less 20's in use ...
 
You'd be better off inflating your tires to the maximum recommended sidewall pressure, getting all excess weight out of the truck, & using hypermiling techniques (slow starts, rolling up on red lights to catch them turning green, etc.)-that will make a bigger MPG increase than going from 30 to 20 weight oil.
 
Originally Posted By: 4WD
+1
Be pretty hard to see a fraction of a MPG ...
I think without CAFE pressure - there would be way less 20's in use ...
That is the only reason for the 20 oils
 
Get a scanguage or Ultragauge and you can knock 10-20% off your fuel bill depending on what your habits are now. If you are just idling around commuting then I'd think 0W20 would be fine, but if you are working the truck reasonably hard I'd just find a thinner 5W30.
 
Dropping viscosity can only theoretically do so much to reduce friction, but it seems like you want to push it. My speculation is that viscosity reduction alone only affects the friction characteristics of the oil working against itself- pumping, shearing, drag, but also to the left on the Stribeck curve. Low viscosity, low HTHS oils might cost you in higher load situations (ie situations absent from regulatory testing cycles). Fiction characteristics could shift to the far left of the mixed regime into boundary, increasing net friction during real world situations.

Well over half of the friction loss in the standard ICE is from pistons and rings rubbing the cylinder wall. If you want to increase MPG why not tackle the biggest offender?

Try playing with the snake oils a bit
grin.gif
but seriously it has to be a 'snake oil' that could never sell on TV. Ceratec? MoS2?
 
Originally Posted By: bullwinkle
You'd be better off inflating your tires to the maximum recommended sidewall pressure...


Not a great idea. The max inflation pressure on the sidewall is a safety thing, and has nothing to do with any particular vehicle's weight and load. Stick to the manufacturer's recommended inflation pressure. Over inflation will cause the tread to "crown", and result in increased tread wear.
 
Originally Posted By: TexasTea
Hi all,

2004 Silverado 5.3L 160,000 miles.

I want more MPG's, Manufacturer spec's 5w30, and I'm wondering will 0w20 provide any greater MPG? Also is it even safe to put 0w20 in the vehicle?

What about 0w30 (or would that oil only help with cold starts not MPG?)

How do you drive your truck ? How often do you redline the engine ? How heavy load on the truck, such as carrying something on the truck bed or towing ? How often do you drive your truck on hilly terrain while towing or carrying heavy items ? Does your truck have good oil temperature gauge ? What is the temperature of your daily driving ? Did it ever get above 230-250F ?

If I have all these info I may be able to post my opinion about if you can use thinner oil to improve MPG.
 
Originally Posted By: Bandito440
It will improve your gas mileage by an immeasurable amount. You'll be better served by a proper tuneup and changing your driving habits.


+1 Keep your tires properly inflated and work on driving habits. Also make sure the filters are clean and the truck is properly tuned up and all the fluids are fresh and clean.
 
Yes the reason manufacturers are moving to 0w20 is only because of CAFE regulations, in one particular car you won't notice any difference but when you have millions of each model on the road the 0.000001 MPG more does make a difference
 
Find an ethanol free station and stick with it. My 5.3 went up 1.5 mpg but it took a few tank fulls before I saw the improvement. It's the same price as the adulterated stuff but because of the better mileage it's a better buy. http://pure-gas.org/ has a list of stations.
 
Originally Posted By: CT8
Originally Posted By: 4WD
+1
Be pretty hard to see a fraction of a MPG ...
I think without CAFE pressure - there would be way less 20's in use ...
That is the only reason for the 20 oils


5w20 and 0w20 are becoming more common in the UK these days.

Kia recommend 5w20 for our 2014 Picanto and the recently purchased 2005 Picanto.

The Kia dealer uses 5w30 though.
 
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