MST vs non 5w30

[markum]

I've been running Valvoline 5w30MST in my 2000 Corolla and now am thinking of running it in my 2012 Veracruz. Is this wrong? Is there a better oil in the Valvoline line I should be using?

I've searched the forum and didn't find any answers pertaining to this.

 

[Quattro Pete]

Originally Posted By: markum
Is this wrong?

Does the oil meet the spec called for in your owner's manual? If so, it's not wrong.

 

[markum]

Everything I saw it does meet the minimums. I figured MST would be better than non, but I have nothing really to back that up. Cost is the same for either.

 

[Quattro Pete]

MST stands for Medium SAPS Technology. It means it has slightly reduced additive package (as compared to full SAPS) in order to be more friendly to modern emissions equipment. Unless you're running super long OCI, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[tommygunn]

There is nothing wrong with MST 5w30, except for availability. Where do you get your MST?

It meets the spec required in those two cars, which only call for basic API standards, so you're good to go.

What OCI do you use in each car?

The MST is a tad thicker for European applications (ACEA A3 vs A5, HTHS around 3.5 vs 3.0), but is still acceptable to use in your cars.

The MST is a bit better, but overkill in your Corolla.

Fun fact: the regular non-MST 5w30 is also sold at Napa as their house-brand; Napa Synthetic is rebranded Synpower, and it often goes on sale a couple times per year for about $3.49/qt.

 

[markum]

I get it through my motorpool. Cost is the same for either roughly 3.14/qt and I run 5k intervals using a synthetic filter in the Corolla and an OEM for the Veracruz.

I had no idea about the Napa deal. That's cool

 

[tommygunn]

Even dino can do 5k in those cars!

What's a motorpool?

 

[markum]

Our company uses Valvoline for the fleet, so I'm able to order cases for my personal vehicles. Valvoline only and filters are from Napa I think.