Valvoline Article on Thinner vs Thicker Oils

[Spudislander]

As I had assumed that the manufacturer's requirement for 5W20 oil in my car was mainly for CAFE purposes I was surprised when this article suggests that in using 5W30 I could damage my engine!
http://valvoline.com/car-care/automotive-system/engine/ccr20030901ov

 

[musicmanbass]

Really no scientific info there.

 

[ahoier]

The sum up of the article is here:

Quote:
If you use a heavier oil because you think it's "better," you'll not only be wrong, you may cause your engine some damage since it won't be properly lubricated during start-up and in cooler weather. Furthermore, if you decide that if a range of 5W-20 is good, then 5w30 must be better because it's a wider range, you'll also be wrong, since the things done to give that oil the wider range may not necessarily be what your engine needs.
It all makes sense - smaller clearances requires lighter oils to flow through those tight clearances. So long are the days of using straight 30 Weight.....at least in modern engines.

and they sum it up with the following:
Quote:
The best oil for your car is what the manufacturer recommends. Use the correct viscosity as outlined in your owner's manual, purchase quality oil from a reputable company, change it regularly, and take good care of your car.


So to the OP, yea, using the 5W30 in a vehicle that specs 5W20 could cause some problems I suppose - but I don't think it's likely to cause an engine to blow....both of my Kia's spec'd 5W-20 - but 1 of the times I took the vehicle(s) to the dealer they said they would be using 5w30 since that's what they had "featured" (on tap, or available in bulk/barrels in the back).

 

[Pete591]

...my firm has found..


Question: Could using a 5w30, 10w30, 0w30 or even a 10W 40 or 20W 50, oil in my vehicle which specifies a 5W 20 oil void my new car warranty?

Answer: Absolutely not. Vehicle manufacturers only recommend using motor oils meeting certain viscosity grades and American Petroleum Institute service requirements. Whether a motor oil is a 5W-20, 5w30, 10w30, 0W-30, 10W-40 or 20W-50 (for racing and high performance applications in, for example, a Cobra R Mustang) or even a synthetic vs. a petroleum based oil will not affect warranty coverage. The manufacturer is required by Federal Law to cover all equipment failures it would normally cover as long as the oil meets API service requirements and specifications and was not the cause of failure. In addition, the Federally mandated Magnuson - Moss Act states that a manufacturer may not require a specific brand or type of aftermarket product unless it is provided free of charge. If your dealership continues to tell you that you must use 5W-20 motor oil and or/ a specific brand of 5W-20 motor oil, then ask them to put it in writing. Their position is inaccurate, and, in fact violates existing law.*


Bottom line...use common sense and "a balanced attitude".

An energy saving 5w30 will offer more protection than a 0W-20 or 5W-20 and common sense is not so common...no lack of misinformation out there..

my usual .02

 

[dmiko]

"...as long as the oil meets API service requirements and specifications and was not the cause of failure".
If you use an oil type/viscosity that causes failure, then warranty will not cover it.

 

[TallPaul]

Quote:
you may cause your engine some damage
pretty much weasel words. What do they mean by damage? A slighly higher amount of engine wear?

 

[Geonerd]

Originally Posted By: TallPaul
Quote:
you may cause your engine some damage
pretty much weasel words. What do they mean by damage? A slighly higher amount of engine wear?


And only if you live in a properly COLD climate. The whole 'article' is nothing but FUD.

 

[Cujet]

I might agree in the North. But here in South Florida I get far better UOA's with a slightly heavier oil. My last F150, loved Mobil 1 10-30, instead of the recommended 5-20. 250,000 miles and it's still perfect at my brothers house! Great engine, but also proper maintenance.

My current F150 is on it's 3rd oil change with 5-20 M1. UOA's to come. I'll bet a dollar it behaves the same way.

Also, I discovered that air cooled generators that recommend 10-30 failed like crazy after the hurricanes. While M1 15-50 saves the day. You be the judge.

 

[CourierDriver]

Ford I know specs 5w20, several of my acquaintances tried heavier oils in their fords, the mileage went down and ford says not to use but what they spec because its can blow the heads, mess up the cam and so on.

 

[CourierDriver]

Originally Posted By: Cujet
I might agree in the North. But here in South Florida I get far better UOA's with a slightly heavier oil. My last F150, loved Mobil 1 10-30, instead of the recommended 5-20. 250,000 miles and it's still perfect at my brothers house! Great engine, but also proper maintenance.

My current F150 is on it's 3rd oil change with 5-20 M1. UOA's to come. I'll bet a dollar it behaves the same way.

Also, I discovered that air cooled generators that recommend 10-30 failed like crazy after the hurricanes. While M1 15-50 saves the day. You be the judge.
10 4 on that, I use 15w40 and all is well,,run mine on the road 12 hrs a day minimum.

 

[Bill888]

Here's a discussion from a few years ago on reasons to stay with mfg. spec oils:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...5788#Post925788

 

[MrMeeks]

I think the 5w-20 oil will provide cooler engine operation and better lubrication.However,I would not use store brand oil in a good car or truck .store brand oils are for lawnmower use only.

 

[outoforder]

The manual on my 1997 Mercury Sable calls for 5w30. Yet in the past couple of years, Ford has back spec'd the car for 5w20. Using 5w30 surely not damage my engine as that was the original specification. If Ford is now saying 5w20 is ok, that leads me to believe there is not much of a difference between the two oils.

 

[Trav]

Valvoline is just playing the CAFE game IMO.
Proof.Put in cars,ford USA,expedition,2009 Believe me in the alps and The Nordic countries it can pretty darn cold!

http://www.valvolineeurope.com/english/products/for_consumers/cars_and_vans/finding_the_right_oil

 

[Al]

Originally Posted By: MrMeeks
I think the 5w-20 oil will provide cooler engine operation and better lubrication.However,I would not use store brand oil in a good car or truck .store brand oils are for lawnmower use only.

Maybe you should read some of the UOA's on SuperTech Syn oil. I have done 10K UOA's with the stuff. (With great results).

Fell free to overpay on Brand Names. Unless something changes. I will use this oil for life.

 

[aquariuscsm]

This has always made me wonder if thicker oil will make an engine last longer in a car that`s driven fast and hard.

 

[RF Overlord]

Originally Posted By: ahoier

and they sum it up with the following:
Quote:
The best oil for your car is what the manufacturer recommends.


Those are some more weasel words.

Can you imagine the firestorm that would occur if Valvoline (or anyone else) started telling people that using 5w30 in place of 5W-20 is OK? The Feds and the car makers would be ALL over them...

 

[VR1]

You guys kill me if it calls for 5w-20 run it and call it a day don't try to deviate away from what is stated. The hard work is done for you. How hard is it to use what is called for? Don't try to reinvent the wheel Jesus [censored]!

 

[OVERKILL]

Originally Posted By: VR1
You guys kill me if it calls for 5w-20 run it and call it a day don't try to deviate away from what is stated. The hard work is done for you. How hard is it to use what is called for? Don't try to reinvent the wheel Jesus [censored]!


What happens when an engine spec's 5w20 in the USA and 5w40 in Australia? 5w40 in Europe?

 

[VR1]

There's a reason they choose that viscosity for the area. You don't know how that engine has been set up for where it will be used. For all we know tolerances can be alot looser depending on where you are. I still think there's a reason they choose what should be used why second guess that?