Target run... made me wonder about 0W-30
Went on a target run today to get the fabled "on-sale mobil 1" but was dissapointed to see no sale at my target.
... anyways right next to the 5W-30 that i usually get was several bottles of 0W-30 mobil 1.... is there any advantages of using this weight oil over the 5W-30? and what advantages does the 5W-30 offer over the 10W-30 other than the operating temps?
... anyways right next to the 5W-30 that i usually get was several bottles of 0W-30 mobil 1.... is there any advantages of using this weight oil over the 5W-30? and what advantages does the 5W-30 offer over the 10W-30 other than the operating temps?
I will probably be corrected, but I believe the 'W' number only comes into play during winter. In other words, on a hot summer day 0W-30, 5W-30, and 10W-30 are the same. The lower the number means the lower the viscosity, so during winter a 0W-30 will be thinner and flow faster than a 5W-30, and 5W-30 will be thinner and flow faster than a 10W-30. This is only a concern when you have to get oil distributed during startup while the oil is cold, after it warms up the number of importance is the -30.
It's not recommended to use oils with greater viscosity ranges unless the temperatures are REALLY REALLY cold. They have to add more viscosity modifiers to get it to perform its little talent...this takes away from its ability to lubricate properly. It's better to use an oil with a smaller viscosity range.
However, with Mobil 1, that seems to be the exception b/c of the way they make it...it can supposedly lubricate just as well as 10W-30 despite its wider viscosity range, allowing it to flow better cold.
So I've read anyways.
I've also read that you interpret 5W-30 & 10W-30 to be that they always flow like a 5 or a 10 (always) and protects like a 30. I've heard and read it both ways, so it's hard to say which way is more correct. Anybody got a white paper?
However, with Mobil 1, that seems to be the exception b/c of the way they make it...it can supposedly lubricate just as well as 10W-30 despite its wider viscosity range, allowing it to flow better cold.
So I've read anyways.
I've also read that you interpret 5W-30 & 10W-30 to be that they always flow like a 5 or a 10 (always) and protects like a 30. I've heard and read it both ways, so it's hard to say which way is more correct. Anybody got a white paper?
The first number is the base. Thats what the oil really is. The second is what the oil acts like when at operating tempature. They do this with additives.
The bigger the difference in the number, the more additives. More additives/quart = less oil/quart.
5w is good because thats what our manual recommends, and it flows faster when you start the car. 10w is good because there is more oil/quart.
Therefore, use 5w-30 in the winter, and if you want, 10w-30 in the summer. 0w-30 is bad for your engine.
The bigger the difference in the number, the more additives. More additives/quart = less oil/quart.
5w is good because thats what our manual recommends, and it flows faster when you start the car. 10w is good because there is more oil/quart.
Therefore, use 5w-30 in the winter, and if you want, 10w-30 in the summer. 0w-30 is bad for your engine.
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