[chris918]

Saw this at the dealer yesterday.

 

[BLCKFLSH]

I'm using 0w-20 Mobile 1 high mileage in my car right now. Was using regular Mobile 1 5w-20 before. Just thought I'd try it because I've seen that chart before. I've put over 4,000 miles on it, and it doesn't seem to be consuming or leaking any of it. I might stick with it, or switch to 5-20 high mileage. High mileage oil sounds like a good idea with 125k miles.

 

[drowned12]

Yeah they recommend 0W20 now on pretty much everything except the S2000 and stuff before 2001. They're not allowed to retroactively change what's required though, which is why for stuff before 2010 (or so) they can only "recommend" 0W20.

 

[chris918]

I find it weird that they don't say you can use 0w20 where a 5w20 is acceptable

 

[greyhonda]

These charts evolve. Where they used to say "0W-20 Acceptable", they now say "0W-20 Recommended".

My guess is that they don't go back and thoroughly test an old design like they would a new design, so using engineering judgement and maybe some testing they put out the "acceptable" rating. Those who opt for it at the dealer become beta testers. With enough data, the rating becomes "recommended."

The older cars surely do not go through new EPA/CAFE certification, so this recommendation is not a government mandate.

 

[chris918]

These charts evolve. Where they used to say "0W-20 Acceptable", they now say "0W-20 Recommended".

My guess is that they don't go back and thoroughly test an old design like they would a new design, so using engineering judgement and maybe some testing they put out the "acceptable" rating. Those who opt for it at the dealer become beta testers. With enough data, the rating becomes "recommended."

The older cars surely do not go through new EPA/CAFE certification, so this recommendation is not a government mandate.

And of course, the 0w20 costs more so I'm sure that doesn't hurt them recommending it.

 

[t-rd]

I don't know about that.... 0w-20 sounds like water when you shake the can. It should increase the gas mileage. If seals start leaking, I will know why.

 

[carguy1234]

Interesting, I only use the 5w20 in my car. Only reason why I'm not switching is because I'm concerned about oil leaks.

 

[fishymamba]

I don't know about that.... 0w-20 sounds like water when you shake the can. It should increase the gas mileage. If seals start leaking, I will know why.

I thought both 5W-20 and 0W-20 were the same viscosity at operating temperature. The W number is viscosity at cold temps. Or is that wrong?

 

[greyhonda]

I think I will try the 0w20 at my next oil change, and see if there's any leaks or consumption. If it goes well, then I'll probably switch to it.

Will a 9th gen oil cap fit on a 7th gen?

 

[drowned12]

I think I will try the 0w20 at my next oil change, and see if there's any leaks or consumption. If it goes well, then I'll probably switch to it.

Will a 9th gen oil cap fit on a 7th gen?

Probably.

I thought both 5W-20 and 0W-20 were the same viscosity at operating temperature. The W number is viscosity at cold temps. Or is that wrong?

Not quite. 5W-20 will be a bit thicker at 100C than 0W-20. 20 probably just means that the viscosity has to be within a certain range.

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil1_0W-20.aspx

vs

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/Lubes/PDS/GLXXENPVLMOMobil_1_5W-20.aspx

If you also compare 5W-30 at 40C vs 5W-20 at 40C, 5W-30 is much thicker even though both are (obviously) "5W"

 

[Nestaly]

Save money and do your own blend, maybe two 5/20 and two 0/20. Just putting it out there.

 

[t-rd]

Well, my rear main seal leaked during winter 2 seasons ago when it was extremely cold in Chicago and I am using 5W-20. So with 0W-20, there might be more chance for that to happen because it's 0W isn't as viscous as 5W. I found gas mileage increase by using Royal Purple so I will stick with Royal Purple 5W-20.

So make sure you don't floor that pedal so quick during the winter if you are using 0W. The main reason for going down in viscosity is really for car manufacturers to meet gas mileage demand from the government.

 

[greyhonda]

I thought both 5W-20 and 0W-20 were the same viscosity at operating temperature. The W number is viscosity at cold temps. Or is that wrong?

Yeah, the 5W and 0W refer to cold temp viscosity. (I can't remember if it's 0F or 0C, but I think it's one of those two.) But I believe the viscosity testing method as well as the temperature differ from those used for the 100C 20 grading.

 

[ypsibird]

Good information that I've never seen before. Although I've mostly used 5W-20 I'll probably give a little more consideration to 0W-20 in the future. It's probably a little illogical in a way. It's fairly certain that in the long run there's no discernible difference between the two. It's probably whatever makes you feel better.

 

[greyhonda]

It's probably whatever makes you feel better.

Caring about this probably makes a difference. You're more likely to check and change your oil if you care.

Anecdotes of real oil-related problems tend to involve long-term neglect, low oil or never changed sludgy oil. RickBlaine insists that JiffyLube's frequent change interval saves those who never check their oil.

Still, when comes to 5w20 vs 0w20, it's fun to think about.

 

[RickBlaine]

Nice post, Chris.

Donde esta member "Drew03Accord"?

By the way, for you Mobil1 freaks- Mobil1 is offering that $12 rebate again on the 5 qt jug- so if you buy at Walmart for like $26, you get a check back for $12, and that is one pretty cheapo synthetic oil change.

Of course you could just shop lift it and not pay anything, or jack some fool out in the parking lot who just bought some....you can then use the cost savings for additional vehicle maintenance.

....always thinking!

 

[BLCKFLSH]

Of course you could just shop lift it and not pay anything, or jack some fool out in the parking lot who just bought some....you can then use the cost savings for additional vehicle maintenance.

....always thinking!

You got that right Rick! If you are going to be "jacking" other people's stuff, you better have a well maintained "get away car".

So remember guys and gals, when you get to "jacking" (or shop-lifting), maintenance items come first.

 

[03EX]

0W-20 should be better for winter or cold-weather use.

The first number is the cold viscosity, the second number is the viscosity at operating temp.

The 0W-20 oils will flow better in the cold and still get up to around the same viscosity as a 5W-20 once at operating temperature.

Also, 0W-20 oils need a significant amount of synthetic content to achieve a 0W-20 weight grade, so the quality of the base stocks in a 0W-20 is probably better than the average 5W-20 conventional.

If you're really worried about leaks, you can always try a 0W-30

 

[03EX]

That said, the difference in viscosity between a full-synthetic 0W-20 and conventional 5W-20 is not as large as you may think.

For example:

Mobil 1 AFE (full synthetic) 0W-20:
Viscosity, @ 100ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 8.7
Viscosity, @ 40ºC, cSt (ASTM D445) 44.8
Viscosity Index 173

Mobil Super 5000 (Conventional) 5W-20:
Viscosity, cSt at 100°C 8.4
Viscosity, cSt at 40°C 47.9
Viscosity Index 152