Can I use 5-20 Oil this time?

[Whelan]

I usually buy 5-30 but for some reason my brain glitched and I bought 5-20, which is what my 02 Civic used. Would it be ok to use for this time around since I usually use 5-30

[Whelan]

Anyone??? autozone closes soon so I gotta know if its ok this time around to use the 20 weight.

[Raven]

You should stick to 5W30, especially if you are still under warranty.

[Whelan]

Well I dropped it in this time, should be ok for the next 3k, I'll switch back. I usually use Castrol GTX 5w-30

[ColonelPanic]

You're probably ok... It's probably better than dumping 10W40 down in that sucker. May even be a bit easier on gas, from what I gather that's one of the reasons manufacturers started switching to 5W20. If it starts knocking and stuff, I guess you'll probably want to change it out. My Hyundai takes 5W20... Finding that stuff is sometimes a PITA since it's such a weird weight stores don't stock much (if any) of it around here. I think Honda, Ford, Hyundai (and maybe someone else, I can't recall at the moment) are the only ones using this stuff.

[Whelan]

No knocking yet, took it for a spin, seems to run smoother if anything. Strange. Chrysler is the other brand, and Ford is starting to as well. Toyota recommends in on some 06 and up models too.I will switch back after this.

[ColonelPanic]

That's it, Chrysler is the other one. Sounds like your car isn't revolting against the 5W20, so that's good.

[djb383]

According to this TSB, 0W-20 & 5W-20 are ok for the 1ZZ but the 2ZZ is not listed.http://www.automotiveforums.co...65722

[ColonelPanic]

Good find! Whelan, looks like you're safe - and being that you've got a Toyota, the TSB covers your car so hopefully there wouldn't be anything denied if a problem did creep up.Let us know if your mileage improves with the 5W20, this is going to be an interesting experiment.

[Whelan]

I can easily do that since I just topped off before doing my oil. Let's see what the mileage results are.

[Whelan]

Update: Been almost a full day, drove to work this morning and the car seemed to idle a lot quieter than normal. Also the engine seemed less hesitant to get up to speed and downshifting was not so abrupt on the engine.

[ColonelPanic]

Your engine likey the new oil! If I would have known about trying it, I would have tried it when I had mine... If it could have quieted down that knocking it did, that would have been swell!

[djb383]

I'm puzzled as to how a thinner oil would make it quieter. It would seem that a thicker oil (30 vs 20) would provide more cushion between moving parts. Oh well, what the heck do I know. Keep us posted on your results. Thanks.

[Whelan]

Lighter weight oil = less resistance. Granted there is more lubrication witha 30 weight, but a 20 provides less resistance, especially in colder temperatures, a thinner oil will flow smoother.

[jake75]

CT in winter - 5-20 ought to be fine.

[cmhj2000]

Since my OCI are about every 6 months I run 5W-20 in the winter. By late March/early April 5W-30 will be back in.

[Whelan]

I change my oil just about every other month. I am lucky if I can make it 3 months before I hit 3k. But I can say that my oil is pretty clean when it comes out, not thick and black, you can see right through it when it pours from the pan. So I know my engine is clean. That and I a throw a bottle of Valvoline Fuel System Cleaner in my tank around the time I change oil.

[cmhj2000]

Looks like you're from Ct? If true you should be ok for a couple months as long as you don't drive hard.If you're concerned just dump the oil and refill. Leave the filter on or dump it put it back on if you only have a few hundred miles on it.

[Whelan]

Just to put caution over my own personal feelings. Regardless of how this expirement turns out, I will be switching back to the dealer recommended 5-30. I use Castrol GTX and love it. I want this car to last and so it shall be done next oil change.