Oil

Technical info on the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Matrix including do-it-yourself info
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RedRocket
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:33 am

Oil

Post by RedRocket »

Our 04 pontiac vibe calls for 5w-30 oil but it also says that 10w30 is acceptable if the temperature isn't going to dip below 32degrees farenhieght..So My question is,would it be okay to run 10w30 in it in the spring and summer (warm) months and then switche back to 5w30 in the colder winter months? I live in TN so our winters don't get too awfully cold,reason im asking is,I've always dealt with trucks that called for 10w30 and when we got our vibe,the 5w30 just seems so thin..I want maximum protection without harming the motor in any other way like the oil pump.So should I use the 10w30 in warm weather and switch back to 5w30 in the cold weather? We are planning a 6600 mile road trip in july,so I'd like to know if its gonna be okay switching back and forth.
2004 base Vibe- Automatic
jimincalif
Posts: 622
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2003 1:59 am

Re: Oil (RedRocket)

Post by jimincalif »

Run 5w-30. The lower number relates to viscosity when the oil is cold. At full temp they are both the same. Most wear occurs at startup before the oil is flowing well and doing its job. This is long, but a good analysis of motor oil: http://ferrarichat.com/forum/s...36052
"We contend that for a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle." - Winston Churchill---------------------------------Who is John Galt?2 Vibes, 03GT & 07 base (kids drive)1993 Lexus LS4001980 Fiat Spider
star_deceiver
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Joined: Fri Jun 05, 2009 1:49 pm
Location: Airdrie, AB

Re: Oil (RedRocket)

Post by star_deceiver »

+2 on 5w30!
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2009 Vibe. (Traded in - 12/12/12)
dcbridgwater
Posts: 43
Joined: Tue Aug 01, 2006 5:23 am

Re: Oil (jimincalif)

Post by dcbridgwater »

Lots of good info at this site also.bobistheoilguy.com/cms/
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21Rouge
Posts: 584
Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2005 9:06 am

Post by 21Rouge »

Just a thought: I have used only *0*W30 in our Vibe for several years. There is no downside to using a 0W30 over a 5W30 in terms of performance (it generally flows better at cooler temps (the "0") and acts just like the "30" at high temps. In fact most 0W30s are 'lighter' and so flow better for most any temperature so one can benefit from this grade regardless if the car is in Florida or Fairbanks. Our Vibe is an 05. But if it was an 2009/10 MY I would for sure use a 0W20.
RedRocket
Posts: 16
Joined: Thu Mar 18, 2010 4:33 am

Re: (21Rouge)

Post by RedRocket »

I had no idea oil was like that..but it does make sense, so all oils with a 30 will perform the same at operating temperture,its just a difference when you first start it up at how thick it is? This is definatly interesting. Think i'll stay with the 5w30 then.Thanks for the info guys.
2004 base Vibe- Automatic
jimincalif
Posts: 622
Joined: Sat Jul 12, 2003 1:59 am

Re: (21Rouge)

Post by jimincalif »

Quote, originally posted by 21Rouge »Just a thought: I have used only *0*W30 in our Vibe for several years. There is no downside to using a 0W30 over a 5W30 in terms of performance (it generally flows better at cooler temps (the "0") and acts just like the "30" at high temps. In fact most 0W30s are 'lighter' and so flow better for most any temperature so one can benefit from this grade regardless if the car is in Florida or Fairbanks. Agreed.
"We contend that for a nation to tax itself into prosperity is like a man standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle." - Winston Churchill---------------------------------Who is John Galt?2 Vibes, 03GT & 07 base (kids drive)1993 Lexus LS4001980 Fiat Spider
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