Bob & Ray Comment on 5w-20 oil

[jake75]

Given all the discussion here on the 5w-20 oil spec for the 2009-10's I thought this would be of interest. Was in yesterday's (8-14-10) paper.CAR TALK Lighter oils do the job these days TOM AND RAY MAGLIOZZI Dear Tom and Ray: I recently was advised to use a much lighter weight of oil than I am used to. I was told I should use 5-20 weight oil in my 2007 Pontiac Solstice convertible. I grew up in Minnesota, where this was considered “winter weight” oil. For summer, we all went up to 20-40 or 30-50 weight. Now I live in northern Georgia, and 5-20 weight just sounds awfully thin — especially in summer. So, is the mechanic trying to ruin my engine? Or have things changed since I was 16? — Richard Tom: Things have changed since you were 16, Richard. I mean, start by taking a look at your hairline. Ray: Oils have changed, too. They’ve gotten significantly better in the past 30 years. The improvements in their ability to lubricate and resist high-temperature breakdown have allowed manufacturers to make engines that run on these lighter-weight oils. And lighter oils mean less internal engine friction, which means better gas mileage. Tom: That’s why Pontiac itself suggests you use 5W-20 in your Solstice. You can use a heavier oil if you want, but you won’t get the intended fuel economy, and in cold weather, you won’t get the engine protection that your manufacturer is counting on. Ray: So, I’d use 5W-20, Richard. Since it’s the manufacturer’s recommended oil, it certainly won’t do any harm to your engine. Tom: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try some 5W-20 on your hairline, too. It probably won’t grow hair, but from a distance, that black smear might be mistaken for a patch of new growth. Have a question about cars? Write to Click and Clack Talk Cars in care of King Feature Syndicate Group, 300 W. 57th St., New York, NY 10019.

[djkeev]

These two are far from experts on oil but their advice is sound, do as the manufacturer says in regards to oil weight. Newer engines also run a much tighter bearing to crank clearance so the thinner oil is best. Thick oil won't squeeze into those small spaces thus there is a loss of lubrication.No matter what oil you run, just change it at a frequency you are comfortable with, generally accepted between 5,000 and 10,000 miles. I personally shoot for 7,000 knowing a few thousand either side is absolutely fine.Dave