10W-30 vs 5W-30?

[CoolAKid]

I'm coming up for my first oil change on my '06 Vibe. I live in North Central Florida, where the winters can occasionally get as cold as upper 20's to low 30's, though that's not the norm. Also summers can get very hot and humid - mid to upper 90's are typical, with the mercury occasionally rising to over 100. My local dealer where I bought the car recommends 10W-30 for our climate, whereas my manual says 5W-30. What does everyone think? Should I go with my local dealer's recommendation, or go by the manual? I know - I should probably do it myself, but that still leaves me with the question as to which oil to use. Also, is it okay to go with a full synthetic for my first oil change (I'm coming up on 2500 miles), or should I stick with conventional oils for the first couple of changes? I've heard it's better for the seals to go conventional for the first 10,000 miles or so before going synthetic. I just want what's best for my car. Also, most of my driving consists of short trips of 5 miles or less as I only work a couple of miles from my home. Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[Raven]

I'd go with 5w30 synthetic right away. I did. It's malarky about the seals. A lot of new cars come with synthetic oil, Corvette for example. For short trip driving synthetic is a definite plus.

[djb383]

0W-30. http://63.240.161.99/motoroil/http://ww ... co...65722

[Raven]

0w30 is for exteme cold not hot weather.

[Whelan]

Some dealers up here in the NE recommend going to 5 in the winter and 10 in the summer. I stick with Castrol GTX (regular dino juice) every 3k 5w-30. The oil comes out almost as clean as it went in so I know the car is doing well. I drive 50 miles daily roundtrip commute for work, and whatever I do at night figure another 10-20. So my car gets used. Bought it last August with 29,000 I'm up to 44,000 right now.

[djb383]

Quote, originally posted by Sunny »0w30 is for exteme cold not hot weather.So what do you recommend for hot weather?

[Raven]

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »So what do you recommend for hot weather?You could go with 10w30 but with synthetic it's not really necessary.

[djb383]

Quote, originally posted by Sunny »You could go with 10w30 but with synthetic it's not really necessary.Doesn't 0W-30 have the same thickness @ 212F as 10W-30, 5W-30, or even straight 30 weight, for that matter? And doesn't 0W-30 flow much better at lower temps, where most engine wear occurs, than 10W-30?http://63.240.161.99/motoroil/102.html

[CoolAKid]

If I decide to go synthetic for my first oil change, is it necessary to totally flush the original oil from the engine, or is a thorough draining sufficient? How is the complete flush done? Is this something I could do myself, or something that my dealer would be willing to do? I've never run synthetic. I'm not concerned about the cost. As I said, I want what's best for my car. I'm just not sure how to go about preparing to add it for the first time.

[djb383]

No prep or flush is needed, just drain the old oil, install a new filter and re-fill with synthetic.

[djb383]

I just looked on the back of a M1 bottle and it says "fully compatible with engine seals and conventional oil".

[burkeyro]

I run Mobil 1 5w-30 in the winter and run Q 10W-30 High RPM in the summer - both are full Synth

[djb383]

But why not run 0W-30 year round for the best protection when the engine is cool and the most wear occurs. 0W-30 is just as thick, at normal operating temp (hot), as 5W-30, 10W-30 or straight 30 weight.

[kevera]

Your safe to run any of the above mentioned oils.0w30 has the same protection as 10w30 but flows better at lower temps,and the synthetic change over requires no special prep.

[sillyvibegt]

i use valvoline vr1 sae50 on race dayvr1 sae30 w/ 10 oz lucas80/90 lucas tranny fluid(gear oil)redline water wetter

[djb383]

Presuming your running a stock motor (clearances), you may be down on horsepower to the wheels, since horsepower is being used to push such a heavy oil (SAE 50) thru the engine. Remember, it's flow, not pressure, equals lubrication.

[sillyvibegt]

50 on track only,i use 30 for dd applicationfirst day on track i was using 30 and developed a "tick"so, i tried 50 because i couldnt get vr1 in 40 no further valve noise so i think the 50 is ok for racing applicationi know all aboit oil flow, i also own an rx7 13b rotaryoil flow is crucial

[sillyvibegt]

do you think i am idiot still?just trying to protect my cardo you race your vibe?

[djb383]

Well, nobody here is an idiot, so I certainly don't think you are. I was just trying to possibly dispel a motor oil myth or two. Your Vibe engine has a mechanical valve train, not hydraulic, so an assortment of 'clicks & ticks' is perfectly normal. All mechanical valve trains make sounds. The Vibe engine is built to extremely close bearing and piston-to-cylinder wall tolerances, as most modern street engines are. Ford, Chrysler and Honda engines are factory filled with 5W-20 oil for proper lubrication and good fuel economy. It's more difficult to pump a thick fluid between very close tolerance bearings than it is a thin fluid. Again, flow equals lubrication, not pressure. You could be reducing, rather than increasing, lubrication to critical bearing surfaces using a thicker than recommended oil. More heat is generated when pumping a thicker fluid and motor oil also acts as a coolant as well as a lubricant. Here's some interesting reading with regard to motor oil.http://63.240.161.99/motoroil/There's a big difference between a street engine that is occasionally raced (and designed to last +/- 250,000 miles) and a purpose built race engine that may occasionally see the street (and is rebuilt often).

[truckdriver402]

Granted, I'm still learning, but I use a 5w-30 full synthetic (Castrol Syntec) and a Pure One oil filter. There are so many stories and theories regarding oil and the grades. I know a guy who uses straight 30 because he says the 5w-30 is like *urine.* However, my manual says to use 5w-30, therefore I do. Mine says 10w-30 can be used if 5w-30 isn't available.

[cmpltvertigo]

Heys guys I'm reviving this thread because I am coming up for my first oil change with the Vibe. I live in Texas were we are expecting some triple digit temperatures in the next couple of months. Should I go with 10W-30 or 5W-30? I am leaning towards 10W-30 because I am under the impression its better for hot climates.

[triz]

Either one. I would stick to what the manufacture recommends. Check your oil frequently.

[Capnblinski]

I have the 10W-30 Pennzoil this summer in my similar Toyota's 5sfe engine from '01. As triz says - stay with the manufacture's recommendations - especially on fluids. Like the fancy coolant my-new-to-me '09 Vibe uses. Pontiac/Toyota is asking for 5W-20 in the Vibe.

I had been using the owners manual advice and using 5W-30 in the 5sfe, but I think on these type engines that call for 30 weight oil, either 5W or 10W is perfectly fine. Or even half-and-half lol.

I've had a small amount of seepage at the rear of my 5sfe's valve cover from the gasket, and the 10W-30 appears to have been the reason.

::Dave