I was going to change the oil & filter in my sis-in-laws 2001 Focus ZTS & accidently bought the wrong weight oil. I bought 5W-30 & the Zetech engine calls for 5W-20. Well, I was in a hurry & used it anyway. Is that going to be a problem? I wouldn't think so... From what I understand 5W-30 is just a heavier (thicker) oil. Please advise. Thanx.
2007-12-02 14:15:07 · 8 answers · asked by CobMan151 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Ignore advice to change the oil again. It is well-meaning, but wrong! 5w-30 and 5w-20 are the same oil at cold temperatures. It will not take longer to reach operating temperature with 5w-30 than 5w-20, that statement shows a misunderstanding of viscosity. The 5w-30 is a little thicker when hot, not when cold. It is only recommended to use 5w-20 because mileage on the highway it slightly better, and it helps Ford meet government request for better fleet mileage. In actual fact 5w-20 will give about 1% better fuel economy than 5w-30, but will shorten engine life. In Britain, the same car, the exact same car (and several other Ford models as well) has a recommendation to use 5w-30. I have used 5w-30 for many years in cars old and new, and will continue in my present car, a Ford, and the wife's car, a Chevrolet.
http://www.valvoline.com/carcare/articleviewer.asp?pg=ccr20040601ov
http://www.synlube.com/sae5w-20.htm
2007-12-02 18:11:34 · answer #1 · answered by Fred C 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It shouldn't cause any problems. Yes it is a thicker oil, but it really depends on where you are and what the temp is, being winter and all. If you are in an area of severe low temps then I would strongly advise you to tell your sis-in-law to let the car run for about ten minutes in the morning at a minimum. Thicker oil is going to take longer to warm up, and running an engine hard right off the bat with too thick of oil is almost as bas a running one with low oil hard. hope this helps.
2007-12-02 14:23:07 · answer #2 · answered by Fordguy_81 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They use very thin oil because the clearances are ultra close on late model engines and the lighter oil saves mileage by lowering friction. The car is almost 7 yrs. old so I'm sure 5w-30 will be fine.
2007-12-02 14:28:10 · answer #3 · answered by Bob H 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Well sorta, they are both 5 weight oils with different additives to make it act like 20 or 30 weight at operating temperature. Dont worry about it. you'll never notice the minor difference and neither will the engine. Especially considering it is 8 years old and worn anyway. I would be running 10-30 if it was mine.
2007-12-02 14:24:21 · answer #4 · answered by sfcjoe4d 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You are fine and quite franly I would stick with the 5W-30 since a person can actually find it! 5W-20 is a gimmick to bag more of your money. You will never notice anything and neither will the car.
ASE Cert Auto Tech, Shop Owner
2007-12-02 14:34:56 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I would try to get the right weight in when you can. The difference in weight also affects if the oil will be able to move between each bearing. If the weight is too thick at any point it can leave a spot dry long enough to do some metal on metal grinding.
2007-12-02 14:21:15 · answer #6 · answered by D.W. 2 · 2⤊ 2⤋
the thicker weight of oil you use, it make it harder for the oil pump to get it up to the topend, and could create and oil delivery problem, like valve body tapping, lifter not pumping up..the engine was designed for a specific oil...don't keep it in car no longer than you have to
2007-12-02 14:23:55 · answer #7 · answered by gotspeed7883 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
you should go ahead and change it again, especially if your in a cold area now. The thicker oil takes longer to warm up and lubricatre properly, which can cause engine damage.
2007-12-02 14:20:17 · answer #8 · answered by brianwv64 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋