I currently own a 2006 Hyundai Sonata LX with a 3.3 liter, 6 cylinder engine. I drive about 12,000 miles a year under normal conditions. I live in New Jersey where the temperature COULD range from zero in winter to 100 in summer. I have always used 10W30 engine oil all year long and never had a problem. I recently got a new mechanic and when I had the oil changed (in December), he put in 5W20, which I questioned. He said that 5W20 was what the manufacturer recommends in order to obtain the best mileage and this multi-weight oil can be used all year. I checked the owners manual, which said either 5W20, 5W30 or 10W30 could be used. I know that if the temperature falls into the single digits, it's better to have a 5W oil in the crankcase than a 10W. In summer, however, if temps get into the mid-upper 90's, the 5W20 oil will turn to sludge, since a 30W, or even a 40W is needed for these high temps. From what I've read, a 5W30 is best for winter and a 10W30 is best for summer. Am I correct?
2007-12-28 05:22:52 · 8 answers · asked by Alan B 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
yes
2008-01-04 22:12:30 · answer #1 · answered by mackie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have very good reasoning but you're letting your mind over work itself.
Lower viscosity motor oil (5W-20-5W30) pumps to critical engine parts quicker in any weather. That's precisely where 80% of engine wear occurs, cold startups. The above viscositys cool your internal engine parts faster and more efficiently. Light weight oil adsorbs heat more efficiently and cools faster once it's in the oil pan.
The mechanic is correct, you will get better mileage. All internal engine clearances in your motor have been fitted closer for lower viscosity oil. Higher viscoty oil makes your oil pump work much harder and you actually loose horsepower.
I have a friend who's living is building racing engines for asphalt and dirt modified race cars. He's verified the fact that lighter weight oils create more horsepower.
I live in Up State NY and we see wider temperature swings than you.
If you really want to put your mind at rest use Mobil1 full synthetic 5W-20 or 5W-30 and change it @ 5,000 mile intervals. I've used 5w-30 in our 04 Toyota Camry and inside the valve cover looks like a surgical operating room.
If you care to get a better feel about oil viscosity and performance go to: Joe Gibbs Racing Oil. Read the viscosities they use to break in the motors on the engine dynamometers, qualifying, restrictor plate racing and when the suffocating restrictor plates are not used. After reading what they say I'll guaranty you'll be shocked!
2007-12-28 06:09:31 · answer #2 · answered by Country Boy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The maker of your car knows what's best for it. I would follow the recommendations in the owners manual. The newer cars have smaller clearances for oil between the crank and the bearings, if you use an oil thats too thick it won't get in there and cause you to burn a bearing on the crank, which would mean a new engine. Follow the weight recommendations for the temperature ranges and you'll be ok. Also you may consider a synthetic motor oil like Mobile 1.
2007-12-28 05:35:17 · answer #3 · answered by larryhuckabee 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Do what the manual says. The engineers at the Car Company did their research and posted on the Owner's Manual. You can not go wrong with that.
Some manuals depending who wrote them, it has a Temp scale that shows when to use certain weights. Usually are 2 types of oil weight. One for Artic and one for temperate to hot weather. It might have 3 choices depending your area.
Call the local dealer's service dept in case there is a change or recommendations.
2007-12-28 05:26:07 · answer #4 · answered by spammer 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
persist with what you have been using. The engine has survived subsequently a approaches. Spending money on man made blends has no earnings. If the engine grow to be extra recent i could say confident. the owner's instruction manual could have a instruction manual that can assist you you in choosing the terrific mixture, counting on the ambience the automobile is working in. you additionally can get right of entry to this innovations on a information superhighway website which includes Exxon, Chevron, etc. »»»
2016-11-25 22:53:19 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I run Amsoil 0W-30 synthetic year round in Florida. It pours to -60 F but also protects in high temps and has lower 4-ball wear test results than other higher viscosity oils: http://www.amsoil.com/redirect.cgi?zo=1463115&page=StoreFront/sso
Good luck
2008-01-01 10:54:02 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Look on the oil filler cap and put what it says in your car, it's probably 5/30
2007-12-28 05:28:16 · answer #7 · answered by loonatic72 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
you are correct, 10w30 better for summmer
5w20 better for colder temps
2007-12-28 05:32:00 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋