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The wider the viscosity range, the more additives they have to use to extend the range. Theoretically the narrower viscosity range oil will hold up better and you potentially will burn less oil if your engine burns oil.
That's why a small engine (lawn mower, power washer) typically recommend a straight 30w oil and not 5 or 10w unless your running that engine in colder climate. It's more stout, and those small engines beat up engine oil.
The wider the viscosity range, the more additives they have to use to extend the range.
That's true, but not an issue unless you're really pushing OCIs, AND there's a huge difference, like with a 5/50 oil. Since you need to change your oil at or below the maximum recommended OCI, it's not an issue with 0/30 (or even 0/40, which Porsche have used for years), and it's extensively documented, so don't take my word for it. Oh, and if an engine consumes oil with a 0/xx oil, the oil is not your problem .
Originally Posted by Threeper88
So what's the drawback or tradeoff? Why not call for a 0-xx to begin with?
That's exactly what auto manufacturers are starting to recommend. Porsche started the trend with 0/40 a while back. And yes, the EPA is pushing for that too, but that's probably the only thing I agree with them. Ha ha. Quicker lubrication when oil is cold is always better for an engine. And yes, 0/30 is an approved substitute for 5/30 for the 3.5EB... as long as it's certified with Ford's spec, and M1 0/30 is.
If you live in really hot climes, then you are better with the 5W than the 0, but I don't think the OP lives in Saudi Arabia.
This is a myth. At ambient temperatures, both the 0w and the 5w are too thick to effectively lubricate. There is no advantage to using a higher "first number" in a hotter clime.
This is a myth. At ambient temperatures, both the 0w and the 5w are too thick to effectively lubricate. There is no advantage to using a higher "first number" in a hotter clime.
Not referring to any Myth. JMO but when it is 120 degrees outside, the 5w will have better cling properties than the 0w. In cold the 0 flows easier than the 5, but when it is really hot, the 0 may be too thin to provide adequate first startup protection, especially it the engine has sat for a few days during a heat wave. The higher number doesn't really kick in until 212* is reached. With all the issues of timing chains, and tensioners draining down, I would want a slightly thicker oil when it is Sahara hot out.
It may be Africa hot outside, but it's still too cold inside your engine for your oil to effectively lubricate at 120. The idea that heavier oil will provide start up protection is the myth I'm referring to, but you do you. I just wouldn't want others thinking they're protecting their engine by running 5w- in place of 0w. Or at least, they'll know there's a difference of opinion on the matter. Cheers!
Unless one wants to talk about centipoise viscosity at either -30°C or -35°C, there is little difference between 0W and 5W. Both have the same minimum Kinematic viscosity at 40°C (100°F). See attached chart. I doubt any person can discern the difference between the two based on mere observation.
Both 0W20 and 5W20 are almost in the same spectrum. If you live in a cold region where temperatures get below -25°then 0W20 is the better option. If the weather doesn’t get that low, you can interchange the oil. However, it’s better to use the 0W in extreme weather because the engine may experience difficulties when starting if you use the 5W variant. Here are some technical facts behind 0W-20 and 5W-20 oil specifications.
Last edited by Bill Jonson; 06-24-2020 at 12:56 AM.
06-15-2019, 11:49 PM
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