5W30 vs 10W30

Comment #18

justxploring — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 23:33:19 GMT

Well, I had another short panic attack. But I figured it out. The warning light for maintenance wash flashing and wouldn't go off. I think I was able to reset it...pretty simple actually. I had my last oil change at the dealership at about 23K miles and I have 27, 700 and the manual says that's when it will begin to flash. So I guess it was just a coincidence that it happened right after I had the service performed.

Comment #17

JAP69 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 19:54:13 GMT

I can remember the 10 and 30 weights changing from summer to winter. When I use to have a car that started to burn oil I use to put 40 weight in it. Along with ring seal additives.<br

Comment #16

justxploring — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 17:03:15 GMT

Climate Considerations Owner's manuals and service manuals will specify the acceptable oil to use at various temperatures. In warm climates, 10W30 is usually an acceptable alternative to the preferred 5W30 and may be used without measurable adverse effects. In the olden days, before multi-weight oils, it was common to have a winter oil and a summer oil. This is no longer necessary, but if you normally use 10W30 because you live in a warm climate then be sure to switch to 5W30 if you p... [ More ]

Comment #15

Rick G — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 15:13:37 GMT

My vote is 5W30 for engines under 75K miles and 10W30 for those older. It's not a good idea to use synthetic oil unless your engine has started and stayed with it during its lifetime. Don't worry about the "bulk oil" label. Ask what brand they use and if you've seen it on the side of a NASCAR racer you know its OK.... ;)

Comment #14

justxploring — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 09:13:47 GMT

Jarasan, I agree that maintenance is important. My dealer said every 5,000 miles is fine. After this last oil change, however, I will probably go back to Tire Kingdom in 3,000 or less. I also have a Gift Cert for an oil change with "bulk oil" so I'll ask if it costs more for 5W30 or a brand name. I know they sell Pennzoil at Tire Kingdom. That said, True Critic makes a valid point. I think it might be like buying generic Tylenol or Advil. Many people don't notice a difference and say... [ More ]

Comment #13

truecritic — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 04:49:06 GMT

SAE is important. Look at some quarts of oil. You will see SAE specs normally on the top of the can. Most oils have the same specs - but some don't. Each combination of letters on top of the can represent a certain spec. Many people aren't too fussy about 5w or 10w but they do insist on certain brands of oil. In reality, if they compared the SAE specs, the brand itself wouldn't be too important. They can use any brand(s) that had the same specs.... [ More ]

Comment #12

pacattack05 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 02:35:19 GMT

Maybe too much....lol

Comment #11

pacattack05 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 02:27:58 GMT

You are a woman with variant views. I respect this.

Comment #10

pacattack05 — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 02:19:03 GMT

WD40? Pac, at least you didn't suggest KY-Jelly. Should I have?...lol Atleast we know where it's made...lol....In Kentucky...lol

Comment #9

jarasan — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 00:47:11 GMT

The key is changing your oil regularly, the engine oil becomes contaminated that is why it needs to be changed regularly because the contaminants affect the oil's ability to lubricate properly. I have a Toyota 4runner it has 177K miles on it, it has had regular oil/filter changes every 3k to 5k miles since I've owned it, and it has had either 5W30 and 10W30 in it the whole time no problems. You have to remember that with every successive oil change the old oil is never 100% removed, there is always a little of the prevoius oil left in the engine no matter what, so you actually have remnants from the original oil that the engine came with when it was off the assembly line. I love my Toyota, it is my second, the first made it to 155K and people were fighting over it to buy it when I sold it to get the current one. I think my last one a 1984 4X4 is in Paraguay or Nicaragua.... [ More ]

Comment #8

justxploring — Sun, 29 Jul 2007 00:42:15 GMT

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Comment #7

justxploring — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 23:02:47 GMT

Dear Tom and Ray: My husband and I disagree about what grade of oil to use in his '99 Explorer. He refuses to take his car anywhere other than the Ford dealer because he gets mad when he sees others use 10W30, when the owner's manual calls for 5W30. It seems that everybody uses 10W30 at the non-Ford dealerships. I guess I should also mention that we live in Texas and don't get the cold winters that people get up North. But my husband claims that there HAS to be a reason other than te... [ More ]

Comment #6

justxploring — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 22:47:29 GMT

WD40? Pac, at least you didn't suggest KY-Jelly.

Comment #5

justxploring — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 22:32:35 GMT

Comment #4

four4me — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 22:31:27 GMT

10w30 is fine for the summer time

Comment #3

pacattack05 — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 22:27:50 GMT

I use WD40, it works just fine.

Comment #2

justxploring — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 22:22:35 GMT

Thanks, JAP69, but that is my point. According to the Owners Manual, 10W30 is not recommended and this is what Tire Kingdom used. So maybe the more expensive oil change at the dealer is worth it if they use a better product. At least I won't have to worry about warranty problems later on.

Comment #1

JAP69 — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 21:56:21 GMT

Yes mobil 1 is more expensive about 6 or 7 dollars a guart. bulk oil I think would mean is that they buy it in 50 gallon barrels. If you are within your manuals recomendations I would think you are good to go.

Original Blog Entry: 5W30 vs 10W30

justxploring — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 21:13:48 GMT