5-30W in place of 5-20W???
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Lunk
Platinum Member
Just do not tell the Dealer you're using the wrong oil viscosity if you experience engine trouble under warranty. The manufacturers spec it for a reason, and depending upon dealer, they may take issue with a warranty claim...
DieselPower
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You mean mileage INCREASE don't you? The lighter the viscosity the less resistance there is within the lubricating system and hence a increase in fuel economy. It's not usually noticable to the average driver.
My question would be what is the reason to go to a lighter viscosity? Planning on some extreme cold driving? If not I would just stick with the 5W30 which your engine was designed for.
My question would be what is the reason to go to a lighter viscosity? Planning on some extreme cold driving? If not I would just stick with the 5W30 which your engine was designed for.
irwin
Veteran Member
(Reread the opening post DieselPower)
You're getting okay advice. Using 5W30 instead of the called for 5W20, the only issues would be engine warranty, and a very slight increase use of fuel. If you asked me at my shop I'd tell you "offically you should use what your car calls for" then I'd say "but personally I use 5W30 in my car and it calls for 5W20"
Just remember an engine designed to use 5W20 will have to work a little harder with the thicker oil in it. Very slight decrease in horsepower.
DieselPower
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Oops, must have had some reverse brain transposition going on there when I read it. So yes, decrease in economy. Otherwise I highly doubt your going to do any harm. What does your manual say? You might find it even calls for 5W30 in hot weather.
So yes, decrease in economy. Otherwise I highly doubt your going to do any harm. What does your manual say? You might find it even calls for 5W30 in hot weather.
dogtired
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Warranty can be a big issue in case of major engine problems. My son has new 2009 Pontiac Vibe and it not only calls for 5w-20 it must meet GM spec GM6094M ...I've found very few oils that meet that spec.
The Vibe mechanically is a Toyota but only Pontiac calls for oil meeting that spec, but then again Pontiac gives a lot longer powertrain warranty than Toyota.
I've read where it isn't unusual for the manufacturer to do an oil analysis if they get a chance to deny a multi kilobuck engine repair/replacement by proving one used the "wrong" oil...
Personally this is a PITA for me, I do my son's oil changes and already keep a 5w-20 on hand for my wife's car, now I have to keep a different oil for his car. But I will, it isn't worth the risk of a warranty denial if he has a major problem down the road... but thats me.
The Vibe mechanically is a Toyota but only Pontiac calls for oil meeting that spec, but then again Pontiac gives a lot longer powertrain warranty than Toyota.
I've read where it isn't unusual for the manufacturer to do an oil analysis if they get a chance to deny a multi kilobuck engine repair/replacement by proving one used the "wrong" oil...
Personally this is a PITA for me, I do my son's oil changes and already keep a 5w-20 on hand for my wife's car, now I have to keep a different oil for his car. But I will, it isn't worth the risk of a warranty denial if he has a major problem down the road... but thats me.
dogtired
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I have never met or heard of anyone who was even questioned about oil on a warranty claim.
That is so often quoted on boards without any real substantiation it isn't funny .
I'd wager that unless the oil was in the form of grease it would not even come up.
Matt_Jr
Platinum Member
I wouldn't do it. Here's why. I've had several vehicles in my shop with the complaint "excessive valve train noise". Guess what caused the louder valve noise. Customers were changing their oil with the wrong viscosity. Oil with higher viscosities will not be able to make it's way to the valve train fast enough to properly lubricate them. As oil gets older the viscosity gets higher(thicker). Now even worse is the weather is getting colder. Guess what the w30 will do on cold starts. Not as good as the w20 that's for sure. Will you notice louder valve train noise right away. Not likely. First the hydraulic lifters start to calapse due to oil starvation. Next the Lifters start hammering on pushrod/valve depending on the kind of car/truck you've got. Next comes the wear that makes it all get louder. Wouldn't hurt if just topping off but changing the oil with the wrong kind is not a good idea with the tolerances of today's engines. Advise is free. Engines aren't though.
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