5w vs 10w-30
Race Director
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 11,540
Likes: 115
From: Arlington TX
Re: 5w vs 10w-30 (QuickSilver2002)
The numbers can not be relied upon so much in comparing oils it is only the slope of the viscosity measured at a certain point in the whole spectrum of the oil's operation range. So both oils may be "30" at say 100 degrees C but that does not mean that both oils have the same viscosity at 120 degrees C. It is not that simple Oils curves for viscosity versus temperature are not linear that is why two different oil companies same rated oil can be so different.
10W30 definetely keeps higher pressure in my car compare to 5W30 when fully warmed up. That and it doesn't burn 10W30 like the 5W30
10W30 definetely keeps higher pressure in my car compare to 5W30 when fully warmed up. That and it doesn't burn 10W30 like the 5W30
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 2
From: Tx
Re: 5w vs 10w-30 (rgregory)
All this discussion is making me lean back towards 10w, given the fact I live in Texas where it is hot as H in the summer. Also, Costco sells a case of Mobil 1 10w-30 at a really good price.
I just wish I had not put in 5w last weekend. Anyone think mixing the two could cause any problems? I’m thinking about draining out the 5w and refilling with 10w, but not changing the filter. I should be OK since it is all Mobil 1.
Thanks for all of the great info.
:D
I just wish I had not put in 5w last weekend. Anyone think mixing the two could cause any problems? I’m thinking about draining out the 5w and refilling with 10w, but not changing the filter. I should be OK since it is all Mobil 1.
Thanks for all of the great info.
:D
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,332
Likes: 0
From: Appalachian Mtns
Re: 5w vs 10w-30 (QuickSilver2002)
:chevy Good information. I think I will switch to 10W30 to gain a bit more high temperature viscosity. Here's my reasoning (ymmv):
My vette lives in a garage that never gets below 50 in the winter and stays around 68-70 most of the summer. The oil doesn't get really cold in a garaged car, unless I park it somewhere in town in the winter for more than a few hours, which just rarely ever happens. I figure the real reason for using 5W is to prevent that shock to the engine when starting it in really cold weather, when the better freezing temperature flow viscosity more quickly coats engine parts that have been sitting outside. Then, I'm using compromise viscosity for the hottest temperatures (operating temps) which occur a few minutes after I start, even in winter! No more 05W for me!
John
02 Coupe Black-Oak, A4, 3.15, most options... :cheers:
My vette lives in a garage that never gets below 50 in the winter and stays around 68-70 most of the summer. The oil doesn't get really cold in a garaged car, unless I park it somewhere in town in the winter for more than a few hours, which just rarely ever happens. I figure the real reason for using 5W is to prevent that shock to the engine when starting it in really cold weather, when the better freezing temperature flow viscosity more quickly coats engine parts that have been sitting outside. Then, I'm using compromise viscosity for the hottest temperatures (operating temps) which occur a few minutes after I start, even in winter! No more 05W for me!
John
02 Coupe Black-Oak, A4, 3.15, most options... :cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 19,304
Likes: 85
From: San Diego CA
Re: 5w vs 10w-30 (gnosys)
According to my manual (2001):
"As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W-30 if it's going to be 0 deg. F (-18 deg. C) or above."
Now, I don't know about you, but where I come from, this statement indicates that the engineers who designed this engine would prefer that we use 5W-30. And it is highly unlikely that there is any significant high-temperature advantages if using 10W-30.
However, just to be sure, I'll call the Mobil-1 tech-help line to ask the experts.
I'll be bock!
"As shown in the viscosity chart, SAE 5W-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you can use SAE 10W-30 if it's going to be 0 deg. F (-18 deg. C) or above."
Now, I don't know about you, but where I come from, this statement indicates that the engineers who designed this engine would prefer that we use 5W-30. And it is highly unlikely that there is any significant high-temperature advantages if using 10W-30.
However, just to be sure, I'll call the Mobil-1 tech-help line to ask the experts.
I'll be bock!
