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what would happen if I used 5W-40 synthetic oil instead of 0W-40? I live in south east Texas so the temp seldom gets below freezing. would it void my warranty?
There would have to be something seriously wrong with the engine that required warranty work where the dealer or factory analyzed your oil to void the warranty, but why even give them a chance? The M1 0W-40 ESP (Supercar) oil was designed for your engine.
what would happen if I used 5W-40 synthetic oil instead of 0W-40? I live in south east Texas so the temp seldom gets below freezing. would it void my warranty?
Nothing would happen. They are both 40wt oils. The 0W flows about the same as a straight 0W oil when temperature is below freezing and you first start the car in the morning. The 5W will be SLIGHTLY thicker when its cold. The "W" stands for "WINTER", not weight. A single weight, straight 40wt oil wouldn't flow very well at cold temperatures when first starting the car, but Zby using additives the chemists can manipulate a 40 weight to flow like a straight 0 or 5 weight oil when it is very cold. By the time the oil is warm and circulating in your engine, there will be no difference with pressure between a straight 40 wt, a 0w-40 and a 5w-40. The additive package might be different but that isn't necessarily related to oil weight.
Last edited by d16dcoe45; Jun 12, 2023 at 03:28 AM.
what would happen if I used 5W-40 synthetic oil instead of 0W-40? I live in south east Texas so the temp seldom gets below freezing. would it void my warranty?
A Anywhere above negative 22 degrees Celsius those two oils would behave identically (within the same viscosity range).
That said I'd still choose a dexos 2 oil. I may have known someone that used Ravenol RUP...
There would have to be something seriously wrong with the engine that required warranty work where the dealer or factory analyzed your oil to void the warranty, but why even give them a chance? The M1 0W-40 ESP (Supercar) oil was designed for your engine.
Because it's not that easy to find in rural areas. Right now Amazon is about what I'm resorting to. Dexos I can find: Dexos 2, not so much.
I have no particular knowledge about whether or not 5W-40 would actually cause any problem with the engine, but it may result in denial of a warranty claim if a problem develops.
If you do not use the correct oil, and then you have an engine failure (such as a lifter failure), GM may determine that it was caused by use of the incorrect motor oil. This could happen regardless of whether or not it was actually caused by the motor oil. It would be up to you to challenge the decision.
You've probably read the Owner and Warranty manuals - they contained carefully worded statements that "damage caused by". So, the non-recommended oil does not instantly result in denial of a warranty claim. But it can if GM determines that it was the cause.
The track preparation guide allows for use of a different oil, as follows: " 15W-50 full
synthetic engine oil may also be used for track use, but after track use must be changed back to
0W-40 dexos2 for street use." I should add - this quote came from the 2023 Track Prep Guide - and still says change it back to dexos2. But the of course the Owners Manual for 2023 calls for 0W-40 dexosR. So the Track Prep Guide has not caught up with that change.
Last edited by Andybump; Jun 12, 2023 at 09:34 AM.
Seems unlikely that GM would do an oil analysis unless the dealer found something really wrong with the appearance of the oil. I don't think a 5W vs. a 0W would be a cause for concern either functionally or warranty wise. Dexos 2/R as opposed to Dexos 1 is mainly that Dexos 2/R has much lower ash content, which is important for the European cars with particulate filters, but also helps catalytic converters last longer. Given how low mileage most Corvettes get, I'm not convinced that's much of an issue, either.
But there are multiple mail order sources for the right oil, including Walmart, Summit Racing, Speedway Motors, Jegs and more. Autozone carries it, and I suspect any auto parts store that sells Mobil 1 products can get it for you.
If you had an engine failure, GM would likely want proof that the oil was changed by you if you were not having the dealerships do it. I keep receipts showing the purchase of oil and filters and take a photo of the odometer. It is so easy to order online nowadays that I would not let that create the possibility of a warranty denial.
what would happen if I used 5W-40 synthetic oil instead of 0W-40? I live in south east Texas so the temp seldom gets below freezing. would it void my warranty?
