Synthetic 5w30 For Summer?

[Sveivo]

Is anyone running 5w30 during the warm summer months? I know my manual says 10w30 for anything over 98F, but with synthetic is it overkill?

I know cars running 5w20 in the summer and are fine.

(wink)

[SocialStealth]

Is anyone running 5w30 during the warm summer months? I know my manual says 10w30 for anything over 98F, but with synthetic is it overkill?

I know cars running 5w20 in the summer and are fine.

(wink)

I know cars running Jesus christ's piss and they're fine.

But I would also like to know this. As I haven't heard of a 10w30 pensoil platinum? and thats what I'm planning on starting to use (if walmart sells it that is)

5w30 is for winter and 10w30 is for summer, right?

[Sveivo]

I know cars running Jesus christ's piss and they're fine.

Lol. I saw that thread.

5w30 is for winter and 10w30 is for summer, right?
Correct, but what is the difference really? At operating temp both oils are the same. 5w30 is thinner at startup. I guess I'm missing the significance of switching between these grades.

I think that maybe for dino oil this is true, but for synthetic? The difference is marginal--I am willing to bet.

Edit: I know my car is 2002 and I heard that the 2003 manual only states 5w30 (year round), can someone confirm?

[SocialStealth]

Edit: I know my car is 2002 and I heard that the 2003 manual only states 5w30 (year round), can someone confirm?

I'm also an 02 owner. I think we're going to have to wait for some more people to wake up for the answer (coffee)

[Sveivo]

I'm also an 02 owner. I think we're going to have to wait for some more people to wake up for the answer (coffee)

I too will be eagerly awaiting an answer. ;)

[RockerPro5]

I've got an '02, been running 5w30 synthetic all year round, no problems whatsoever, the manual specifies 5w30 for some temp range, and 10w30 specifies for above freezing, but the 5w30 overlaps, so I just keep it consistent.

[Wagonbacker9]

i run 5W in the MSP in the winter as it gets pressure to the turbo in cold weather faster... lighter oil is better for cold starts.... 10W is my summer oil as when its warmer, the 10W gives better protection. honestly, unless you're in extreme temps, either oil is fine.

[poison]

No need to switch to a 10w for the summer.

[ucMP3]

I'm with Wagon & Poison (for once lol :D) 5w-30 is good all year round for our cars. You can switch to 10w for the summer if you want but it's really not important that you do. I personally do use 10w-30 in the summer. It's more important that you use a quality oil.

[Sveivo]

That's cool, I guess I'll keep the 5w30 in there, since I just got the oil change. It's been hovering around 90F for ambient temp, so it's hot but not too hot.

I'm running Mobil1, BTW, that ought to do teh job.

[poison]

I have a different question: is the 5/10-30 recommendation the same for our cars on every continent, or does it vary?

Here's where I'm going: My previous car was a Subaru. Subaru of America specifies a 5-30w oil in the IMpreza. But in the EU or Asia, the same car calls for a 5/10-40, or even 15-50. Turns out the 5-40 is ideal for normal driving conditions, heavier for heavy duty, but the 5-30 recommendation is for CAFE requirements in the US.

So would a heavier oil work better, or is the 30w recommendation indeed ideal?

[Wagonbacker9]

yeah, you'll be OK, if you know it won't get cold before your next change, you can use 10W, but... honestly, I think either oil works fine...

[Wagonbacker9]

I have a different question: is the 5/10-30 recommendation the same for our cars on every continent, or does it vary?

Here's where I'm going: My previous car was a Subaru. Subaru of America specifies a 5-30w oil in the IMpreza. But in the EU or Asia, the same car calls for a 5/10-40, or even 15-50. Turns out the 5-40 is ideal for normal driving conditions, heavier for heavy duty, but the 5-30 recommendation is for CAFE requirements in the US.

So would a heavier oil work better, or is the 30w recommendation indeed ideal?

more than likely they went with a lighter oil in the US for mileage... sadly enough...

[Sveivo]

I have a different question: is the 5/10-30 recommendation the same for our cars on every continent, or does it vary?

Here's where I'm going: My previous car was a Subaru. Subaru of America specifies a 5-30w oil in the IMpreza. But in the EU or Asia, the same car calls for a 5/10-40, or even 15-50. Turns out the 5-40 is ideal for normal driving conditions, heavier for heavy duty, but the 5-30 recommendation is for CAFE requirements in the US.

So would a heavier oil work better, or is the 30w recommendation indeed ideal?

That's a good question. I read a discussion on this topic on a Corvette forum. Basically it comes down to monitoring your oil temp as well as performing oil analyses to determine the optimal weight. But I can't actually answer your question. ;)