I'm in Fresno and I run a 10W30. That's what's recommended by Ford as per my owners manual... Yes, I still have the owners manual... lolI've been running 10-30w mobil 1 synthetic in my mustang since I've owned it but I'm wondering what does everyone else run? My chilton books says engine oil viscosity depends on operating temperature range. Well I live in the Sacramento, CA area and in the summers we reach temps of ~100-110 F and the lowest in winter we normally see is around 30. Should I be running a thicker viscosity oil? What are the difference in oils? Any benefits of running a thicker oil compared to lighter?
Oil viscosity is rated as such. The first number is the viscosity at normal operating temperatures. (The 10 in 10W-30). The second number is the viscosity when it is cold, hence the 'W' for winter.
A vehicle's oil has to be thick, but not too thick. It is important that in the winter, the oil be thin enough to allow for the engine to start. But when the engine is warm, the oil must be thick enough to lubricate properly. That's where the numbers come into play.
Neither number corresponds to an actual 'weight,' even though that is the term most people use when referring to motor oil. The viscosity (flow resistance) is tested by allowing a small amount of oil to flow through an aperture. The quicker the oil flows, the lower the rating numbers.
The first number rates the viscosity of the oil at a temperature of 0 degrees F, mimicking cold winter weather, which is why the 'W' designation is added at the end of the first number. The second number repeats the test at 210 degrees F., or normal operating temperature for a fully-warmed engine.
The 'W' rating can be 5, 10, 15 or {20;} lower numbers mean the oil is thinner in cold temperatures, necessary for icy climates. The second number rating (meant to represent normal operating temperature of an engine) can be 20, 30, 40 or 50. Warm-weather spots usually require oil in the upper end of that range that can handle extreme heat.
should you use the same viscosity oil in a brand new engine as you would in one with high mileage?
also, for an older car with upwards of 100K miles on it, is it OK to switch to synthetic?
i will be changing the oil in my wife's cabrio soon and it has 90K miles. i'm just wondering if i can safely use synthetic, and if i should use the recommended viscosity or something a little thicker (or thinner) because of the age of the engine ...
I'm pretty sure that the whole can't switch to synthetic after a certain amount of miles is a myth. I'm switching my daily driver(96k) and my fiances vehicle(112k) to synthetic just because I'm lazy and can go longer without oil changes. If they both blow up i'll let you know.. lol
I was at the store today and I thought about using royal purple but I just couldn't justify paying 9.00 a quart for it. Especially when Mobil 1 synthetic is half of that and I've never had any issues with it.
It was my understanding that it wasnt about anything blowing up. Its about the rubber seals swelling due to dino oil and then going back to their regular size with synthetic.....so the "myth" was that if u switch with high mileage that you will get oil leaks.
Cant hurt to try.
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