had an interesting conversation with a friend not too long ago, was wondering what you guys would think?


does the thickness of the oil act differently in different weather conditions? like, say i had 10w-30. would a lighter oil, like 5w, be more efficient during the summer, thinking maybe a thicker oil, such as 15w, be too sticky in hotter conditions, or the lighter oil have a harder time properly lubeing or friction prevention in colder weather?

need to get an oil change, was wondering if i should consider anything besides standard 10w for the colder weather conditions approaching. the highs this week are in the 40s, lows in the 20s. it will get colder than this im sure, and at the same time, in the summer, it hits usually 100-105 during the peak temp hours.

 

Generally What I have been taught it to keep heavier oil in during the summer months and lighter oil in during the cold season. The thinner oil helps a ton during Very cold start up.

 

For UK/northern European year-round conditions I use a fully synthetic 0W/40 grade.

As ever, Tech is spot on. The winter rating (the 0W part) shows how "thin" the oil is i.e. how cold the ambient temperature can go before the oil doesn't run as it should. The summer rating (e.g. 40) gives the upper ambient temperature range in which the oil will continue to stay thick enough to protect against friction - engine wear/heat build-up.

See https://www.burtonpower.com/technical/tt_lube.html for a better explanation than I can give here!

BB

 

Cool site BB...

I go with what the owners manual reccomends.

 

Glad you found the site interesting. The mystery of oil grades etc. uncovered, eh?!!!

I always view the manufacturer's spec as being a minimum quality/properties standard required & like you, I would never knowingly use an inferior part or product.

Regards.

BB