Switching oils

[ArKiTeCkT]

So I was thinking of running 0w-30 in the summer or warmer months and 0w-20 in the winter, both oils is from Amsoil. Is there anything wrong wtih switching back and forth?

[YourFearlessLeader]

i run 5w30 in the summer and 0w20 in the winter. motul all day every day.

[SXE10]

Nothing wrong with switching but is there any point? Does it really get hot enough to warrant the use of a heavier oil? Which of the Amsoil range where you thinking of using?

[Subie]

Originally Posted by SXE10

Nothing wrong with switching but is there any point? Does it really get hot enough to warrant the use of a heavier oil? Which of the Amsoil range where you thinking of using?

I second the above. What makes you think you have to change grades with the seasons?

[reeves]

Originally Posted by SXE10

Nothing wrong with switching but is there any point? Does it really get hot enough to warrant the use of a heavier oil? Which of the Amsoil range where you thinking of using?

What if you're constantly driving several hours at a time (no stopping) with oil temps hovering around ~225-230 F? This is what I've observed for my car when I make out of town trips.. which I do pretty frequently. I can't imagine it'll get any better once summer temps arrive.

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by ArKiTeCkT

So I was thinking of running 0w-30 in the summer or warmer months and 0w-20 in the winter, both oils is from Amsoil. Is there anything wrong wtih switching back and forth?

No.

[bluesubie]

Originally Posted by SXE10

Nothing wrong with switching but is there any point? Does it really get hot enough to warrant the use of a heavier oil? Which of the Amsoil range where you thinking of using?

I'm guessing the OP is referring to the Signature Series (non API certified) since that is the only line to have a 0W-30.

It's fine switching oil grades for summer, but I would personally go with a less volatile oil over one with a higher viscosity unless the higher viscosity oil shows lower wear over several successive used oil analyses in your application (unless you have a built motor and/or track the car).

Among the Signature Series, the 5W-20 has the lowest NOACK volatility (with the exception of the 10W-30).
SS 0W-20 = 9.3% NOACK volatility
SS 0W-30 = 7.6% NOACK
SS 5W-20 = 5.5% NOACK That's even better than any Red Line xW-20 or xW-30 oil (most non API certified oils like Amsoil Signature and Red Line have better performance specs that API certified ones).

For the API Certified XL Line, the 5W-20 has a lower NOACK than the 0W-20 and 5W-30. More info on NOACK: http://www.pqiamerica.com/noack.htm

-Dennis

[ArKiTeCkT]

Originally Posted by bluesubie

I'm guessing the OP is referring to the Signature Series (non API certified) since that is the only line to have a 0W-30.

It's fine switching oil grades for summer, but I would personally go with a less volatile oil over one with a higher viscosity unless the higher viscosity oil shows lower wear over several successive used oil analyses in your application (unless you have a built motor and/or track the car).

Among the Signature Series, the 5W-20 has the lowest NOACK volatility (with the exception of the 10W-30).
SS 0W-20 = 9.3% NOACK volatility
SS 0W-30 = 7.6% NOACK
SS 5W-20 = 5.5% NOACK That's even better than any Red Line xW-20 or xW-30 oil (most non API certified oils like Amsoil Signature and Red Line have better performance specs that API certified ones).

For the API Certified XL Line, the 5W-20 has a lower NOACK than the 0W-20 and 5W-30. More info on NOACK: http://www.pqiamerica.com/noack.htm

-Dennis

Ill stick with Amsoil 0W-30 SS. What oil are you using in your car?

[m.wood0213]

Originally Posted by Subie

I second the above. What makes you think you have to change grades with the seasons?

what about texas summers?

[Ranatsu]

Originally Posted by m.wood0213

what about texas summers?

Engine temperatures are the same regardless of where you live. Assuming your cooling system is working properly.

The oil is cooled by tranferring heat into the block and airflow over the oil pan.

Personally the only reason you need to run a higher volatility is if you are actually tracking/autox or driving the dog shit out of the car.

I live in San Antonio and I'm running 0w-20 Motul, I will probably switch back to Pennzoil Ultra when I change it.

[bluesubie]

Originally Posted by ArKiTeCkT

Ill stick with Amsoil 0W-30 SS. What oil are you using in your car?

I use Motul 300V because I get it for free from a Subaru dealer using Subaru Mastercard rewards (Subaru bucks).

I usually change my mind monthly so I might pick up some Castrol Syntec 0W-40 next and save my new Subaru bucks for some new StopTech brake pads.

-Dennis