Safe to run 5w-30 oil?

[NON-VTEC]

Hey guys about to do an oil change tommarow I'm wondering if there is any reason I can't run 8w-30 instead of the o-20 it calls for thanks let me know

[Sargy]

A reason why you cant? Because Thread:

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7443

I HOPE this helps. Good luck.

[Porsche]

Originally Posted by NON-VTEC

Safe to run 5w-30?

Yes.

It’s what I used at my first oil change, and what I’ll likely use for the duration of my ownership.

The Subaru Owner’s Manual RECOMMENDS a heavier oil for harder use. “An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions.” (Higher in this case means heavier than 0w-20.)

The original factory fill is synthetic and Subaru calls for synthetic oils.

[Tt3Sheppard]

Well I guess the question is answered. All those oil threads discuss different oils but none of them actually have a real answer/confirmed chart of safe to use oil weights

[NON-VTEC]

ok thanks guys appreciate it

[GNS]

Originally Posted by Porsche

Yes.

It’s what I used at my first oil change, and what I’ll likely use for the duration of my ownership.

The Subaru Owner’s Manual RECOMMENDS a heavier oil for harder use. “An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions.” (Higher in this case means heavier than 0w-20.)

The original factory fill is synthetic and Subaru calls for synthetic oils.

Also keep in mind that what you may consider to be 'normal driving' is actually 'severe driving' in manufacturer-speak, such as short trips, bumper to bumper driving, driving where there is snow, rain, dust, etc. In other words, lab conditions are normal conditions. Real world driving conditions are severe conditions.

IMO, the 20 weight oils are only there for CAFE requirements, and not necessarily for the protection of your engine.

[zc06_kisstherain]

i am still undecided whether i should use stick with 0w-20 or 5w-30

[Xdragonxb0i]

[QUOTE=zc06_kisstherain;721183]i am still undecided whether i should use stick with 0w-20 or 5w-30[/Qoute]]

Same here, I think I fall under severe abuse. I take my car on really short trips less then 5 miles. Most of the time the engine isn't even warm when I turn it off

[ayau]

Stick to the lower viscosity oil (0w-20). Initial startup is what kills the engine because the oil is too thick. This is especially true in the colder states.

I wouldn't switch to 5w-30 unless you track the car heavily.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/motor-oil-101/

[NON-VTEC]

well probably run 5-30

[ayau]

[quote=Xdragonxb0i;721196]

Originally Posted by zc06_kisstherain

i am still undecided whether i should use stick with 0w-20 or 5w-30[/Qoute]]

Same here, I think I fall under severe abuse. I take my car on really short trips less then 5 miles. Most of the time the engine isn't even warm when I turn it off

You should be using thinner oil if your car engine isn't reaching normal operating temperature. As oil heats up, it becomes thinner. When it's cold, it's thicker. This means there won't be enough lubrication for the engine.

[ZDan]

If you are in a warm environment and spend time in bumper-to-bumper traffic, or if you track the car, you *might* consider 5W30 synthetic as mitigation against high oil temps. Otherwise, no reason to deviate from factory spec.

[Ryan86]

Toyota South Africa have specified fully synthetic Diesel engine oil, 5w30 for our climate.

[Tt3Sheppard]

0w20 for winter 5w30 for summer