is 5-50W synthetic oil too thick?
02-21-2002, 04:42 PM
#2
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I would say so...
From what I've read up on synthetics. Basically the higher weight oil is to fight breakdown. Sythetics are much much more prone to this breakdown so the extra thickness is uneccessary and can even cause premature engine wear.
If you must use 5w-40 or 0w-40. I use 5w-30, however I may switch to 0w-30. The 5W pumps at something like 50 below zero so I feel comfortable with it.
If you must use 5w-40 or 0w-40. I use 5w-30, however I may switch to 0w-30. The 5W pumps at something like 50 below zero so I feel comfortable with it.
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02-21-2002, 05:16 PM
#10
AudiWorld Expert
I thought that thickness was represented by the first number (before w)...
so, the lower the first number, the less thick the oil, and the better for very low starting temperatures.
The second number refers to how much protection the oil offers at extremely high operating temperatures. Hence, you if wanted to, you should use a higher number in the Summer (like 40), but you'll be OK with a lower number in Winter (like 30).
However, the larger the gap between the two numbers (like 0w40), the more polymer additives in the oil, which is not a good thing for the engine. So, you should choose an oil grade which has the smallest gap (like 5w30), yet still offers enough protection for the conditions you drive in.
That said, my manual recommends 0w30, regardless of season. However, I've heard some people putting in 0w40 to protect the engine better if they drive the car at very high speeds for long periods of time (that would probably only apply to German Autobahn though).
Anyway, that's what I've read, and that's my understanding.
Here's another long read on oils:<ul><li><a href="http://www.mr2.com/TEXT/OilFacts.txt">Oil Facts</a></li></ul>
The second number refers to how much protection the oil offers at extremely high operating temperatures. Hence, you if wanted to, you should use a higher number in the Summer (like 40), but you'll be OK with a lower number in Winter (like 30).
However, the larger the gap between the two numbers (like 0w40), the more polymer additives in the oil, which is not a good thing for the engine. So, you should choose an oil grade which has the smallest gap (like 5w30), yet still offers enough protection for the conditions you drive in.
That said, my manual recommends 0w30, regardless of season. However, I've heard some people putting in 0w40 to protect the engine better if they drive the car at very high speeds for long periods of time (that would probably only apply to German Autobahn though).
Anyway, that's what I've read, and that's my understanding.
Here's another long read on oils:<ul><li><a href="http://www.mr2.com/TEXT/OilFacts.txt">Oil Facts</a></li></ul>