Oil Change

MaDMaXX · 03-08-2012, 02:23 PM

Both the 5w and the 10w won't make too much difference in most places, however, there are large parts of America that get much colder than both Japan and northern europe, including England.

That's the reason for the 5w, the 30 is what changes anything under normal running temperature.

I wonder if in nominal temperature areas, a synthetic (more free flowing at the same temperature and same 'weight' than conventional oil) oil at 10w instead of 5w, would sit on the top of the engine longer, aiding cold starts?

wstar · 03-08-2012, 02:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MaDMaXX

Both the 5w and the 10w won't make too much difference in most places, however, there are large parts of America that get much colder than both Japan and northern europe, including England.

I thought about that, but then again "North America" covers the southern tip of the continent too. Scandinavia might be slightly warmer than, say, Greenland or Northern Canada, but I imagine it's pretty comparable to all but the most extreme cold areas of the US.

MaDMaXX · 03-08-2012, 07:05 PM

Not sure what you're saying there, but as far as covering southern NA, it's a one size fits all statement.

wstar · 03-08-2012, 08:52 PM

Well, what I mean is: if it was really about weather, they could have subdivided things differently. North America = colder doesn't seem like a logical way to break things up given that only a small portion of North America's population is in a colder climate that parts of Europe. If this were all about temps, they could have lumped everyone in the non-NA category and told them to use the handy chart listed there (which says the 5W-X's go to somewhere below -22F, and the 10W-X's are good down to -4F).

MaDMaXX · 03-08-2012, 09:03 PM

So, we're thinking the explanation is, what?

wstar · 03-08-2012, 10:01 PM

Fuel economy / Emissions standards is my guess, but who knows?

MaDMaXX · 03-08-2012, 10:12 PM

Hmm, maybe on cold starts i guess?

I'm pretty certain it's 10w30 in England, like most stuff there, it was 10w40, but seems to h ave moved to the 30 in recent years. However, i know that typically the winters don't get as cold there, even compared to oregon.

iridefast · 04-18-2012, 01:39 PM

Not on track with the last few comments, but it is about oil :-)
Just Changed my oil at just over 5k miles. Have only used Nissan Ester on the last change at 1850 miles. I went with a K&N filter, a filter mag, magnetic drain plug and Penzoil Ultra. I only have about 30 miles on the new oil, but I am very pleased. Engine is quiter, smoother, and feels a bit stronger. The stronger may just be because its smoother, so it catches me off gaurd. Anyhow, overall, I am very pleased with the Penzoil Ultra (no esters).

03-08-2012, 08:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3595	Well, what I mean is: if it was really about weather, they could have subdivided things differently. North America = colder doesn't seem like a logical way to break things up given that only a small portion of North America's population is in a colder climate that parts of Europe. If this were all about temps, they could have lumped everyone in the non-NA category and told them to use the handy chart listed there (which says the 5W-X's go to somewhere below -22F, and the 10W-X's are good down to -4F). __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

03-08-2012, 10:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
wstar A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,024 Drives: too slow Rep Power: 3595	Fuel economy / Emissions standards is my guess, but who knows? __________________ 7AT Track Car! Journal thread / Car setup details

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03-08-2012, 02:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
MaDMaXX Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oregon from England Posts: 292 Drives: 350z Rep Power: 14	Both the 5w and the 10w won't make too much difference in most places, however, there are large parts of America that get much colder than both Japan and northern europe, including England. That's the reason for the 5w, the 30 is what changes anything under normal running temperature. I wonder if in nominal temperature areas, a synthetic (more free flowing at the same temperature and same 'weight' than conventional oil) oil at 10w instead of 5w, would sit on the top of the engine longer, aiding cold starts?

03-08-2012, 07:05 PM	#3 (permalink)
MaDMaXX Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oregon from England Posts: 292 Drives: 350z Rep Power: 14	Not sure what you're saying there, but as far as covering southern NA, it's a one size fits all statement.

03-08-2012, 09:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
MaDMaXX Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oregon from England Posts: 292 Drives: 350z Rep Power: 14	So, we're thinking the explanation is, what?

03-08-2012, 10:12 PM	#7 (permalink)
MaDMaXX Enthusiast Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Oregon from England Posts: 292 Drives: 350z Rep Power: 14	Hmm, maybe on cold starts i guess? I'm pretty certain it's 10w30 in England, like most stuff there, it was 10w40, but seems to h ave moved to the 30 in recent years. However, i know that typically the winters don't get as cold there, even compared to oregon.

04-18-2012, 01:39 PM	#8 (permalink)
iridefast Base Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Alabama Posts: 49 Drives: 2012 GTR Rep Power: 15	Not on track with the last few comments, but it is about oil :-) Just Changed my oil at just over 5k miles. Have only used Nissan Ester on the last change at 1850 miles. I went with a K&N filter, a filter mag, magnetic drain plug and Penzoil Ultra. I only have about 30 miles on the new oil, but I am very pleased. Engine is quiter, smoother, and feels a bit stronger. The stronger may just be because its smoother, so it catches me off gaurd. Anyhow, overall, I am very pleased with the Penzoil Ultra (no esters).