What type of oil to use for Winter

[06Escalade]

0w does not necessarily mean thinner, learned that on another oil forum. For example M1 5w30 is actually thinner than M1 0w30 until you reach -20F. Only then does 0w30 makes sense. So for most conditions a 5w30 is just fine, maybe better.

 

[67RS427]

I was getting low oil pressure from my stock bottom end with 150k miles. I switched to 10w40 and will probably run it all winter here in Michigan. Oil pressure is great now and will hopefully save my engine until my 416 short block is ready...

 

[cekkk]

We lived at 9,000 ft elevation for many years and many cars and trucks. Just run the grade your car's owner's manual shows at the temperatures it shows. 0W, 5W, 10W talk less important than manufacturer's advice.

 

[ladorn45]

Okay thanks everyone for all your advice. Last question what are your thoughts on oil extractors. I Like the idea since I live in a apt complex and park my car in the parking lot. It seems like it will make it alot easier to change my oil. Are they anygood?

 

[BeenChevy]

They're the best invention known to people who know about changing oil.. I never looked back and it makes the job a hell of a lot easier. I think mine is called a "No mess" system.

 

[D is for DENALI]

I use Mobil 1 5 30 synthetic...

Last change I used 0 30 because it was on sale, but now i have a cold start benign piston slap(almost sounds like a lifter tick, but its not) till the motor warms up a little.. so next change im going back to 5 30 and never leaving...

 

[BeenChevy]

One you have the slap, you'll notice it for the life of the piston skirts Doesn't cause any real harm or performance issues but yeah 0w-30 isn't recommended.

 

[Matahoe]

So basically it all comes down to what we have always been told...

The 5W in 5W30 represents the starting viscocity of the oil. The colder your engine is the more need for oil to reach vital engine parts quicker. The 30 weight part represent viscosity at full engine operating temp (approx. 210F). All 30 weight oils for example (0w30, 5w30,10w30, etc) all have the same viscosity at full engine temp.

The benefits of a low winter weight oil only serves to provide quicker starting and reduce startup wear in colder temps. That pretty much sums it up. Theoretically if you want to achieve additional protection between moving parts then you would need to step up to a 40 or 50 weight oil like 15W-50. But I would only do this in a warm climate. Additionally oil weights higher than 30 are not recomended by GM.

 

[SnowDrifter]

I use 0w30 M1 ESP year-round. Has favorable viscosity characteristics and HTHS

 

[ladorn45]

Anyone ever use Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage. Only ask cause they have 5 quarts for 10 bucks