i know almost all you been to advance or autozone. well being in school i have a part time there. today the most experienced parts manager in the building and life experienced stepped in on me while suggesting a 10w-30 oil to a customer because of our warm climate here south florida.
Now anyone correct me if i am wrong.....The W stands for "winter" correct? as i have read on valvoline.com...numerous places across web....are they wrong? well in addition to that, he also insited that the customer needs to use 5w-30 here. I said he "can" use that but doesnt "need" that..i mentioned how 530 is better for cold protection, and 1030 works fine in the heat down here and still in cold up to 0 degree!...also correct me if im wrong.. i love to learn new things (doesent look like he wants to thou)
he said that 5 30 should be used no matter what because it doesnt matter on the climate it matters that that all engines are cold when you start them,
true but the oil is not as cold in florida 80 degree weather as in maine 15 degree weather....
post some input people what you think

 

i high lighted my two favorite parts ...

you didnt mention what car / engine .. it makes a difference.

the right "official" answer is "use what the manufacturer recommends and dont risk voiding the warranty"

the un-official answer, after the warranty is: use 10-30 fall to spring except in snow country then go 5-30, then 20-50 summer.
if its a high mileage (200,000+ miles) engine, using straight 40w plus a bottle of "honey" may be helpful.



.

 

right, it was a 2004 volvo 40k mi 6 cyl. he did go with 5-30. Thats what was in manual. but if all cars were meant to use 5-30 all thie time whats the point of making all other oil weights..different oil different conditions different cars. a lot of people on older cars like 95 and older been using 20-50 and the hott rodders. but true always go with manual. but i dont think his actions were right to say use 5 30 all time sound right?

 

that Volvo is probably in warranty. Yes, follow the manual, 12 months of the year and for the next 150,000 miles.

Unless you live outside of the lower 48, race it, or has 150,000+ miles, go with the manual. Going with the manual reqs of oil, is making most all these engines go hundreds of thousands of miles without issues.


.


.