So i Was suggested to use 15w-40w mobil 1 synthetic oil but I Was also Was told 10w-40w will work too. Any suggestions which to use? I live in Georgia in the U.S
I vote 5w30, Mobil 1 extended, for long drain intervals with no significant compromise to the engine, lower costs, and greater environmental friendliness due to substantially reduced wastage.
Would really have preferred 5w40, 30 weight oil might not seal the piston rings well enough and there might be a loss of power, but Mobil1 EP does not seem to have that weight. There are other brands with 5w40 oils. See how your car feels after the change and decide which to keep.
What is your mileage on your engine ? If it is very high, you may benefit by an even thicker weight oil such as a 50 weight. Better sealing of the piston rings, creating greater compression and thus more power/responsiveness/fuel economy. However, I'm not sure if there is such a thing as a 5w50 oil out there...
Opinions on motor oil are many and varied. In depth discussions can be found by searching BITOG, Bob is the Oil Guy forums, weeks of reading to make your head spin
My opinion is that you can not choose a multigrade oil that is too thin. I run M1 0w-40 euro formula in my car. It is BMW approved and cheap at wally world.
Most engine wear occurs at cold start up. The thicker the oil, the less flow at cold start up. That is what you should protect against. The higher number in the multigrade oil is hot protection and 40 is more than enough unless you are racing the car on a track.
I choose to take advantage of the newer oil technology vs. the old school of though that would reccomend you run a thick oil. Porsche, MB, BMW all reccomend the 0w-40 oil but, maybe they just don't know what they are talking about
You can't go wrong though with 5w40 or 0w40. If you have a high mileage engine, going for a 5w50 or 10w50 oil may improve compression over additional friction losses, such that you get a better drive and fuel economy. However, you should go for 5w or 0w oil if you intend to experience worse than -20 degrees c where you live.
Here is the update version. Remember forum opinions depend upon there specific vehicle and driving location and what was previously used in the vehicle. My only long term deviation with the BMW is to go with a heavier weight oil. E.g. 10W to 20W. If you currently have a mineral weight you will probably keep it that way.
As shown on the figure for outside temperatures - my Florida car requires 15W-40. Which is only sold as a diesel here. So since the car turned 20, I went from high mileage 10W-30 to 20W-50 as per original manual.
Use what the handbook says. The additives used now days have improved so you will get advantages compared with the 'old' mix.
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