So I know there has been tons of discussion about the merits of different brands, types and weights of motor oil but this question is a little different:

What do you think about using 0W-20 or perhaps a mix of 0W-20 and 5W-20 Mobil 1 in the winter?

My thinking is that the 0W would help with cold start-up, since that is (alegedly) where most of the wear happens; and the operating temperature performance should be no different since the factory spec is 5W-20. Also I'm thinking that the Mobil 1 synthetic is a good choice though I know it is not the "best"

I am in Massachusetts where morning temperatures are typically in the 20's (F) but sometimes down in the single digits. My car lives outside and it is my daily driver. (yes I know that is a shame but that is a different conversation)

thanks for your thoughts!

 

I probably wouldn't lose sleep over it. While 0 weight seems logical, 5 weight synthetic oil is fully capable of flowing at 20F. Now if you were talking -20F, it might be something worth mulling over.

 

Waste of money. A full synthetic 5w20 will get the job done just fine.

 

That's what I was thinking. If 5w20 works, why change it.

 

Orrrr... Like me, buy a beater for 1k bucks to get u through winter and store the stang.

 

Same here. Till the beater spun a rod....

 

Check your owners manual. Ford specifys what viscosity it recommends at what temps. Simple as that.

 

0 weight oil should only be used in vehicles that are routinely cold started in ambient temperatures below -20 degrees.

If you're engine is never cold started in ambient temps below freezing, you should use a 10w weight oil.

Ford calls for a 5w20, but this is largely to help with their CAFE points and fuel economy. If you drive your car spiritedly often, step up to a full base stock synthetic 5w30 (10w30 if you're in a warmer climate).

Keep in mind, Mobile 1's 5w20 is not a full synthetic, even though they advertise it this way. It's base stock contains highly refined petroleum. If you want a pure base stock synthetic from Mobile 1 in this viscosity you'll need to purchase their 5w20 Extended Performance.

 

Boy that didn't take long.

False internet rumor by oil guy bob devotees.

 

 

yeah I knew it was coming, tried to head it off with original post . . . I am not too worried about ultimate performance since I don't drive the car very hard, especially in the winter with snow tires on.

Thanks for the input guys, I think I'm good with the 5W-20 Mobil 1, but maybe I'll go "full synthetic" for the winter.

Yeah the winter beater idea always comes up too, great idea for many people, but for me it does not work for several reasons.

 

John, just get Motorcraft 5/20 full synthetic and call it a day. That's what i used in mine at my last oil change. Difference is mine is now sleeping in a 75 degrees garage.

 

Yeah, except I'm not part of oil guy bob's site in any way shape or form. Nor do I utilize it for information.

Ford changed it's recommendation in the 4.6l mustangs from 5w30 to 5w20 in 2001 with no internal changes to those motors.

They also recommend the use of 5w30 grade motor oil in markets outside of the united states that don't have CAFE style laws.

Additionally, they recommend the use of 5w50 weight oil in the Boss302. While the motors do have changes, including some bearing tolerance changes as far as I've read, having a huge swing like that is more indicative of the type of use the engines receive. Ford EXPECTS the Boss to be rode hard and put away wet.

5w20 offers enough protection for the average user. If it didn't, Ford wouldn't have changed anything. The cost in repair and warranty bills would have exceeded it's savings with CAFE standards.

However, if you routinely utilize the car on the track or in an aggressive fashion, the added protection of a quality 5 or 10w30 can save you thousands down the road when Ford isn't picking up the tab.

 

I've said it before I'll say it again. If your premise is true, then ALL manufacturers would have used the same "trick" to eek out better CAFE mileage - not just Ford with the 4.6.

My '10 Chrysler uses the same 5w-30 that was prescribed on my '08, and the same 5w-30 that was prescribed in the first year of 2000, all the exact same 2.4l 4 banger. And lord knows it could use a bump in mileage.

You - and all the others - have never offered any proof from the manufacturer or CAFE. Nor have you proven that Ford did not make any technical changes (trade secrets) however slight, or that Ford did not conduct extensive testing to confirm longevity is not affected.

I have also stated before that all OHC's have more concern for the valve train being lubricated properly than they do for the bottom end. Most wear occurs on cold start up, and OHC's need oil up top in an instant. This ain't your grandpa's pushrod motor.

As for discussion of viscosity for track use or extreme conditions, that is completely different. The factory specifies 5w-20 for standard use based on Ford engineering data.

If the assumptions put forth by you and a few others have any basis in fact, prove it!

 

From the 1st printing US owner's guide. It's even bold in the owner's guide itself.

To protect your engine and engine’s warranty, use Motorcraft
SAE
5W-20 or an equivalent SAE 5W-20 oil meeting Ford specification
WSS-M2C930-A. SAE 5W-20 oil provides optimum fuel economy and
durability performance meeting all requirements for your
vehicle’s engine. Refer to Maintenance product specifications and
capacities later in this chapter for more information.

Here's your link. http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pub.../11musog1e.pdf

Since you conveniently overlooked my original comment that stated 5w20 is fine for the average user, I'll say it again. 5w20 was selected for fuel economy reasons, but still provides enough protection for the average user.

It's not because of the design of the engine. If the tolerances were such in the bearings or the tiVCT didn't work properly with heavier weight oils, it would specifically state that. not to mention you wouldn't see 5w50 recommended for the Boss which uses the same tiVCT mechanisms.

 

I love threads like this.... keep going guys. I really am debating which oil to use when I change it here in a month or so...

 

You beat me to it, jlmounce! Thanks!!

Deysha

 

 

hey I was first to the movie!!! I call front seat, row 12!

 

You mean middle seat?