0W-30, 0W-40, 15W-50......I'm lost

[BennyM]

Alright, recent posts say great things about 0w-40 Mobile 1. I've been using 5w-30 for winter and 15W-50 for summer. Is the 0W-40 good for hot summers too? MN summer days range from 50f to 100f. Also, when I went to Pepboys to find 0W-40, they only had 0W-30. I don't know how big a deal that missing 10 is, so I'm asking:

1. Should I even bother with the 0w-40 for summer?
and
2. If so, should I keep looking for 0w-40 or is the 0w-30 close enough?

I think others may wonder this too. Thanks in advance.

BennyM

[Tiger]

They say your local Walmart would have Mobil 1 0W40.

[Unregistered]

You can use 10w-30 (actually 5w-30 or 0w-30 would be better) for winter and 15w-50 for summer. Mobil 1 0w-40 is perfect year around and heavy enough for summer use. What I would not recommend is using any Xw-30 during the hot months (average temps above 70f) and don't use 15w-50 when the average temp is below 30f.

BTW, Pep Boys does not stock 0w-40 for some reason, try Walmart, Kragen, Checker, Autozone, etc., all should have it. You can also use Mobil 1 5w-40 SUV forumula year around. It is simply Mobil 1 Delvac in a different package.

[scott540]

I bought 0w-40 at Wal mart. Unfortunatley that was the only place that stocked around here. I hate going there. I used to buy 15w-50 at Target in Crystal MN

[Unregistered]

I bought 0w-40 at Wal mart. Unfortunatley that was the only place that stocked around here. I hate going there. I used to buy 15w-50 at Target in Crystal MN

Welcome to the Club. The only reason I ever go to Walmart is because, ironically, they have the best selection of oil at the best prices. Every time I go there, I swear it is not worth the few dollars I save. Sometimes it is the only choice.


Cary

[Unregistered]

I should also note that while it is not the best oil in the world, BMW Synthetic 5w-30 is a heavy 30 weight, almost 40 weight that is suitable for year round use. It is basically a Group III Hydrocracked Castrol Syntec with a better additive package than the over the counter syntec. For the $4.25 per quart it sells for, it is not a bad oil. I would recommend if it is available that you use the Mobil 1 0w-40 which is a Group IV PAO synthetic, but as some of found, it is not easy to find everywhere.

Cary

[BennyM]

should I stick with 15w-50 for summer? People say the 0w-40 is better overall than 15w-50 (higher flash point, better protection, high temp and low temp). Thanks for all the info, but this is really my main question.

[Tiger]

Yes... by all mean use 0W40.

[Unregistered]

should I stick with 15w-50 for summer? People say the 0w-40 is better overall than 15w-50 (higher flash point, better protection, high temp and low temp). Thanks for all the info, but this is really my main question.

You can use 15w-50 for summer, but there is no need to. I would use 0w-40 year around and not worry about it. BTW, saying an oil is better than another because of a higher flash point is like saying that car is better than another because it has wider tires. Doesn't tell you anything important. Also, 0w-40 will pump much better than 15w-50 at cold tempuratures, the only advantage the 15w-50 has is higher film strength at high temps.

Cary

[Rick L]

Better car? Wider tires? Doesn't tell you anything important? Every part (small or large) is a factor on car or oil. Wider tires mean better handling. Don't you agree? Higher flash point means higher resistant before it turns to vapor. Don't you agree?

You can use 15w-50 for summer, but there is no need to. I would use 0w-40 year around and not worry about it. BTW, saying an oil is better than another because of a higher flash point is like saying that car is better than another because it has wider tires. Doesn't tell you anything important. Also, 0w-40 will pump much better than 15w-50 at cold tempuratures, the only advantage the 15w-50 has is higher film strength at high temps.

Cary