QuestionI went for an Oil Change (Synthetic) to Walmart yesterday and specified the OIL and FILTER that you recommended.
(really good for 30$)
Unfortunately, when I drove out I realised that instead of the 5W-30 Mobil he had put 0W-30 (from the sticker on the car).
I've got a good 5000-7000 miles to go on that.(According to sticker)
What if at all are the possible advantages/disadvantages of that ?
(I am in Houston, TX - It gets hot over the coming summer )
I read through the Car Manual last night and it recommends 5W-30 as well.
I can go to the them and have them re-clean and replace it.
Could this cause any problems over the next 5-7000 miles or 6 months ? I am most likely to hit the months before the miles.
Will the presence of 0W-30 NOW mandate that I have to add the same next time ?
( Ive been told that one should not CHANGE the viscosity and/ brand of their oil everytime)
(BTW - Should I go by the months or the miles ? whichever comes first or whichever comes last?)
Please do let me know.
Thanks,
Abhi
AnswerAbhi,
0W-30 will be fine in your car. Changing viscosity and brand of oil in your car will NOT cause problems. In fact, for areas where temperatures vary greatly throughout the year, it's actually good to change the viscosity.
The "0" represents cold engine viscosity weight of the oil. When the oil is cold, it is VERY thin. It helps your engine start better and lubricate more thoroughly in the cold weather. Your main concern is the "30". Thats the rated viscosity of the oil when your engine is at normal operating temperature. With 0W-30, you'll easily be able to go the 6 months / 5,000 miles. It really doesn't matter if you go by the months or miles. But since this is your first sythetic oil change, I would change it at which every comes first. You can always go to 5W-30 or even 10W-30 next time you get it changed. No worries.
Good luck!
