Is 5w20 Ok?
#1
#2
WOW - the shortest oil thread I've ever seen.
On the Triumph motorcycle forum I frequent (as a mod) I would have seen 5 or 6 facepalms and 100 different opinions by now!
So I'll answer my own question. After trawling through oil threads on the internet.
It may be a slighter better oil for a colder climate, but because thinner may deplete quicker than 5w30. If I keep an eye on the level and top up with 5w30 there shouldn't be a problem. However, I should watch that the engine doesn't overheat - not much chance of that this time of the year!
Some manufacturers (Ford, Toyota, Chrysler) now use 5w30 in order to improve the mileage of their vehicles, but YMMV.
When I do change the oil again which oil should I use: cold climate, short commuting trips?
BTW has anyone used Amsoil? My buddy is signing up with them, and I'm going to use it in my motorbikes.
On the Triumph motorcycle forum I frequent (as a mod) I would have seen 5 or 6 facepalms and 100 different opinions by now!
So I'll answer my own question. After trawling through oil threads on the internet.
It may be a slighter better oil for a colder climate, but because thinner may deplete quicker than 5w30. If I keep an eye on the level and top up with 5w30 there shouldn't be a problem. However, I should watch that the engine doesn't overheat - not much chance of that this time of the year!
Some manufacturers (Ford, Toyota, Chrysler) now use 5w30 in order to improve the mileage of their vehicles, but YMMV.
When I do change the oil again which oil should I use: cold climate, short commuting trips?
BTW has anyone used Amsoil? My buddy is signing up with them, and I'm going to use it in my motorbikes.
Last edited by haggis95; 03-13-2011 at 10:58 AM.
#3
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Perth Ontario Canada
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I think there's been little response because of previous 'animated' discussions that ended up in tears or being locked. Much like bottled water, everybody swears that their choiceis the best but never succeeds in convincing anyone else because they're all pretty much the same anyway. The vast majority of people commenting on engine oil haven't got a clue and simply put a new spin on marketing cr*p they've heard.
The info you've found is partial incorrect and mostly irrelevant to the Jag application anyway. The overheating info is actually criminally incorrect.
Use what's recommended in the owner's manual. If 5W20 is OK with Jag, then off you go.
I'm sure and hope that this will stir up some technically based debate.
The info you've found is partial incorrect and mostly irrelevant to the Jag application anyway. The overheating info is actually criminally incorrect.
Use what's recommended in the owner's manual. If 5W20 is OK with Jag, then off you go.
I'm sure and hope that this will stir up some technically based debate.
#4
#5
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Location: Perth Ontario Canada
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#6
I see that you are in Canada. That oil should be fine for those temperature ranges now. When the temps start to rise on a regular basis, I would then think about changing the oil. In extremely cold temps the lighter weight oil is recommended anyway.
#7
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#8
If you have nothing to do or you are concerned about your oil selection go to this link http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/cms If you have an owners manual you may want to reference it as well.
#10
I run 5W-30 in my Jag, 5W-20 in my Hemi Jeep, and 0W-40 in my Benz...
All what is recommended by the MNFT (the Hemi actually requires 5W20 for the cylinder deactivation system to properly function)
The Jaguar owners manual states:
personally I think the 5W-20 is a tad thin for my tastes.
All what is recommended by the MNFT (the Hemi actually requires 5W20 for the cylinder deactivation system to properly function)
The Jaguar owners manual states:
Recommended Engine Oil
When the oil level is at the lower dipstick mark, add 1 US quart
(1.0 litre) of oil.
Oil specification – API SJ/EC and ILSAC GF–3
When topping up between oil changes, make sure that you use
oil that has the correct quality level (API service) and viscosity
grade. Your vehicle’s warranty may be invalidated if damage is
caused by use of improper engine oil.
For maximum fuel economy, 5W–30 oil is recommended.
SAE viscosity rating
For climates ranging from –22°F (–30°C) and +122°F (+50°C),
the following oil viscosities may be used:
0W–30
5W–30 (preferred)
0W–40
5W–40
Note: It is recommended that the oil level is topped up using oil
of the same viscosity. If you are unsure which oil viscosity is used
in your car, your Jaguar Retailer will be able to advise.
If you are operating this vehicle in climates outside the above
temperature range, contact your Jaguar Retailer for advice.
Jaguar recommends
When the oil level is at the lower dipstick mark, add 1 US quart
(1.0 litre) of oil.
Oil specification – API SJ/EC and ILSAC GF–3
When topping up between oil changes, make sure that you use
oil that has the correct quality level (API service) and viscosity
grade. Your vehicle’s warranty may be invalidated if damage is
caused by use of improper engine oil.
For maximum fuel economy, 5W–30 oil is recommended.
SAE viscosity rating
For climates ranging from –22°F (–30°C) and +122°F (+50°C),
the following oil viscosities may be used:
0W–30
5W–30 (preferred)
0W–40
5W–40
Note: It is recommended that the oil level is topped up using oil
of the same viscosity. If you are unsure which oil viscosity is used
in your car, your Jaguar Retailer will be able to advise.
If you are operating this vehicle in climates outside the above
temperature range, contact your Jaguar Retailer for advice.
Jaguar recommends
#11
I'm not recommending 5w20 at all. I made a mistake and put it in. I'm just tying to figure if I should dump it or leave it in for a while.
In my own conditions - harsh winters (this winter weeks below minus 30!) and first thing in the morning I drop my kids off at school, so the car doesn't get time to warm up, it may not be a bad choice.
However, I will be putting 5W30 in again.
In my own conditions - harsh winters (this winter weeks below minus 30!) and first thing in the morning I drop my kids off at school, so the car doesn't get time to warm up, it may not be a bad choice.
However, I will be putting 5W30 in again.
Last edited by haggis95; 03-15-2011 at 09:37 AM.
#12
#13
I'm not recommending 5w20 at all. I made a mistake and put it in. I'm just tying toi figure if I should dump it or leave it in for a while.
In my own conditions - harsh winters and first thing in the morning I drop my kids off at school, so the car doesn't get time to warm up, it may not be a bad choice.
However, I will be putting 5W30 in again.
In my own conditions - harsh winters and first thing in the morning I drop my kids off at school, so the car doesn't get time to warm up, it may not be a bad choice.
However, I will be putting 5W30 in again.
#15
#16
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haggis95 (03-15-2011)
#17
.... unless you are all of a sudden going to be running up and down the highway at sustained high speeds, or up mountain passes ... the 5W20 would not be a concern at current temperatures
you also have this option:
in other words, your local dealer who is knowledgeable about the local climate
The book recommendations are generic and targetted to "maximise fuel economy". For example, Jaguar warranty coverage in Mexico requires the use of full synthetic 20W50. But hop a few miles north, and there is no such requirement even though the climate can be almost the same at certain times.
you also have this option:
If you are operating this vehicle in climates outside the above
temperature range, contact your Jaguar Retailer for advice.
temperature range, contact your Jaguar Retailer for advice.
The book recommendations are generic and targetted to "maximise fuel economy". For example, Jaguar warranty coverage in Mexico requires the use of full synthetic 20W50. But hop a few miles north, and there is no such requirement even though the climate can be almost the same at certain times.
Last edited by plums; 03-15-2011 at 05:47 PM.
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