Here's a stupid question:

[LOLyourFace]

My new Mazda6 03 requires 5W 20 engine oil says the manual.

Pepboys auto store got me 5W 30 for my car when manual was left at home.

Is it ok to put in 5W 30 instead of 20? What's the difference between those numbers? I know that the number before W indicates thickness...

 

[stev0]

well i'm not an expert on oils. but one is going to be a bit thicker than the other. up here (No. Dak.) we change oil weights with seasons, thicker in the summer (dosen't break down as fast under high temps) thinner in the winter (easier to get pumping in cold weather)

afaik, using that oil will be fine.

 

[Lithium381]

Originally posted by: stev0
well i'm not an expert on oils. but one is going to be a bit thicker than the other. up here (No. Dak.) we change oil weights with seasons, thicker in the summer (dosen't break down as fast under high temps) thinner in the winter (easier to get pumping in cold weather)

afaik, using that oil will be fine.

yeah, 30 is pretty standard, for where i am, i use 40 sometimes and 30 others.....depends on where you are, you probalby won't kill your car driving with that, since it's a pretty 'in the middle' thickness

 

[Pepsi90919]

5w-20 was created so fuel economy could be improved -- and that's it.

it may do something to your warranty if other grades were used.

educate yourself more at bobistheoilguy.com 's forums.