YACT: How do I pick motor oil?

LAUST

Diamond Member
Sep 13, 2000
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whatever you do not Pennsoil. But it should say on your oil filler cap, prolly a 10w-30
 

stonecold3169

Platinum Member
Jan 30, 2001
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The two numbers represent in a nutshell the thickness of the oil. The first number is heated, the second is cold. The finer your engine, typically, the lower weight oil you want to go as to avoid excess friction. For an older Camry, 10w30 should work for you.
 

Templeton

Senior member
Oct 9, 1999
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Originally posted by: stonecold3169
The two numbers represent in a nutshell the thickness of the oil. The first number is heated, the second is cold. The finer your engine, typically, the lower weight oil you want to go as to avoid excess friction. For an older Camry, 10w30 should work for you.

The first number actually represents the thickness of the oil cold, with the second number warm. You want a lower weight when cold so that the engine has an easier time starting.
 

Vette73

Lifer
Jul 5, 2000
21,503
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What I tell my customers...

If you live in a cold climate then 5W30
Moderate to warm 10W30
Diesel 15W40
If it is old and burns/leaks a good deal then 20W50


I live in Wilmington NC and all the cars here, with 9K or more, get 10W30 Mobil Year round. 10W30 is a good oil you can use year round.
 

Eli

Super Moderator | Elite Member
Oct 9, 1999
50,419
8
81
Originally posted by: stonecold3169
The two numbers represent in a nutshell the thickness of the oil. The first number is heated, the second is cold. The finer your engine, typically, the lower weight oil you want to go as to avoid excess friction. For an older Camry, 10w30 should work for you.
You have that backwards.

Use 5W30 if it gets below freezing.

10W30 is fine for most all other situations.

I thought this was going to be another synthetic vs. conventional oil thread.