So this is my first winter on the east coast after having moved from NorCal where "winter" means 30 degrees at the coldest (and no snow).

I run Amsoil 5w-30 and my engine seems to like it, doesn't consume much. Would anyone who also lives where it actually gets cold recommend switching to 0w-30 on these motors, or should I continue to run what I brung?

Thanks

 

I've always used the same synthetic oil. No problems. If your really concerned, changing to a 0w-30 would also be fine. It all depends on the elements. I believe 5w-30 is rated to -10 degrees. Basically, you wanted see a difference in flow between 0w or a 5w until the temperature drops below this mark. However, it doesn't hurt putting it in.

 

Good point on the freeze transition. I don't think my environment will dip below that mark.

Personally, I prefer not to switch weights unless I have to. So if the 5w is going to protect fine then I will probably stick to it.

Thanks!

 

0/5/10 all run the same at operating temperature, 0w offers more protection on a cold crank... all in all 0w should be the new 5w and you might see this trend with newer and newer vehicles calling for 0w.

 

Precisely why I asked, in fact! That's why I'm considering 0w-30 and not 5w-40. I am concerned about cold crank, particularly since I now have an oil cooler installed so it will take longer for the oil to come up to temp- even if I am using a thermostatic sandwich plate.

So again, that's why I'm wondering if my G-owning peers in the colder winter states run a 0-weight to ensure better cold start protection. The fact about the -15 pour point is relevant because I don't think it will ever get THAT cold where I am in VA. Coldest it's supposed to get is +15, I think.

 

I run 5w-30 conventional year round, and we hit -40 here. As for -15 pour points, I don't think there's any oil you're likely to run in a G that has a -15 pour point, be it C or F. I've seen monogrades with better pour points than that.

 

You're responding to the wrong person on the pour point point (ha) as I was quoting someone else.

That said, I did end up switching to 0w-30 (redline, if anyone cares) for the winter and found that the engine ticking and other NVH goes away sooner on cold start than it did with the 5w-30. I'll switch back to 5w-30 once the Spring comes around and before I take her to the track again.

I'm happy with my decision.

 

You could stick with the Red Line 0w-30 all year round. It is decidedly not too thin for summer use. With an HTHS of 3.2, their 0w-30 is thicker than most 5w-30s you'll find out there.