Which oil viscosity is right for me?

[TheV6Bird]

I have the 3.4 in my sig with about 95,750 on the odometer. I just changed my oil around 10/1-02ish. I use Mobil 1 5W-30 w/ the K&N oil filter.

I was in Wal-Mart a few days ago, in the car section. I noticed the labels on the 5W-30 bottle: "5W-30 - for newer engines." then I saw the 10W-30 one: "For higher mileage engines"

Now, 95K on a 95 model year car isn't what I'd call a "newer engine". I was thinking that for the next oil change, I'd switch to 10W-30. I was wondering if I could do that.

Would it cause any problems at all? I think the owners manual recommends 5W-30, but says 10W-30 is also acceptable. CTs climate has a wide range: We are pretty warm in the summer (80ish-low 90s highs), and are cold in the winter (highs 35-40ish in dead winter, lows 20ish-30ish in the night)

[Dominic]

Both 5W-30 and 10W-30 are acceptable. The 5W-30 for newer engines is just marketing, its the same 5W-30 its always been really.

If you have an oil consumption problem or something switching to 10W-30 might help, but 10W-30 is not any thicker once warm than 5W-30 due to the viscocity additives.

[CARdiac]

Are you leaking or burning oil? I use 5-30 Maxlife....for higher mileage engines.....

[TheV6Bird]

<blockquote>quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by CARdiac:
Are you leaking or burning oil? I use 5-30 Maxlife....for higher mileage engines.....<hr></blockquote>Nope, don't think so. I see some spots where I park usually, but my oil level is just where it should be. The block is not covered with oil in any places (except the usual crud and other dirt)

Is Maxlife synthetic? I don't want to switch from a synthetic to a mineral oil (that is bad anyway).

[JAM]

Dominic is right the viscosity is almost the same. The main differnce in the grades mentioned is the temp.

For our cars:

10w30 is good for 0 degrees up on up.

5w30 is best for temp's below 60 degree's.

Basically the 5w30 is if you live in a place that gets below zero temps. Use this when it's cold in winter and it is like -10 outside.

I have seen some posts about other oil grades like 20w-50. I wouldn't recomend using those.

You could probably use like 0w30 if you live where it is like -20 degree below zero all the time. But that would be like Alaska, and I doubt a firebird or camaro would be great on the roads there. :D

[CARdiac]

The Maxlife is not synthetic, but it does have "stuff" that is supposed to help the seals in the engine.....I saw a decrease in my rear seal leak when I switched.