Hello Scotty and the community,

I have a 2014 Chrysler 200 with the 2.4L VVT engine naturally aspirated. It currently has 210,000 miles on it. I’ve had it for 5 years, when I got it, it had 105,000 and was already burning about half a quart every 5,000 miles.

I take care of this car as much as possible, and change the oil strictly every 3,000 miles using full synthetic and high quality filter. So far, the burning hasn’t worsened after all these years, but I do have a question. I can tell the engine is high mileage and I am debating wether using 5w30 or sticking to 5w20. The car calls for 5w20, and I don’t have the owners manual, based only on oil cap on the engine.

I know Scotty said to always stick to the manufactured recommendation but, I have seen many times, I have researched and seen other people’s experiences, and many suggest for an engine with high mileage that burns a bit of oil, to switch to 5w30, because it operates better in high temperatures and it helps not burn as much because as seals wear, the thinner the oil the easier it is to pass through and burn compared to the thicker one. I hear people saying they use 5w30 in their vehicles for 5w20 and never had issues.

My engine being an older design 2.4L, I saw that this engine was originally designed for 5w30 on older vehicles but that used 5w20 for fuel economy on the later models, so apparently this engine was made originally for 5w30, but mine being a 2014 calls for 5w20. Another thing too I heard that 5w20 was good for engines that are newer and tighter, but as engines age and wear, especially mine being a more simple older engine, 5w30 would give more benefit to it while driving. So I don’t know if this is made up, or if this is true. I don’t want the oil burning to worsen.

So I am confused and don’t know what to do. I want this engine to last as much as I can. What should I do? If you could clarify why one is better than the other would be highly appreciated.