Hello Scotty, I have a 2024 Nissan frontier with less than 5000 miles on it. Recommended oil from the factory is 0w 20. I changed the oil at 1,000 miles and added 0w 20 full synthetic. I will be changing it at 5,000 mi in every 5,000 mi after that with full synthetic. I've read about 0w 20 being too thin and that a lot of mechanics recommend 5W-30. I trust you to give me accurate information. Should I stick with zero w20 or go to 5W30. Thank you
It's not a simple question, there are many variables. Some technical information and test results for thin vs. thick motor oils:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKdhgKUZhPA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i0VoEhW2I-E
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLBgIve1YzY
The problem with using a thicker oil than specified by the manufacturer is it may cause problems for hydraulically-operated engine parts such as variable valve timing phasers, and oil flow though oil conduits in the engine may be affected particularly when the engine is cold.
Also if your car is still under warranty using an oil other than what the manufacturer recommends will probably void that warranty.
@chucktobias thank you for the response
@chucktobias I think the first video is key. As Jason explains, using a heavier winter weight oil introduces a viscosity range that the engine simply wasn't designed for, and could cause problems.
Should I stick with zero w20 or go to 5W30.
short answer: stick the recommendation. The car was engineered for 0w20 and it should be fine.
5w30 is pretty close and should be fine too, but realise that 0w20 performs better on a cold engine and actually leads to less engine wear in the long run.
@imperator thank you for the response
My F-150's 3.7L V6 requires 5W-20 oil, so I put it it the truck. My Mustang has the same engine. I've never had issues with either engine, and sometimes I spiritedly drive the Mustang. The truck has gone 168k miles and it has had no problems.
0W oil is a measure of its cold start performance. It has the viscosity-equivalent of 0-weight oil. At operating temperature, it transitions into a 20-weight oil.
With modern engines, you want oil to be pumped up to the top of the engine as quick as possible. I have a piston from a 2010 Dodge Journey that had a 3.6L Pentastar V6. I can easily squeeze in the piston rings. It took 5W-20 oil.
My old Pontiac Catalina has very stiff piston rings; I put 10W-40 in there, and I've run 20W-50 as well. The owner's manual forbids putting anything lighter weight than 5W-30; the oil film will break down when it gets to the piston rings.
My Catalina also doesn't have overdrive. When I'm on the highway, the engine turns rapidly; your truck has overdrive, if not several overdrive gears, which means your truck is going to be under considerably less load going down the highway than my Pontiac. There are probably more variables than that, but that's the jist of it.
Bottom line is, engineers designed your truck, if you do what it says in your owner's manual, you most likely won't have any problems.
@justin-shepherd good advice. Thanks