I’m think about switching my oil to Valvoline 5W-30 Full Synthetic High Mileage. But I’ve noticed on the back of the bottle where it says ‘Meets or exceeds the requirements of API SP/SN Plus, SN/SM’ it doesn’t say SM. Is this something to worry about or it doesn’t matter?
What's your car make and model?
2010 Volvo S80 3.2
The American Petroleum Institute guarantees that 'SN' category can be used on ALL 2020 and older vehicles.
Quickly pulled up your owner manual just to double check. 5w30 is proper.. They recommend Castro. Since it meets there criteria. I don't want to miss guide you. I agree with autodiy check the forum. Find out what other s80 owners used and found to be the best. My personal opinion , I would use what the manufacturer says
The big man died a few years ago. Can we use his brother, Raúl?
Pretty funny @mmj. I get it but I'm not sure too many others do.
@mmj underrated comment!
@mmj didn't even catch the misspelling. Your comment made me go back and see what I missed. Haha.
Need to know make and model. Yes it matters, if you don't use approved oil you can cause premature ware, eventually it can destroy engine. Manufacturers don't spend millions in oil type research for fun.
I got a 2010 Volvo S80 3.2
If I understand what you are asking, my answer is only referring to the "SM" vs "SN", the "SN" is rated to a higher standard than the "SM". All SAE starburst oils are backward compatible. I have a vehicle that requires "SG", and I use the current highest standard "SP/SN plus".
You may also want to search the forum for high mileage oils. You may not even really require it.
Don't listen to these bad mechanics who downvoted me,
thinner oil increases power and fuel economy
Careful about who you badmouth around here.
I'm sure you have the fuel consumption data, and dyno run results to back up your claims, right?
If 0w20 oil was so great for performance and economy (10% is actually a HUGE gain), and safe for the engine, then the manufacturer would be jumping ALL OVER IT to brag about the numbers.
From my day there is a delay of lubrication from to thick oil. Many manufacturers switched to it to prolong the life of their engines.
yes but they also changed the engines
With 5w30 SN oil you could easily spin a bearing without the proper wear protection, and low temperature performance of SM oil.
Thinner oil such as 0w20 lightens the load on the crank, increasing horsepower by up to 10 percent, plus higher quality base oils are used.
So will using valvoline cause any damage.
Depends on the conditions of your driving, and milage of the car. In 110 degrees 5w30 valvoline will provide adequate lubrication. An old oil pump will struggle to pump 5w30 properly if it is to cold.
maybe in Siberia