Motor Oil Viscosity

Apr 19, 2006 22 Replies

Largely - yes. I think there might be a minor increase in oil temps with increasing ambient temps. The coolant can only cool the entire engine indirectly. My 2004 Subaru WRX manual recommends the use of 30, 40, 20W-40, or 20W-50 when towing a trailer or in "desert areas" or "high temperatures", even with a water cooled oil cooler standard. The standard US recommendation is for 5W-30,

10W-30, or 10W-40.

Of course there's the worry about how long it'll last if the cooling system fails.

Some people swear by it. Others swear at it. :)

So they can sell more high-margin vehicles like the 14mpg Pilot? So they can be prepared for future increases in CAFE requirements?

Andrew

Doubtful, as SUVs and trucks are covered by a seperate, less strict, CAFE, and Honda has no problems meeting it either.

Then why recommend or require thinner oil now? Why not wait until the new CAFE requirement takes effect?

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