Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches Southwest Summer maintenance

I posed this question on the regular troubleshooting section, but I wanted to pick the brains of owners who live in the desert SouthWest. I have a 97 contour, V6, ATX, 161K original owner miles and still, yes still on the original waterpump!

What do you use for oil in the summer months? I've always used 5W-30 until the last oil change where I used 10W-30 with no ill effects. Do you use a heavier weight oil in the hot weather or do you use the same 5W-30 like the owners manual states? I've thought about switching to synthetic oil at 5W-30 or even a synthetic blend at the same rating. My car has always had the oil changed at 3K intervals.

Also, I had a new tranny put in at almost 30K ago and will be changing the fluid in that very soon. Any suggestions???

I live now in Las Vegas. The car is from the NorthEast and I've never encountered the type of heat back east. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I use 5W-30 all year around with no problems.

Thanx. Does it get well over 100 where you are during the summer? What do you think about using a heavier weight oil for the summer?

no - use the recommended oil for your car- the manufacturer tests these things into the ground- they know whats best- in fact they test a lot of cars out near vegas for heat problems- so stick with 5-30 if that is what it says in your owners handbook

I agree w/ Scot. Don't go guessing on your engine's oil weight requirements.
P.S. Don't forget to chg your fuel filter.

Thanx for the replies. I'll stick with 5W-30 and try a synthetic blend (probably Mobil-1).