Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Branches Eastern Canada need help re: oil weight/grade

Hi folks, hoping to get some tips here.
I think I know a bit about cars, but when it comes to engine oil weight and grade, I'm clueless.

Question is what's the difference between 5W30 and 5W20 oil?

Is it the 20 weight that is thinner, and better for cold winters, or the opposite?

Reason I ask is that my Focus was in for an oil change, and I noticed on the bill they put in 5W20 - owner's manual spec is 5W30.

Just thought I'd get some advice before possibly going back to ask them to drain and refill with the 5W30.

I'd have posted about this on a Focus website, but those youngsters would have eaten me alive for a dumbass question like this...

Thanks!
Ray

Hi Ray,

I take it that you had the change done at Campbell Ford? I would call them and ask what they were doing putting the wrong spec. oil in your car. They'll make it right.

As far as the weight goes, I tried looking it up on the web, and the experts all say the same thing: follow the maunfacturer's specs. The 30 is the viscosity when hot, the 5 is the thickness when cold, unless I am wrong (a distinct possibility. That's why some comapanies sell 0W-30 for winter use: it's thinner and coats the engine more quickly. They also say not to use an oil with these numbers 30 apart, say a 10W-40.

More than you ever wanted to know about motor oil. <<clicky>>

Thanks guys.
I'm getting conflicting info on this one - dealer says 5W20 is specified in their shop manual, parts manager (who also owns an SVT Focus) says 5W20, 1-800-FORD-SVT says 5W30, ownwer's manual says 5W30.

Does it REALLY matter? Is there that huge a difference between 5W20 & 5W30?

I've got to stop looking at my service receipts...Just put them away, and if the car blows up, I can just pin it on Ford's lack of consistent answers...

Personally, I would get it changed. As much as you may think Ford will be paying the bill if it harms the engine...it may be you! A 5W20 oil (ie. somewhat light weight cold, AND light weight hot) is not necessarily a good thing. If the oil is too fluid at operating temperature, it may not provide adequate lubrication, and cause premature engine wear. Now is this likely to cause your engine to grenade??? no, probably not...but it may shorten the longevity of some parts...and that will end up costing you!

The 5W30 specified in the owners manual is a common grade, identical to the contour, and I would only deviate from that if I were living in very cold climates. Say, switching to a 0W30, for those cold morning start-ups. But over and above that...stick with whatâ??s in the owners manual.

Get it changed back ASAP.

Thanks for everyone's advice & help.
Got the 5W30 in there on Saturday, no charge & no hassles from Ford. Even got a call this AM from the service manager apologizing.

I now know more about petrochemicals than ever before!