My Wal-Mart finally got some Mobil 1 in 5 quart bottles. Unfortunately, they only have 10W and higher viscosity. It's $18. Can I (or should I) use this or should I stick with the 6 quart 5W-30 boxes that cost $26-$28? I probably won't be changing oil until mid summer and it will last through winter (if I still have the car). 10W - good or bad?

Thanks,

Brian

P.S. How many quarts do yall usually put in? I use about 6.5 quarts in an oil change. I usually get a 6 pack and buy one extra. If I did the 5 quart, I'd have to buy two seperate quarts.

 

To choose 5w-30 or 10w-30 all depends on the temperature where you live. But i don't think it will hurt to use it . I used 10w-30 before changing to 5w-30 . The 5w-30 just has a longer degree of temperature it can be used in.

I think you should buy the 5 quart bottle and 1 quart bottle to equal up to 6 quarts.

If it didn't cost a lot to ship the oil i would buy it for you and ship it to you. I just noticed my wal-mart selling the 5 quart bottles too. If i didn't have my case left over i would probably buy a couple .

I use 6 quarts when i do an oil change . I put 6 in because before i would take it to the dealer to do it i noticed they put 6 quarts in. So if 6 is done by the lex techs. its good for me.

 

Maybe I won't put in the extra half-quart from now on. The last time I went to Madison, they only used one of my two 6-pack boxes (unless they just took it ). But they time before, they said they finished off my 6 pack with part of a Mobil Quart they had there.

Thanks for the offer to ship, but that would pretty much negate the $5 savings.

Brian

 

I believe the manual says you can use 10w30 if your temps are over 30deg, but since your in michigan, better stick with 5w30... but mobil 1 is suppose to maintain it's viscosity down to sub zero temps, so maybe there won't be a difference, still i'd stick with 5w30.

 

i thought it was 5 qts. I have been changing it with 5 qts mb1 for some time now...should I add in 6? I check the level and it always seems to be ok with 5 qts.?

yep I stocked up on mb-1 5w-30 the wal-mart by me had them on sale for $17! the funny thing is the wal-mart that just opened up on the other side sells it for $19...

 

If the dip stick says it's full it's full. Remember checking your oil is best done after the car has sat for a while and the oil is able to drain back down into the crankcase. When you change oil and filter you need to fill it up to the mark and then run it for a few minutes to circulate the oil through the filter. Then, check underneath for leaks, let the oil drain down and measure it again and add if needed. Don't overfill! A quart too much is worse than a 1/2 quart low. (please excuse me if I'm telling you stuff you already know)

FYI the viscosity rating means what the oil will perform like. So 5-30 means that it will flow like 5 weight oil when cold and 30 weight when at engine operating temperature. So 10w-30 will start out a bit thicker when cold than 5 weight. Both will act like 30 weight when hot. The 10w may not give you as good lubrication as the 5w when you first start your car because is will not flow as well when cold.

I've seen write-ups showing that the majority of damage to stock engines occurs in the first 30 seconds as the oil is pumped up from the crankcase throughout the engine. 5w, since it's thinner will get through the engine faster. And some say 5w give better gas mileage in cold climates. But I've never seen empirical data to prove either claim. Thus, if you can use 5w perhaps you should. But, if you can only get 10w you may never notice the difference.

 

For the projected $5 or savings, I'll probably just buy the 6-pack. The little ones are more conveinent anyway. You can save 'em or use some of one to finish off a fill, etc.

Brian