How does the oil Life monitor work? I am skeptical

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Apr 9, 2010 | 12:52 PM

#11

JimBlake

Super Moderator

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 18,398

From: Wisconsin

I don't really know the answer to that. I suspect it's the additive packages like you said, or maybe simply there were very few 0w-xx oils available until recently. I think I've only ever seen that rating in synthetic oils.

If you want to get deeper into that subject, check out www dot bobistheoilguy dot com. Those guys are pretty serious about oil.

Apr 9, 2010 | 03:32 PM

#12

Mikebike125

Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 163

From: Charlotte, NC

Quote:

Originally Posted by crvone

I am wondering for instance why in a Honda engine calling for 5WXX we shouldn't use 0WXX instead, better flow at cold, quicker lubrication. the only thing is that I assume 0WXX woudl have different additive packages thn 5WXX, which may or may not be actually better overall.

That is exactly what I was thinking. Both 5W-20 and 5W-30 have the same cold viscosity of a 5W so the start up lubrication should be the same. The hot viscosity of the oil is all that will change, 20 to 30 when the engine is at full operating temperature.

Yes, Jim I have altered my sig for my new 2008 Accord

Apr 9, 2010 | 05:57 PM

#13

JimBlake

Super Moderator

Joined: May 2006

Posts: 18,398

From: Wisconsin

Thinking about it, ALL oil gets thicker when it's cold. Even a 0w-xx oil at 30deg.F has much higher viscosity than a 5w-30 oil at 190deg.F. So I can't think of a good reason NOT to use 0w-xx oil.