Should we be using lighter weight oil?

[Doyt W. Echelberger]

I would go to the zero weight multigrade if my un-garaged car had to start
in temps about 10-15 degrees below zero, Fahrenheit. Ohio has had such
winters, but they are very unusual in the past few years. Recent winters
have been unusually warm, seldom even as cold as zero.  So the 15W50 has
been a good choice for me.

I have found that around 5 degrees below zero, and lower, the oil has been
a critical factor in cold starts for my vehicles, which include several
diesels as well as the 5 cylinder Audis. I do have block heaters in the
diesels, and at those extreme temps, block heaters have made the
difference, along with low viscosity multigrade grade oil.  But our winters
are very different recently.

You might consider a block heater, in combination with the 15W50 Mobil, if
you want to cover the extremes.

Doyt

 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
At 09:39 AM 12/29/2002 -0500, you wrote:
>I have a '91 20V Coupe in the northeast with 20 degree winters and 90 degree
>summers. I noticed Audi and just about every manufacturer is moving towards
>0W30, 5W30 type lighter weight oils. Should we be doing the same?
>
>I currently use Mobil 15W50 year-long, changed every May and November.
>
>What's your opinion on moving to lighter oils?
>
>Should I change oil to something lighter in the winters or all year long, such
>as 10W30 or 5W30?
>
>Thanks,
>Chris
>
>
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