Very smart and high paid individuals design these cars and come up with the recommendations for the oil based on averages. So what factors should be considered in changing? Climate, commute type? Will this void warranty? Sorry, I guess more than one thought. LOL
Yes and they have "Cafe" requirements, government emission regulations, fleet emission regulations, and all wear tests are done in labs under controlled ideal conditions. Not to mention a high pressure fuel pump driven by a non-roller cam lifter....lots of shear there, especially with light oils in high temperatures
My manual states very clearly "5w20 is used for maximum fuel economy" 5w30 can be used for the same temperature sweep as 5w20. Therefor if we read between the lines 5w20 is only for fuel economy, and 5w30 is also acceptable.
If I was only driving it for 4 years or 100,000kms, id run the cheapest 5w20 dino oil that meets minimum specs and 6,000km OCI (Max allowed) and be done with it. However I plan on running the vehicle into the ground so I personally run 5w30 Mobil 1, at 5,000km intervals.
An extra few oil changes in the life of the vehicle is cheap insurance, and will give me peace of mind.
Just my 2 cents
Duro
