0W-20 in the Winter?

[ErikAndHisMustang]

Heya guys,

I live here in Canada where it can get a tad cold come winter time like now. When it dips below -15C/5F, cranking gets noticeably longer. Obviously the battery is also being affected here but I was wondering if switching to 0W-20 was prudent? Some research showed that Ford did indeed authorize it officially for -30C/-22F climates. I use Pennzoil UP which also says that their 0W-20 is meant for cars that typically take 5W-20.

What do you guys think, will it damage the engine? Give a noticeable benefit?

 

[diambo4life]

Your thought process is correct. 0W-20 would be perfect for your scenario.

 

[fast Ed]

In Canada, for the Motorcraft synthetic product line Ford dropped 5W20 a few years ago and told us to use the 0W20 as a replacement. For winter use in Canada I’d say go for it.

 

[Pentalab]

Hey guys,

I live here in Canada where it can get a tad cold come winter time like now. When it dips below -15C/5F, cranking gets noticeably longer. Obviously the battery is also being affected here but I was wondering if switching to 0W-20 was prudent? Some research showed that Ford did indeed authorize it officially for -30C/-22F climates. I use Pennzoil UP which also says that their 0W-20 is meant for cars that typically take 5W-20.

What do you guys think, will it damage the engine? Give a noticeable benefit?


Go for it. Pre CV-19. Mobil-1 had this new 100% synthetic out.... called 0W-20. I saw it at the local CDN tire store here in Victoria BC. Fast forward a few years, and now you can also buy Mobil-1 in OW-30.....and also 0W-40. A few years ago, chev specified all the new vettes had 0W-40 in their engs.


Below 0C, when 0W-20 used.... bam, starts right away. 0W-30 is being used in lawn mowers and also snow blowers. I mentioned the 0W-20 and 0W-30 to some friends in both Kelowna BC....and also Prince George BC.... where it gets damned cold in winter. They said it works superb..... no need for the block heater.

Back in the 80's, when I lived 400 miles north, I had this 77 civic. It used 10W-30.... and at -17C, took some effort to start, ended up installing a block heater....and also a trickle charger. That's when 5W-30 1st came out....so tried it for an experiment. That worked superb, compared to 10W-30.

Just make sure it's 100% synthetic, and not semi-synthetic.

 

[ErikAndHisMustang]

Would Pennzoil UP work best? The data sheet also specifies it’s “meant” for 5W20 applications too. I usually run Pennzoil.

 

[Pentalab]

Would Pennzoil UP work best? The data sheet also specifies it’s “meant” for 5W20 applications too. I usually run Pennzoil.

Use Pennzoil if you want to. Just make damned sure it's 100% synthetic. Semi-synthetic is typ 3% synthetic and 97% dino oil.
The Mobil-1 in 0W-20, and 100% synthetic, is readily available at any cdn-tire store across Canada.

 

[bullitt1011]

I work at a Ford dealership and yes a few years back 5w20 syn. was dropped for 0w20 syn. but on the hybrid vehicles. That being said 0w20 won't hurt your engine. I still use 5w20 full syn. on my wifes edge and my sons 2014 3.7 Mustang with zero issues. Either are fine.