5w-20 vs. 5w-30

[jtoddk98]

Hey, Just picked my car up from the dealer, had an oil change done. My car is a 2011 so the oil cap says 5w-30 instead of the 20. On my service paperwork, it says 5w-20 was used. My service advisor says that is was a mistake on the paperwork, and that the correct 5w-30 full synthetic was used in my car. But worst case scenario, if 5w-20 synthetic was put in my car, would it hurt anything? I change my oil every 5k miles.

Thanks!!

[SHOw-Me State]

Not so funny, but I had the same happen to me.  Drove a few hundred miles before noticing the paperwork.  Same reasoning was given to me from Quick Lane.  I told them although I understand they would put the correct weight in, I would still feel better if they did another oil and filter change 'just to be sure'.  The obliged free of charge.

Like you, I would be interested in knowing if any damage was done *IF* they really had put 5-20 in the car incorrectly.  I've got a couple issues from Quick Lane I am thinking of writing Ford about......

[ZSHO]

They usually put semi-synthetic and whatever your oil cap says,full synthetic is extra $$ from the dealer,I always put full 5w-30 full synthetic.

[SHOdded]

I don't think one OC will do any damage, just have to make sure in the future.

[jtoddk98]

They usually put semi-synthetic and whatever your oil cap says,full synthetic is extra $$ from the dealer,I always put full 5w-30 full synthetic.

I paid the extra for the full synthetic like I always do. I just want to know if any damage will occur if I ride on the 20 for 5k miles. I called the dealer and they assured me that the correct stuff was put in. So if it blows up, it's on them.


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[Brucelinc]

5W20 was the recommended oil for the 2010 models and many owners of 2010s have used 5W20 for many thousands of miles.   There was no internal engine differences between the 2010s and 2011s so you would be fine with the 5W20. 

[Lanson]

FWIW, I would suggest 5W-20, 5W30, or 0W-30 which is what I use personally.  0W-30 Advanced Fuel Economy is actually what it is called, but it does nothing I can tell for economy.  It does make the engine purr nicely and the shear strength is good according to research over at Bobistheoilguy's website.  Oh and Zmax added in, every once in a while too.

[SHOdded]

Motorcraft, Lanson, or another brand?  Like the ZMax?  I've seen it advertised on many car shows.

[jtoddk98]

FWIW, I would suggest 5W-20, 5W30, or 0W-30 which is what I use personally.  0W-30 Advanced Fuel Economy is actually what it is called, but it does nothing I can tell for economy.  It does make the engine purr nicely and the shear strength is good according to research over at Bobistheoilguy's website.  Oh and Zmax added in, every once in a while too.

How do you add the Zmax? Do you have to drain some oil so you don't overfill the crankcase? I'm thinking about  getting some, Walmart has it for $19.99.


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[Lanson]

Motorcraft, Lanson, or another brand?  Like the ZMax?  I've seen it advertised on many car shows.

I like Mobil1, that's who has the Advanced Fuel Economy stuff.  I also like Amsoil, and will use it if I've managed to make it down to the not-very-local supplier here in town.  The oil is better than their MLM scheme lets on, if you know what I mean.  But anyway, yeah the Mobil1 in the green bottle, that's my stuff.

And Zmax, its pretty solid stuff but don't expect miracles or any fancy instant improvements.  More of a maintainer really.  But it does a bang-up job of keeping things clean in the engine where it can interact.  Both the fuel side and the oil side.

[wasinger3000]

Royal purple HPS. Cheaper than M1 on amazon. $46 for a case of 6 quarts. Free 2 day shipping with prime.


All the new oils are low in anti wear packs because of emissions. I for one want my turbo bearings bathed in a quality oil with a hefty wear package.

[SHOnUup]

Just talked with service dept at local Ford dealer and they recommend 5w30.

[SHOdded]

Please, sir, I would like more ZDDP ...  NO ZDDP FOR YOU!!!   

[jtoddk98]

Do I have to drain some oil out before I put zmax in so I don't overfill the crankcase?


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[wasinger3000]

Please, sir, I would like more ZDDP ...  NO ZDDP FOR YOU!!!   

Haha. That was awesome. That's how I feel anymore though.