Monday, September 14, 2009

Why did they put 5w30 oil in my car when I live in Florida

Why did they put 5w30 oil in my car when I live in Florida?
I just noticed after I arrived home from the service garage that they had put 5w30 oil in my engine when I had my oil and filter changed yesterday. Shouldn't they at least ask the customer if they prefer 10w30 or 5w30, especially if you live in a warmer climate? I never drive my own car outside of Florida. My car isn't a newer model and it isn't the recommended grade oil by the car's manufacturer.
Maintenance & Repairs - 6 Answers
Random Answers, Critics, Comments, Opinions :
1 :
They use the oil recommended by car makers, if it says 5w30 on your oil cap that's what they use. Don' t worry, u won't have any problems. Car makers now recommend 5w20 all year round in all climates. The difference between 5w30 - 10w30 is minimal
2 :
Both behave as 30 weight oil when hot, the 5W-30 flows easier after a start up, its the correct oil to use even in Florida.
3 :
some newer cars even use 0 w 30 so dont worry
4 :
That's what I use in my car too! And the reason is that General Motors recommends 5XW30 for my car! I also live in a warm climate (we only have about 2 months of really cold weather), so my thinking is, if it is OK with G.M. - it's OK with me!
5 :
If that is what your car recommends I would go with that. I know someone that put a heavier weight oil in his newer car because he had done it with his older ones, it wasn't thin enough to get into new tighter bearings and he ruined his engine. He took out the 10w30 and put 5w30 back in before he took it to the dealership for the warranty, they threatened not to cover it. They said that only happens when someone puts heavier weight oil. He lied and got it covered, but they knew what he was up to. I would play it say and use whatever the engine says to.
6 :
The vast majority of vehicles built in the last 20 years and sold in the United States recommend 5W30 (or lighter) all-year round no matter what the climate. Since you do not state what type of vehicle you have I can only speculate that the shop was doing what the folks who designed and built your vehicle say is best for it.