Change oil viscosity?

[Gaw]

I have a 1998 camry CE with 55k on it. The previous owner used mobil 10-30w. I looked at the manual and it calls for 5-30w. Will I have problems changing to 5-30w since it's been on 10-30w?

[BMR]

Nope, won't hurt anything. Switch to the proper viscosity oil. Your gas mileage might go up a little.

[james42519]

pretty sure it might be hurting mine now. i had 10w40 and lucas oil treatment put in before i got the rear main seal fixed. i really should get a oil change i guess.

[capnblinski]

I use 5w-30, but mixed in a 1/2 quart of 10w-30 because that's what I had from the other car. Really no prob - just keep your oil and filter changed at least every 5000 miles.

And welcome to the Toyota Nation Foruns!





2000 5sfe
170xxx

[james42519]

really the only difference between 5 and 10 is how cold it can go.

"the number before the 'W' is the 'cold' viscosity rating of the oil, and the number after the 'W' is the 'hot' viscosity rating.So a 5W30 oil is one which behaves like a 5-rated single grade oil when cold, but doesn't thin any more than a 30-rated single grade oil when hot. The lower the 'winter' number (hence the 'W'), the easier the engine will turn over when starting in cold climates.

Read more: http://www.carbibles.com/engineoil_b...#ixzz1Rl4n6xoR

so you really don't need to worry about the number before the w if you don't live in a place that gets cold enough for that.

[JohnGD]

During Texas summers I'd stay with 10W-30. For an older engine that consumes some oil maybe even 10W-40 according to Mobil FAQ.