5W-30 or 10W-30?

[DBIGMAC1]

I am currently using Mobil 1 Synthetic 10W-30 on my 95 Camry 2.2L. I live in Miami where we reach freezing temperatures of 40F during the dead of winter. My friend said that I'd be better using a 5W-30 b/c that's what comes standard in all sports cars. Anyone have any input? Also, I use the K&N Gold filter but want to use a larger (longer) filter, what is the longer version of the HP-1003?

[DBIGMAC1]

BTW, I have 98k miles.

[marc780]

You are using mobil 1, i think you'll be fine with either weight. It won't thin out like dino oil does after a while. In the owners manual it says which weight to use at which temperature, so you could trust that and go by that. Since you are in Miami and it is summertime, i might lean towards the 10 - 30 though.

[touringcamry]

40F is not even considered cold. You can run 10W-30 year round.
BTW, last time I was in South Florida, the weather was 80F and 90% humidity an entire week in December. I was in West Palm Beach.

[mazdaverx7]

also, your friend is mistaken on the weight that most sports cars use. most hp sports car will use a 0W30 grade for the high performance modles. my rx-7's use 20W50. they use such a thick weight because the oil is also used to help cool the engine, using a very large oil cooler. oil is also sprayed directly into the combustion chamber via an oil metering pump. not sure what "sports cars" your friend was talking about. you my friend are fine to run 10W30 in your camry year round. i have run it in my camry for 2 years round with no problems what so ever.

[articledon]

Originally Posted by DBIGMAC1

...I live in Miami where we reach freezing temperatures of 40F during the dead of winter........

LOL

[darksparkz]

40F isn't freezing, freezing is 32F.

I recommend using 10W-30 during the summer, and if you change your oil often, 5W-30 in the winter should be okay.

[DBIGMAC1]

I do know that 32F is freezing, it's a little south florida humor (btw, it's hotter than hell right now!). Does anyone know about using the larger filter? It doesnt only have to be K&N, Mobil 1 filters look good too. I just want a longer filter.

[prnc_chrmng]

Originally Posted by DBIGMAC1

I do know that 32F is freezing, it's a little south florida humor (btw, it's hotter than hell right now!). Does anyone know about using the larger filter? It doesnt only have to be K&N, Mobil 1 filters look good too. I just want a longer filter.

i think there was something about using the oil filter from a rav4 or such...check the sticky up top

and also, no matter what anyone does to their car, a camry isnt a sports car

[vwsteve]

use 10w30 I live in Missouri and have used that in the car for the last four years and its fine. My car is garaged and the winters here have been very warm for a few years now. the cap says 5w30 but I feel that is to thin. but this is just my opinion....
Steve

[DBIGMAC1]

How about when i do pass the 100K mark? The guy at pep boys said to switch to a 10-40 but I only ever believe to half of what they have to say. Stick with the 10-30 or go to 10-40?

[prnc_chrmng]

2.6. Bigger OEM oil filter that fits?
Question:
Bigger OEM oil filter that fits?
Answer:
For 3VZ-FE (Gen3) / 1MZ-FE (Gen3,4) / 3MZ-FE (Gen5) Camry V6 engines:

This is the part # for Toyota OEM filter: 90915-YZZD3

This filter is off from the 4Runner and Land Cruiser, it's slightly longer with (arguably) better filtration. Price should be the same as any Camry V6 oil filter.

For 5S-FE (Gen3, 4) Camry 4-cylinder engines:

Use this oil filter coming off from Rav4: 90915-YZZA1

[marc780]

How about when i do pass the 100K mark? The guy at pep boys said to switch to a 10-40 but I only ever believe to half of what they have to say. Stick with the 10-30 or go to 10-40?

Most of the people who work at pep boys are idiots, or incompetent, or dishonest cheats, or all of the above. That's been my experience.
The real answer is to look in your owners manual, or on the oil cap, it will probably say "5w-30" on it. To me, toyota built the car, they know what oil they want put in it and i trust them before i trust a minimum wage parts clerk at Pep boys.

[mazdaverx7]

use 10W30 and nothing else unless it drops below the freezing temp stated in your owners manual and then use 5W30. the reason for that is because when its cold, oil thickens up and takes more time to travel through the engine on a cold start up, causing a little engine wear. using a thinner oil helps the oil flow to the critical parts faster. flows like a 5 weight, protects to a 30 weight. flows like a 10, protect to a 30.

[skewe]

verdict.

10-30

unless you get snow and 32'f, then use 10-30
10-30 is advised by the factory manual