Oil. 5W-30 or 5W-40?

**Ross DTi 2.2** · 27th October 2006, 21:15

Guys,

I'm changing my oil and filter tomorrow with the help of some previous useful advice from other forum members.

I've bought some 5W-40 fully synthetic Valvoline SynPower oil. Its not overly expensive and in my experience it does a very good job. I've been thinking of taking it back and swapping it for the same oil but the 5W-30 version as Valvoline reckon its better for fuel economy.

Any thoughts?

**blr123** · 27th October 2006, 21:52

In the winter months Ross the 30 is better as it's thiner so it circulates better/faster so gives better protection especially on start up......just an opinion thought

Bryan

**Big Sig** · 27th October 2006, 21:53

The 5-30 is classed as a longlife oil with VX - helps the longer service intervals. But its up to you, 5-30 should give a better MPG. All depends if you leave your oil in for the 20000 miles VX say you can. If you do more frequent changes I'd go for the 5/30.

**Ross DTi 2.2** · 27th October 2006, 22:29

Originally Posted by blr123

In the winter months Ross the 30 is better as it's thiner so it circulates better/faster so gives better protection especially on start up......just an opinion thought

Bryan

I think its only thinner at operating temperature Bryan. The cold pouring rate and freezing temp is identical (5W) so cold start circulation shouldn't be any different between the two. It gets bl**dy cold here BTW

I think the 5W-40 will give better lubrication when really pushing it, but I don't really push the car that hard so I'm thinking of the MPG benefits of the 5W-30 now.

Decision made, changing to 5W-30 it is. Thanks for the opinions guys.

**solorider** · 28th October 2006, 07:21

you should have 5w30 longlife oil,normal 5w30 fully synthetic oil is not the same oil and will need changing more often

**chrisgettings** · 28th October 2006, 08:12

Originally Posted by solorider

you should have 5w30 longlife oil,normal 5w30 fully synthetic oil is not the same oil and will need changing more often

vauxhall will charge you about £25 for the long life oil and about £7 for the fillter

or even better i got kwik fit to do mine r £24.99 ,,,,,suckers,,,,,,
they had to use a vauxhall fillter in mine then had to put mobil 1 the the car
only tell them about the oil the car has after they drop yours out

they look at the 2.0 dti info and think its ok ,,,,,,,wrong,,,,,,,,
go to vauxhall and give them your number plate details and there will print out you car engine detail for you