10W-30 in my 5W-20?

[jrandallc]

Had my oil changed at Wal-Mart in September. I noticed this morning on the sticker that they put on there that the oil they supposedly put in (according to the sticker) was 10W-30. What are the ramifications of running 10W-30 oil in my engine that is labeled to run 5W-20 on the cap for two months? Should I just get another oil change at another shop and be sure what is put in, or is there any potential danger that I should be aware of? Thanks.

[12Ounce]

Unless you are in really frigid climate, it's not a big deal. I prefer 0w-40w synthetic, but use 5w-30 syn because it's available at discount clubs.

If you had agreed on 5w-20 with Walmart and then they made a mistake, I'd have some words with them. If you didn't specify, don't expect the oil cap to direct them ... they can probably produce some other reference that directs them to install 10w-30.

[corning_d3]

If you don't specify what weight/brand you want, you get 10w-30 Pennzoil(Junk). During the summer months, It's not going to cause a problem, but some engines are picky when it turns cold out and need thinner oil.

[Rotorman]

Originally Posted by jrandallc

Had my oil changed at Wal-Mart in September. I noticed this morning on the sticker that they put on there that the oil they supposedly put in (according to the sticker) was 10W-30. What are the ramifications of running 10W-30 oil in my engine that is labeled to run 5W-20 on the cap for two months? Should I just get another oil change at another shop and be sure what is put in, or is there any potential danger that I should be aware of? Thanks.

jrandallc, If they put in synthetic 10w-30 you should have no problems if its mineral based oil aka regular stuff get it changed to 5w-20 per manufacturers specifications.

[jrandallc]

Originally Posted by Rotorman

jrandallc, If they put in synthetic 10w-30 you should have no problems if its mineral based oil aka regular stuff get it changed to 5w-20 per manufacturers specifications.

It was synthetic, so that eases my worries a bit. Thanks everyone for your replies. I plan on getting an oil change soon and I'll go back to 5W-20 with the winter months coming in.

[rodeo02]

That 10w-30 wont hurt a thing. That's typically what you will get out of the bulk tanks of any kwiki-loob type place anyway. You have to live in a pretty cold climate for that to pose a concern. I like to stick with the 5w-20 in my van for the .01% increase in MPG.

Joel

[Blue Bowtie]

If it were mine, I'd stay with the 10W30 fully synthetic (PAO-based) over the 5W-anything mineral oil or Group-IV "synthetic" (hydro-cracked mineral oil). The 10W-30 PAO will pump, flow, and lubricate better than the 5W mineral oil in extreme cold. If you read your owner's manual, it should show a range of lubricants acceptable over a range of temperatures. Most of the owner's guides I've seen have some sort of a graphic showing appropriate viscosities at an expected temperature range, with true synthetics (PAO) as falling right out the bottom of the temperature scale along with the 5W-whatever mineral oils.