5w50 engine oil
 

anyone use the 5w50 oil in theres, reason i ask, i was gonna go with mobile 1 15w50, but since a 5w has a better cold starting rating was thinking of using this instead, i know subaru say to use a 5w30 or 10w40, and i know alot on here use 15w50 or 10w50, whats people views on 5w50?

thanks
Den.

Don't ...... the 5W is too thin (we are entering Spring!) and 50 is like treacle, saps BHP.

Just do as Subaru says and put 10W-40 in - they built your car, they know what is best for it!!

so may i ask why do a lot of people on here use a 10w50?

The first number refers to the low temperature viscosity, the second to the high temp. value.

A 10 grade is quieter at start-up, and a 50 grade offers better protection at high temperatures. I use a 10W60 Synthetic oil as the car gets tracked once in a while.

HTH

dunx

so why was I told to use 5/40 again? so confusing...

so dunx 5w has a better cold protection than a 10w and a 50 has better protection than a 40 at full operatinng temp, so how can a 5w50 not be suited to my import sti 3?

If you are using it on road in a normal fashion put 10W 40 in and forget about it!

Some people just like to mess about .... look in your Handbook and it will tell you all you need to know.

5W is too thin with the warmer weather coming ... and 50 is not suited to a road car, way too thick.

No hydrocarbon based oil I've ever heard of gets thicker at higher temperatures ?

dunx

I think it depends on whether we are talking classic or newage. The classic manual recommends 10w/40, the newage 5w/30 (although 10w/30 or 10w/40 is ok).

I personally use Millers 5w/50 in my newage in the belief that it will cope with a bit more at higher temps, but still give good cold start performance.

And there you have it .... and what you should do .... do as Subaru tell you and you won't go wrong.