HELP! Oil Question???

JohnnyDaJackal · 09-01-05, 04:12

Hello:
Well today I decided to change the oil on both of my parent's cars today to help increase gas MPG and because they were past 3k miles. Anyway while I was draining my father's car, I decided to check all the fluids on my car, mainly the oil. I had a hard time reading my dipstick, but it seemed to me to be a little low. I've also read on CRSX that RSXs seem to "eat" or "burn" oil rather quickly, so I decided to add about 1/2 quart to my car. Not really paying too much attention to the quart of oil, I immediately added around 1/2 quart. As I was putting it back on the shelf, I realized it was the wrong grade, 10W-30. Since I have a bunch of Valvoline oil with different grades which I mistakend 10W-30 for 5W-20

My car needs 5W-20 according to the oil cap and the owner's manual. I'm now freaking out, wondering if the 1/2 quart of 10W-30 will effect my car at all. I have yet to start my car, i'm now considering changing my oil, even though I still have a little under 3k miles till my next change. According to the manual it says to use 5W-20 on the base model (my car) and 5W-30 for the Type S. If I had a Type S, I really wouldn't think twice, because in my Ford, GM and Toyota owner's manual they all said to use 5W-30 if temps get below 0 degrees, if not then you can use 10W-30. I'm now wondering if the 10W-30 will totally screw it up, or if i'm overreacting? Any help on the topic from any "oil gurus" or anyone else knowledgeable in the subject would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

truzoom · 09-01-05, 04:16

It won't cause major problems. People mix blends all the time to get a 'right in the middle' viscosity. I wouldn't do it again, though.

White95Max · 09-01-05, 04:23

No I don't think it will have any effect on it whatsoever. If it were winter, there may be a problem, but still maybe not.
Don't worry about it.

az57chevy · 09-01-05, 04:23

You diluted your standard oil just barely. The first number is how heavy it is when cold and the second number is how thin it is when warm. No worries

Setec Astronomy · 09-01-05, 04:37

Half a quart is nothing to worry about, I'm sure people do much worse with their 5W-20 engines!

bluemoon · 09-01-05, 04:39

The 10w30 isn't going to hurt or damage anything, it was only half an quart anyway. I would just make sure that the oil is changed before weather gets cool.

Black240SX · 09-01-05, 06:05

The 10W-30 oil will lubricate the engine better. The 5W-20 is only recommended so the manufacturers can claim better fuel mileage.

Scottwax · 09-01-05, 06:09

You will be fine.

JohnnyDaJackal · 09-01-05, 06:51

Thanks everyone for reassuring me

. I know Autopians probably care for their cars the most.

I guess i'll keep it in their until November/December, when I'll just do a full oil change, even though it probably won't be needed. My oil change intervals are 5k miles, and commuting to school(16 miles roundtrip) only 3 days a week, will help keep my miles down.

Lowejackson · 09-02-05, 02:48

Why would changing the oil increase the MPG

John Styrnol · 09-02-05, 04:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lowejackson

Why would changing the oil increase the MPG

Good question. The two least expensive would be your exhaust and intake systems. Replacing chips, headers, modding the engine, leaving the stock tires (size)....etc will also help with MPG.

truzoom · 09-02-05, 08:24

Going to a very light weight oil like 5W-20 won't hinder the movement of engine parts as much as 10W-30 or others, so efficiency is improved and gas mileage can go up VERY small amounts. Ford changed to 5W-20 for CAFE, and although it didn't increase the mileage in each car much, the overall change for their entire fleet was probably significant enough for CAFE.