HELP! Oil Question??

J

JaCkaL829

it was my first time...
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 :mad:
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!
:punk:
 
The difference isn't that much, you probably won't notice any change. It certainly won't make your engine explode if you start it up. I wouldn't worry about it, just make sure you check the bottles next time, you might not be so lucky to pour engine oil if it happens again.
 
Your engine won't know the difference you could put straight 10w30 and the engine won't know it. The first number represence the "weight" of the oil while cold in this case 5w and the 2nd # is what "weight" the oil is in while hot in this case 20. So putting 10w30 in a 5w20 is not a big deal at all, while a bit thicker (weight wise) there is nothing to worry about.
 
You'll be alright man. Don't sweat it. As for the RSX's burning a bit of oil, this should NOT be happening at all!
 
I concur....there is nothing to worry about. You could have put a 1/2 quart of 50 weight without harm. It will change the viscosity of the 5W20 so slightly that it would take a lab to see the difference.
 
you may also want to check the owners manual becuase they may list a range of oil for your car for different outside temps and driving conditions. I know with my wrx that it state on the oil cap 5w/30 but when i looked in the owners manual it states that i can use 10w/30 oil also. I have switched to 10w/30 mobil one synthetic due to my car's turbo cooking off the 5w/30 dino oil. Check that manual and you should see that you will be fine even if you completely changed over to 10w/30. The 5w/20 oil is a thing that is recommended by some car makers to help promoted better gas milage.

Andrew
 
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