it all comes down to fleet wide CAFE standards.

 

 

LOL.
My manual says use only 0W-20 in USA ...and it says "only". And mexico and other countries it has 5W-30...
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No 40 weight in my manual.

 

When I retire...I'll search through the billions of case law. In the meantime, name one instance where a customer used the wrong motor oil viscosity and they still honored the warranty?

 

Its shallow information and really could support both arguments to DIY. Many capitalize on the maximum benefits, but IN THE REAL WORLD they don't exist. It is currently an impossible event! There has been only a few long milage test with only a few oil choices and more with oil additives used in a single engine since the late 70's following service recommendation up to the end of the stated scheduling and even fewer after 100-200k miles. Anything less is really pointless except to win or support debates in groups.

I mean who is going to do a metal analysis of the bearings and cylinder walls for what oil lasted the longest and protected the engine for a daily driver. get real! LOL
Remember unless it is Required and worded exactly that way it all about following the money and who benefits from all this oil information provided to the average consumer.

Funny so many are so concerned about what they put into their engine for oil choice and less about when to change a cabin filter that can directly effect your health? LOL

BTW if you go look I have had oil analyzed with various viscosities over the last few years none seem to support any specific information that are claimed about negative effects of using other then what was on my dip stick?

 

I will help you out it is actually simple to look into.... NONE!!!!!!
Check and or contact NHTSA

This is backwards thinking and not relevant to oil viscosity and engine failure regarding engine claims?

But if you must know as one of many examples..... Chevy regarding the 454 engine issues a few years back. Chevy NEVER as or required the testing of the oil to warraty out complete engine.

 

Oh I might as well add this into the mix of disinformation from DIY on forums. There has never been an auto manufacture that denied a engine failure replacement because the consumer used oil additives. As long as the oil additive company did not give a disclaimer use to specific engines. EVER!

 

The Mazda dealer use's their own branded oil ,made by who knows who ,in 0W-20 . So that's what you get if you get your oil services done at the dealer. Since I no longer have a lift to work on vehicles . When and if I stop being lazy and start doing my own oil changes again ,I'm going to use either Mobil1,or Castrol synthetic ,in 0W-20 or 0W-30 , and i doubt it will any damn difference as long as you change it every 5000 miles or less with a good filter . IF I try the 0W-30 and it drops the MPG I would go back to the 0W-20. I am sure the dealer branded oil is no better or even as good as Mobil 1 or Castrol . Under normal driving conditions (not over reving, towing up in the mountains and beating the hell out of it) ,the 0W-20 is more than likely going to be good as it gets. MAYBE ,JUST MAYBE 0W-30 MIGHT BE BETTER FOE EXTREAMLY HOT CLIMATES .

 

Yes and the reason USA sold vehicles from any manufacture use the word ONLY is so they will be sure to meet the EMISSION requirements set by the Federal Government. The word only does not mean REQUIRED!
Another word to look and understand the meaning of. LOL

See information relating to : New cars must meet EPA emission standards for hydrocarbons (HC), carbon monoxide (CO), nitrogen oxide (NOx). The law also directs EPA to set health-based "National Ambient Air Quality Standards" for six pollutants.

Chief, Your post is a good one !



Almost every Gasoline run engine in the USA as per the Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (P.L. 93-637) is a United States federal law (15 U.S.C. § 2301 et seq.). Enacted in 1975, the federal statute governs warranties on consumer products.




Unless the auto manufacture specifically states the exact word REQUIRED!
See general law pertaining to the use of English language specific words.

 

I think the main problem is that people have no frame of reference when it comes to oil weights.

If people were to pour some 5w20 weight and 5w40 weight oil into beakers. Heated them both up on a hot plate to 200°F, then got to put a stick in the oil and stir it, and pour them both out of the beaker and saw the viscosity differences, people would go "oh that really isn't much of a difference"

Then if you show them the inside of an engine and the plain Main bearings, and the plain big end rod bearings, and that big heavy crank spinning around at 6,000 RPM. They would have a better understanding.

Most people just look at the number and go well one is 20 and one is 40 that's a really big difference your engine's going to blow up.