Quote:
Originally Posted by lkchris
In addition, there is zero advantage to 10W-40 versus 0W-40 in any conditions.
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Oh then try the inverse. Since I live where the temps I drive in are 50 to 100 deg f. there is zero advantage to running 0W anything. In fact my Owners manual states 5W-40, 10W-40 and 15W-40 are recommended.
However If you read Lubrizols ( major developers of Viscosity Modifiers)papers on the subject you will find that the 0W oils start with a 10 or less viscosity base stock, then through the use of long chain polymeric modifiers increase the viscosity to 30W 0r 40W. Since there is the potential that the molecular chains can be sheared and reduce the oil viscosity and since I drive in a lot of 90 degree temps, I choose to have a higher viscosity base stock to begin with.
I attempted to not start another oil war by saying the oil is not REQUIRED and only related my experience with 0W-40.
I'll add a few links for some reading.
A simple primer:
http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/1327/viscosity-index-improvers
Link to Lubrizol
http://hddeo.com/ViscosityModifierPart2.html
There is certainly much info on the subject eg Bob's the Oil Guy. I don't profess to be the authority, I just don't follow the crowd. I do my own research and use my best judgement. YMMV