I used 20w50 all summer, is it too thick for the winter?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Dec 2, 2001 | 07:07 AM

Jeff Doble

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 814

Likes: 0

I used 20w50 all summer, is it too thick for the winter?

I'm wondering what oil to use for the upcoming winter?

Dec 2, 2001 | 07:43 AM

AudiSport4000

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 17,027

Likes: 1

From: Indiana

I usually use 10w-30 for the winter-time

Dec 2, 2001 | 08:41 AM

Chris in VA

Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 1,028

Likes: 0

Depends on your winter temps

Generally if it gets below freezing, you want at least 10/30. How hot does it get where you're at that you use 20/50?

Dec 2, 2001 | 03:36 PM

Jeff Doble

Thread Starter

Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 814

Likes: 0

Re: Depends on your winter temps

I live near Philly so summer temps can get up to 100°F or so but hardly ever do. The Audi manual recommends 20W50, but it seems too thick for winter use.

Dec 3, 2001 | 06:08 PM

Tylerb929

New Member

Joined: Nov 2001

Posts: 424

Likes: 0

problem is...

10w-30 makes the lifters noisey, and 20w-50 probably is too thick for winter. I'd say 10w-40 is a better choice.

Dec 3, 2001 | 06:22 PM

AudiSport4000

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Jun 2001

Posts: 17,027

Likes: 1

From: Indiana

My lifters are never noisey, unless i let it get low on oil.

Dec 3, 2001 | 08:26 PM

Chris in VA

Junior Member

Joined: Oct 2001

Posts: 1,028

Likes: 0

Lifters

Are you using a genuine Bosch oil filter? If not, you'll get lifter noise. The genuine filters have this 'anti-drainback' valve built in, and the lifters actually have some oil to pump up with when you start the car. I had the usual tapping for quite a while with 'regular' filters until I switched. This is with 10/30.