URGENT: Mobil 1 15W-50 okay for A4 3.0?? (South Texas = HOT)
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URGENT: Mobil 1 15W-50 okay for A4 3.0?? (South Texas = HOT)
I have my 10k service tomorrow morning and I purchased some Mobil 1 15w50 for them to use. I made the decision some time ago to bring my own synthetic, but didn't start looking until tonight. From prior posts I decided that I could use a 5w or 10w because it rarely freezes here and the car is garaged. Correct me if I am wrong, but it seems like the second number, the viscosity, is a tradeoff between performance (low number) and protection (high number); from posts it seemed like 40 was a good number, but nothing below 30. Thus it seemed like I could go anywhere and purchase 5w40; it apparently is not readily available here. I expect my next oil change to be in between Dec and Feb.
Thus my choice is between 5w-30 and 15w-15. I live in San Antonio and do about 70% city driving and 30% highway, however my highway drives are between three and eight hours. Would 15w-50 be good for my engine? The 15w-50 meets ACEA A3 specs, but I do not remember about the 5w-30. What negative effects will occur with such a thick oil?
It is not too late for me to change; what do YOU think?
Thus my choice is between 5w-30 and 15w-15. I live in San Antonio and do about 70% city driving and 30% highway, however my highway drives are between three and eight hours. Would 15w-50 be good for my engine? The 15w-50 meets ACEA A3 specs, but I do not remember about the 5w-30. What negative effects will occur with such a thick oil?
It is not too late for me to change; what do YOU think?
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Seems a little thick to me... but check your owner's manual
I use Mobil 1 0w-20 in my car in Southern California. Any thicker oil may hurt fuel mileage (which stinks in my 3.0 w/tip.) I know it's hot and humid in San Antonio right now, so maybe a 5w-30 is what I'd probably use. I don't think I'd go much thicker than that...
Bob
Bob
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Did more reading (B5 forum) and I think you are right... it is overkill for my needs and low mileage
https://forums.audiworld.com/a4/msgs/1313809.phtml
... there are LOTS of other posts out there too!
... there are LOTS of other posts out there too!
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Not urgent. Not necessary. A high quality synth 0W-30, 0W-40 or 5W-40 is perfect...
Do not equate higher viscosity with better protection. It doesn't always work that way. Todays engines have tighter tolerances and they are nothing like the engines of yesterday. There's a reason that the 3.0l's factory fill is Castrol Syntec 0W-30.
The "German Made" Castrol 0W-30 is good. M1 0W-40 will work. Motul 8100 Ester E-Tech 0W-40 is also good,.. etc. They will all be fine in the 3.0l and in hot temps. Increasing the viscosity to a 15W-50 just increases friction/heat in the engine due to it being "thicker", "heavier" and more difficult to flow/pump through the engine. The other oils will adequately protect the engine and keep the oil temps/friction in check.
The "German Made" Castrol 0W-30 is good. M1 0W-40 will work. Motul 8100 Ester E-Tech 0W-40 is also good,.. etc. They will all be fine in the 3.0l and in hot temps. Increasing the viscosity to a 15W-50 just increases friction/heat in the engine due to it being "thicker", "heavier" and more difficult to flow/pump through the engine. The other oils will adequately protect the engine and keep the oil temps/friction in check.
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