Motor Oils - Fuel Economy vs. Wear

[Garlic]

Great article,

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/articl...my%20vs.%20Wear

://http://www.machinerylubrication.com...%20vs.%20Wear

[Nine_eleven]

this throws new thinking into a different light...

 

wat say the W20 oil users?

[Hugo]

The last paragraph stated

 

The best protection against wear is probably a product that is a little thicker (such as SAE 10W-30 or 15W-40) no wonder the oil guru always recommend 10W30

[Trex101]

It's true and logical, a good working condition engine which drive in City like Singapore and hardly rev pass 6000rpm would reap the benefit of 20wt oil.

Of cause a highly modify or high reving Honda which frequent 8600rpm would need a 40wt GF3 mineral oil at least. But with improvement in oil technology & quality of basestock/additives added you can very well get away with a good quality 30wt oil.

 

The key is "GOOD QUALITY SYNTHETIC".

 

Two examples which shows how a good quality oil can protect the engine under extreme condition.

 

Honda S2000 Redline 10w30

http://theoildrop.server101.com/cgi/ultima...ic;f=3;t=002100

 

Honda Accord 2.4 Redline 5w20

http://theoildrop.server101.com/ubb/ultima...ic;f=3;t=003686

Edited September 14, 2006 by Trex101

[EventH]

if an engine working under normal working conditions is around 210F, with spikes during hard driving, I think it is better to invest in an oil cooler or bigger radiators/fans for the bros that like to drive hard. If the oil overheats and "thins", it is a issue of the cooling system not being able to cope with the conditions that the driver subjects the car to.

 

Having too thick an oil masks the the real issue while causing others.

 

Racing applications will have different requirements compared to occasional hard driving or extended highspeed highway cruises.

 

Is this valid? Pls corrent me if I am wrong.

[Siyexcalibur]

In Europe, they are looking at 20 oils seriously. The fuel savings are significant but the increased wear is considered to be marginal. In Singapore, cars are scrapped at 5 years, wear is of hardly any concern.

[Genie47]

They have discussed this. Oil coolers are a waste usually unless you are racing. Even in daily street hard driving, the system hardly breaks a sweat.

 

The main problem with coolers is this. More tubing = more complicated = leaks = lose oil = LPPL.

 

Radiator fans also same thing. Big fan plus big motor = more power = drain electrical = more power to alternator = more fuel = LPPL.

[EventH]

Precisely ... I think occasional spirited driving or extended highway cruising will not cause the manufacturer recommended oil grade to thin significantly since the stock cooling system should be up to the task.

[Cyberet]

not forgetting the short distances we travel

[Upguy1]

engine wear is hardly of concern here like u said...as we change cars every few years...

 

so let us all reap the benefits of thin engine oil (fuel economy and better pickup) ..and sell our worn out engines to those african countries where our used cars are exported to.....

[Nine_eleven]

the way i see it, lesser cars will be exported out from now...

 

with low COE prices and depressed scrap values, more and more cars are being sold on the local second hand market or kept on the road.

 

the 2nd hand market will find new growth in the years to come...

 

as it is, it makes more sense to buy second hand cars than new ones if u consider the depreciation.