Switched to 5W-30 from 0W-20

[Lazy2.5]

Improving engine cleanliness and preventing LSPI is definitely not nonsense. Large sums of money have gone into R&D to make these advances.

Respectfully - Until I see objective proof of improved engine cleanliness or reductions in LSPI, I'm not buying it. I think this R&D has more to do with marketing certain types of oils to certain consumers/vehicle owners, and that oil change intervals matter more.

With that being said, I'm sure there are variations to different types of oils, but I am also confident that just putting whatever oil into your engine, not running it excessively hard or idling for prolonged periods of time, and changing it on time is most important.

 

[Lazy2.5]

I'm still deciding if I'm going to move to 5W-30 with my 2.5NA.

The 2.5 Is approved for up to 10W50 in other markets, no need to worry.

Unless you live in the arctic tundra, you're probably best off making the switch.

I ran 0W-20 throughout my ownership of my 2019 Toyota C-HR until it was totaled. The car had 185,000 miles on it. Didn't burn any oil.

That's fantastic.

As to getting up to operating temps, with my 2013 BMW 135i, there is an oil temp gauge.

I had a F10 BMW 5 series with the N52 engine. I liked being able to see oil temps. I noticed that the oil took a while to get up to temp in cold weather.

I don't know if the 2.5Ts have an oil temp gauge.

They do not.

For turbo engines, it's more important to monitor the oil temp over coolant temp.

It is for any engine.

However, monitoring coolant temp is helpful for noticing potential cooling system issues.

It takes at least 15 minutes or so of light driving before the oil temp approaches any temp that I would consider safe to apply more than part throttle. I would say at least 20 minutes.

I agree.

In regards to Toyota, I was considering a Corolla Cross before settling on the CX-5. Because I'm a gear head/DIYer, I always poke around the engine bay. I was surprised to see a sticker stating the recommended oil for that 2026 Corolla Cross is 0W-8.

Ridiculous.

An option I'm considering for my CX-5 is possibly 5W-20 based on the videos Lake Speed has put out. He said the base oil has more stability if the two viscosity numbers are closer together.

Interesting, I've never heard of this.

I would not worry too much about what weight you choose. You're totally free to go thicker if you wanted to. It mostly depends on what sort of climate you drive in and how hard you run the engine.

 

[N7turbo]

Respectfully - Until I see objective proof of improved engine cleanliness or reductions in LSPI, I'm not buying it.

Dude. They literally have to pass the new tests or they don't get certified as an API SP oil. I'm sorry, but you don't get to poo-poo this stuff just because you choose not to believe it. It's a pretty serious industry.

Oil Categories

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 corporate members, from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents, come from all segments of the industry.

www.api.org

Introduced in May 2020, designed to provide protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), timing chain wear protection, improved high temperature deposit protection for pistons and turbochargers, more stringent sludge and varnish control, improved fuel economy, enhanced emission control system protection and protection of engines operating on ethanol-containing fuels up to E85.

 

[Lazy2.5]

Dude. They literally have to pass the new tests or they don't get certified as an API SP oil. I'm sorry, but you don't get to poo-poo this stuff just because you choose not to believe it. It's a pretty serious industry.

Oil Categories

The American Petroleum Institute (API) is the only national trade association that represents all aspects of America’s oil and natural gas industry. Our more than 600 corporate members, from the largest major oil company to the smallest of independents, come from all segments of the industry.

www.api.org

It sounds great on paper, but I won't believe that there's anything significantly improved about this new oil until I see it proven in some objective way.

 

[N7turbo]

It sounds great on paper, but I won't believe that there's anything significantly improved about this new oil until I see it proven in some objective way.

The tests prove it in objective ways—that is how they are allowed to advertise that they meet the spec. It's not theoretical.

 

[jadmt]

The tests prove it in objective ways—that is how they are allowed to advertise that they meet the spec. It's not theoretical.

Not sure How there can be an argument?

 

[ColoradoDriver]

0-20 synthetic is recommended. That’s what I use. Mobil1. No issues. And I don’t void my warranty….

The 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Skyactiv is spec'd to use 0w20 and 5w30 with 5w20 as a backup option per the manual.

In my opinion, 0w20 is purely a cafe thing in the US.

I've been using 5w30 in my CX-5 since 2019 now.

 

[Lazy2.5]

In my opinion, 0w20 is purely a cafe thing in the US.

That is not an opinion. It is factual reality. It's suggested in the owners manual.

I've been using 5w30 in my CX-5 since 2019 now.

 

[ADS-B]

That is not an opinion. It is factual reality. It's suggested in the owners manual.

 

[Mazdiod2]

I picked up some Pennzoil platinum 5w-30. It was hard to find on the shelf because there were so many other grades. Initially I accidently picked up a 5w-20 but I put it back. For some reason Ford always recommends 5w-20, but I've read there's a big recall for GM and the temporary fix is 5w-30 *(rather than 0w-20 or whatever).
I read the SP oils are supposed to be better at dealing with the carbon from the Direct injection, and I think about all of the oils on the shelf there are probably SP.

 

[clownshoes2]

There's a whole lot of actchually's going on in this thread. How about, you use whatever oil you want and if you blow up your motor we all get to say "Neener Neener Neener, you're a big fat weiner!".

 

[SparkYellow]

I am on my first round of VRP 5w30 with OEM filter. 2K more miles to go in 5K interval. Next filter will have a nylon cage.

 

[BoomerZoomr]

Just buy the turbo and don’t worry about thin oil, cylinder deactivation or iStop nonsense.

 

[Buzzman12]

The 2.5L Naturally Aspirated Skyactiv is spec'd to use 0w20 and 5w30 with 5w20 as a backup option per the manual.

In my opinion, 0w20 is purely a cafe thing in the US.

I've been using 5w30 in my CX-5 since 2019 now.

Ran 5w30 in my 2017 Mazda 6, from the first oil change, until I sold the car in 2023.
I even replaced the oil filler cap with one that said 5w30 on it.
Car was always happier and quieter. Zero issues. Dealer had no issue with it.

 

[Dxdave]

Given the frigid temps of 10-20 degrees in the morning, I’m thinking of switching back to 0w-20. Anyone else? Can’t recall Delaware being so cold, but here we are, lows around 10 this week and next.

-8F here and I’m glad in using recommended 0W20. Just them warm uo 5-10 min. This is not rocket science.

 

[Chocolate]

I picked up some Pennzoil platinum 5w-30. It was hard to find on the shelf because there were so many other grades. Initially I accidently picked up a 5w-20 but I put it back. For some reason Ford always recommends 5w-20, but I've read there's a big recall for GM and the temporary fix is 5w-30 *(rather than 0w-20 or whatever).
I read the SP oils are supposed to be better at dealing with the carbon from the Direct injection, and I think about all of the oils on the shelf there are probably SP.

Ford has replaced 5W-20 with 5W-30 for most engines, naturally aspirated and turbocharged.

 

[Chocolate]

Good to -20 degrees F for those who need a reminder.

 

[nickswhip24]

Ran 5w30 in my 2017 Mazda 6, from the first oil change, until I sold the car in 2023.
I even replaced the oil filler cap with one that said 5w30 on it.
Car was always happier and quieter. Zero issues. Dealer had no issue with it.

Common sense right there, thank you...Where did you get the new oil cap?

 

[bojo]

Just had to say i came back to this thread and read through the entire thing again! So here is the thing. It is THIS is one of the posst that originally inspired me to put 5w30 in my BRAND NEW 2025 Skyactiv NON Turbo engine a few months back... So I did that. Instead of putting in 0w20, i changed it out at about 1300 miles for break in and used 5w30 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum. Car ran good.. no complaints really.. But then i began to doubt i made the right decision because I started digging deeper. Found a LOT of people commenting on how their engines , skyactiv and others have gonn 200k , 300 k on a diet strictly of 0w20. .. PLUS i read a lot about how amazing the Mada 0w20 oil with moly is (and it really is great) SOOOOo.... after THAT interval, I decide to go BACK to the 0w20 mazda oil with moly.. BUT.. after reading this amazing tthread again,. after taking in ALL ive learned, ALL ive read and researched, i am 100 percent convinced now, NEXT oil change after this one GOING TO 5w30 AND STICKING WITH IT! I just ordered another five quarts of mazda 0w20 moly oil so it will have to be after THIS next oil change, but maybe i will do an earlier next oil change for the hot texas summer coming up. So there you have it. You 5w30 guys have me absolutely convinced on this now. It took me a few times of going through this thread to drill it in my head, LOL.. 5w30 for me next oil change, then for the life of the car. So my 2025 cx5 will see less than 7,000 miles with the 0w20 before i get to put in the 5w30. So thank you all for your input and charts, and manual pages, philosophy, reason, etc. I was spending way too much time studying this, but iin the long run, I think it will pay off. I must add that BOTH sides of the debates out there in this world about 0w20 vs 5w30 for this engine (and others) have VERY good and valid points. But in the end, the 5w30 wins it for me. Sorry for the novel but just had to come say this on this amazing thread! Im so glad it was never closed!!!! Next i will have to decide if I will go with with amsoil 5w30 signature or Pennzoil Ultra Platinum 5w30 (cost not a factor) but thats a debate for another day. Thanks all

 

[N7turbo]

PLUS i read a lot about how amazing the Mada 0w20 oil with moly is (and it really is great)

I'm not concerned about "missing out" on the moly. It's a great friction modifier, but it's not the only solution for that. Think of it as a means to an end. It's also not the only oil with moly, many just don't advertise it. Second, make sure you are using API SP oil from a reputable brand with a good formula. That is far more important.