Does Anyone Know If 0w/30 Is Any Good Over 5w/30?

[edwardio]

I use 5W/30 Castrol Magnatec in my Celica at the moment, but it will need an oil chnage in about 4k. So I've been thinking of trying Castrol Magatec 0W/30.

Is this any good?

[Scarlett Arrow]

Any good in what respect?

Good for your Engine...Yes, good for your Wallet...No.

5W30 is a Semi Synthetic whereas 0W30 is Fully Synthetic. Fully Synthetic Oils are more highly refined than Semi hence the higher price.

If money is no object, go for the 0W30, am I convinced it's worth the extra cash?, not yet. The mark up on Oil is huge, at the moment I can only justify spending £13.80 on 5 Litres of Millers XSS 5W30.

[edwardio]

Well I know it's better for the engine and for that reason I'm tempted. I like the good stuff in my engine to keep it in good condition.

I was thinking more in terms of performance! I've seen/felt the difference between a average oil and Magnatec of the same grade in other cars. So I'm wondering if 0W/30 would have an equal effect, or would it be undetectable.

[Scarlett Arrow]

At normal operating temp., both have the same viscosity (30) so there should be no difference in performance or fuel consumption. Can you expand on "average Oil"?

It's a personal thing, I would rather spend extra on Tyres than a more expensive Oil than the Manufacturer recommends. I see on another Thread that you have ordered Federal Tyres, that's something I would never do..we're all different.

[edwardio]

Average oils like Halfords own brand. Which doesn't come close to Magnetec.

As for the tyres, I'm only get Federals through cost really. I don't have the cash for Toyo's which were £90 extra. I've got 2 cars to run and do a lot of miles, so cost is an issue. Not only that but I read a lot of reviews on Federal tyres, with the results showing they can hold their own against known brand names. Lots of Tyre R, VRS, Alfa and other drivers on forum sites say they're good and always use them. Some even on track days. I've had expensive tyres before and mid range tyres and bearly noticed a difference, and that's even with hard driving round wet & dry country roads.

[EireCelica]

You must have fantastic senses if you can feel the difference in performance between Halfords semi S and preium brands. On a rolling road there would be close to F all difference, similarly I doubt any diff would be seen on timed 0-60s or 1/4 mile runs.

[edwardio]

As strange as it sounds, you can feel a difference. The only way I can think to semi-prove what I'm saying would be to, fill up with Halfords oil. Then get on a flat bit of motorway, take it up to 70mph & take your foot off the gas. Then time how long it take to drop to 50mph, no braking just freewheel. Then do the same with Magnetec.

The Magnetec will take longer to lose speed!

[EireCelica]

As strange as it sounds, you can feel a difference. The only way I can think to semi-prove what I'm saying would be to, fill up with halfords oil. Then get on a flat bit of motorway, take it up to 70mph & take your foot off the gas. Then time how long it take to drop to 50mph, no braking just freewheel. Then do the same with Magnetec.

The Magnetec will take longer to lose speed!

So essentially the engine braking is markedly less when you use the premium oil, whereas the Halfords increase engine braking. So less bhp with premium oil ???? My SS2 would lose speed quicker than any other car I have owned due to the fact is had 50bhp extra on them all.