[Rustedwrench]

Is that a general recomendation of strictly related to use w/ a smart? I ask because I have a vehicle that the manufacturer recommends 5-20W. So far it's been fine but mileage is getting up there.

My recommendation you quoted applies to smart only. If the manufacturer of your vehicle recommends 5W-20 then you should use that or a 0W-20. Most modern engines has some very small oil passages with filter screens and solenoids that operate the variable cam timing mechanism. Oil that is too thick can inhibit proper functioning of them. My Civic Si has used 5W-20 since new and it has over 176,000 miles on it and still rolling them up without a problem.

 

[larryw4csc]

Oil preferences and change intervals are up for grabs here and on any other car forum. Everyone has their own idea of what the "best" approach is. About the only thing agreed upon is the days of the 3K mile oil change are over (using a synthetic oil, of course.)

BTW, I'm hard pressed to see how the M-B 229.5 spec applies to a Mitsubishi engine...

As the other queer oils aren't available in the USA, but, by Federal Law, if they said you HAD to use Mobil 1 they'd be required to give it to you free for the life of the vehicle, you'll be limited to the MB dealer's Mobil 1, anyways, and be ripped off for it. How quaint.

30 years, about 650,000 miles, 3000 mile changes, Rotella T 20W40, no overhauls....just like the truckers use for millions of miles on an overhaul.
Wonder why THEY don't use Mobil 1 and long intervals??
Car companies wouldn't lie to us, would they?

 

[smart703]

I've been using 0w-40 in south fl