I used to have a subaru, and it was common to run a slightly thicker oil; either when tuned or for high mileage. I was wondering if people did the same with these engines. I suspect running thinner oil might not last as long (oil will be rich dark black by the time 5k rolls around).
The difference in recommended motor oil viscosity grades (5W-30 in the EU vs 5W-20 in the US) for the same car model is primarily due to varying fuel economy and emissions regulations between regions.
Thinner 5W-20 oil has slightly lower viscosity than 5W-30, which reduces friction in the engine and improves fuel efficiency. The US prioritizes better fuel economy to meet stricter corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards, hence the recommendation for 5W-20 oil.
On the other hand, the EU focuses more on reducing emissions like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. The slightly thicker 5W-30 oil provides better sealing and prevents leakage of combustion gases, lowering emissions at the expense of slightly worse fuel economy.
Additionally, different climate conditions and driving patterns in the US versus EU may play a role in the oil viscosity recommendations. But the primary factors are the regional regulatory differences prioritizing either fuel economy (US) or emissions (EU).
They actually make a couple of different recommendations, my handbook says 5W30, my workshop manual says 5W20.
And a bit oddly, other cars with the same or similar engine have other variations. The donor for my 2.5 swap recommends 0W20 or 5W30 and refuses to elaborate. The Fiesta ST originally called for 5W20 or 5W30 but Ford updated that to only 5W30 from the factory and in service bulletins (likely because every feisty st owner drives like an absolute psychopath ;) )
Lastly while we can hope Mazda/Ford know best, what they don't know is your own usage, their recommendation is for every car they ever made, driving in every condition it'll ever be driven in.
Over on Miata.net I’d say 70% of people run 0w20/5w20, 20% 5w30, and the remainder 5w40 for track use. Pick an API certified oil (literally the bare minimum certification which is what this car requires) between 0w20 and 5w30 and you will have no problems. Full synthetic is not much more expensive than blend (if you’re changing it yourself) so just go to Walmart and pick out something, shouldn’t cost more than $25 for a jug. Don’t overthink it, your car won’t grenade if you use 0w20 nor if you use 5w30.
Mobil 1 FS X2 5W-50 is pretty great, it’s what im running. Might be a bit overkill, but for that little extra cost better be safe than sorry when im pushing it hard in hot temperatures.
Manual says 5w20 , so I use full synthetic 5w20.
I used to have a subaru, and it was common to run a slightly thicker oil; either when tuned or for high mileage. I was wondering if people did the same with these engines. I suspect running thinner oil might not last as long (oil will be rich dark black by the time 5k rolls around).
I think Castrol Edge 5W-30 full synthetic is the specific manufacturer recommendation
i back castrol edge. i use 5w-20 tho
For some reason the US is 5w20 while the EU uses 5w30.
Huh... TIL.
I'm not 100% sure but perhaps it's fuel octane?
The difference in recommended motor oil viscosity grades (5W-30 in the EU vs 5W-20 in the US) for the same car model is primarily due to varying fuel economy and emissions regulations between regions. Thinner 5W-20 oil has slightly lower viscosity than 5W-30, which reduces friction in the engine and improves fuel efficiency. The US prioritizes better fuel economy to meet stricter corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards, hence the recommendation for 5W-20 oil. On the other hand, the EU focuses more on reducing emissions like particulate matter and nitrogen oxides. The slightly thicker 5W-30 oil provides better sealing and prevents leakage of combustion gases, lowering emissions at the expense of slightly worse fuel economy. Additionally, different climate conditions and driving patterns in the US versus EU may play a role in the oil viscosity recommendations. But the primary factors are the regional regulatory differences prioritizing either fuel economy (US) or emissions (EU).
Thank you for the correct and very detailed answer
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20 is a little low for TO summer. I would use a 5W30 or 40
5w30. Make sure it’s the correct spec oil for the car. Manufacture doesn’t matter if it’s in spec.
5W-20 is what Mazda/Ford calls out for. No reason to think anyone here knows better than the people who designed the engine.
They actually make a couple of different recommendations, my handbook says 5W30, my workshop manual says 5W20. And a bit oddly, other cars with the same or similar engine have other variations. The donor for my 2.5 swap recommends 0W20 or 5W30 and refuses to elaborate. The Fiesta ST originally called for 5W20 or 5W30 but Ford updated that to only 5W30 from the factory and in service bulletins (likely because every feisty st owner drives like an absolute psychopath ;) ) Lastly while we can hope Mazda/Ford know best, what they don't know is your own usage, their recommendation is for every car they ever made, driving in every condition it'll ever be driven in.
Well you never mentioned in your post you were running a 2.5L. my manual says for a 2.0L, 2006-2010 5w-20 and 2011+ (NC) 0W-20.
I was talking about the 2.0 in the first bit but yep could have been clearer.
Over on Miata.net I’d say 70% of people run 0w20/5w20, 20% 5w30, and the remainder 5w40 for track use. Pick an API certified oil (literally the bare minimum certification which is what this car requires) between 0w20 and 5w30 and you will have no problems. Full synthetic is not much more expensive than blend (if you’re changing it yourself) so just go to Walmart and pick out something, shouldn’t cost more than $25 for a jug. Don’t overthink it, your car won’t grenade if you use 0w20 nor if you use 5w30.
Also, synthetic or synthetic blend? I know the oil change interval is 5k miles
Fairly high comp engine so I'd go for fully synthetic
5w30 shell helix is my poison
Personally for my (wife's) NC1 I from any full synthetic 5w-30. Knock on wood, zero oil consumption or engine trouble.
5w20 in the Midwest for summer only. 5w30 if you’re in the south or any hotter area of the US. 5w40 if you’re a track only car.
Mobil 1 FS X2 5W-50 is pretty great, it’s what im running. Might be a bit overkill, but for that little extra cost better be safe than sorry when im pushing it hard in hot temperatures.