Thicker engine oil for towing long distances

[Avwizz]

Hi I've been searching most threads but can't ind a specific answer. I'm moving across the country (WA-FL basically as far as you can go) and will be towing our second car. Ill need to change oil before we go and currently run 5w-20 would putting in 5w-30 oil in be better for the engine over the duration?

Running a 2000 v6 btw

 

[stevec5000]

Hi I've been searching most threads but can't ind a specific answer. I'm moving across the country (WA-FL basically as far as you can go) and will be towing our second car. Ill need to change oil before we go and currently run 5w-20 would putting in 5w-30 oil in be better for the engine over the duration?

Running a 2000 v6 btw

I'm not a lubrication expert but I can't think of any reason to do that. Maybe if you were going to only be driving in Death Valley where it's extremely hot and the thicker oil is all you have available it would probably be OK. It's pretty cold across most of the US right now though, I even heard they had freezing temps in Florida the other day. I would go with the thinnest oil recommended for the engine for lower friction and best mileage.

 

[Avwizz]

Sounds good thanks!

 

[Gerdo]

What does the owners manual recommend?

Modern engines have very tight tolerances. Due to these tight tolerances, thicker oil may not be properly lubricate and you can actually oil starve vital parts. This can cause catastrophic failure.

Thicker is not better.

 

[mikebontoft]

I see Gerdo has no trouble posting. wtf??

 

[Gerdo]

Something is going on, mine took a few tries.

 

[mikebontoft]

giving it another try. seems some can't while some can.