Is it ok to use 5W 30 in place of 5W 20 in my Jeep?

Question

The manufacturer recommends 5W 20, but at these quick change oil places they charge extra for the 20 since it's not in their bulk oil. Like $6 more an oil change!

Answer 1

really now...5w 20? thats synthitic.... maybe if the dayly temp is 0 fo a high....i would not trust 20 weight.... 5w30 or even 10w 30 is fine...they use super lite oil to gain a 1/100 of a mile per gallon....over 10 million cars it helps the fleet average

Answer 2

most engines now run 5w30 and it is recommended by most manufacturers but if the owners manual says 5w20 then  use it to keep within warranty guide lines, 6 bucks isn't all that much to keep your warranty valid. Its like anything else you do , read the instructions/guide and keep up the maintenance schedule and you will enjoy many miles ahead.

Answer 3

The number is the viscosity of the oil or its ability to squeeze into tight places such as around the cylinders  a higher number may not do the job as well ~~

Answer 4

It's ok to use 5W30 if you don't live at the north pole or someplace else really cold all the time.

All multi viscosity oil is the base number (the 5 in 5W30) with polymers added to maintain the same viscosity and lubricity as the higher number (like 30 weight) at higher temperatures while still flowing like 5 weight at colder temperatures.

For example, 5-W-30 is 5 weight oil that will maintain it's lubricity at higher temperatures, while straight 5 weight is ok at say 10 degrees but would become so thin it wouldn't maintain an oil film at 200 degrees.