I just got my oil changed, and read on the receipt that they put in 5w-30. I told the lady I wasn't sure what thickness this truck took and she said that the guys would put the correct oil in, well the correct oil is 5w-20. They got it right last time. Im about to take a 900 mile road trip to denver in two days, what should I do?

P.S. I live where its cold.....North Dakota. I know my profile still says Alaska, but its much colder here.

 

You're seriously concerned about oil that will be thinner at high temps? Do you know anything about the viscosity ratings of oil? The difference between 5W20 and 5W30 will not hurt, especially since you "live where its cold." Manufacturer recommendations do not equal life. Your truck will be just fine.

 

I know the 5w is good for cold climates. I wasn't sure about the difference between 20 and 30. Obviously I wouldn't have asked if I knew. Man, some people just never give straight answers around here.

 

You should be fine.....think of it like this 5w20 oil will act like 20 weight when its hot and 5 weight when its cold so you'll actually have a thicker oil when its hot with the 5w30, and when its cold its the same (5)..

_

 

Makes sense now, thanks!

 

No problem anytime!

 

You'll be fine.

 

I would take it back and make them put the right oil in, there's no excuse for the mistake 5W20 is printed right on the filler cap. That's just what I would do. 5W30 won't hurt it, you can drive to the next change and put the proper grade in then.

 

5W30 is not that much away from 5W20. And if you are going on a long trip your rig will be warm/hot for long periods. However, if your in a quandry about it, spend the $25.00 or so and have 5W20 put in. It is just money and you seem to be undecided about it.

 

It definately will not hurt the vehicle. I have run 5w-30 in mine since it was brand new and never had an issue. It is not that big of a difference.

 

Why the ignorant reply?

If he knew, he wouldn't have posted.



psk256,

It'll be fine.

Don't bother going back and getting the oil re-changed.... totally unnecessary, IMHO.

There's more than one here who runs the 5-30 combo all year/wheather round.

 

Ditto!

 

You'll be fine. Don't be a girly man. :santa:

 

Take it on the trip and than have them put the right oil in there and a new filter for free since they put the wrong stuff in there.

 

There is no sense in riding him on this question as it isn't a dumb one.

Where in Alaska do you live? B/c you may almost want to consider 0w20 depending on your temperatures.