Backmarker

I'm an idiot as usual

Grabbed the wrong oil off my shelf this afternoon, and only once I filled it did I realize I just put in 0W-20 instead of 0W-30...

Do I need to go drain it all, and go again? Or will it be fine? Note that I will be changing it again in exactly 2 months from today for a road trip and will be switching to Royal Purple 10W-30 for the summer (and new climate since I am road tripping to move to Washington) Is it too risky to use this oil for 2 months?

Thanks all, I will now go back to beating my head against a wall.

cosmomiller

If you are going to change in a short time anyway, leave it, especially if you are just doing normal driving.

There is no reason to switch oils for winter or summer use. There is no difference between the viscosity of 0w-30 and 10w-30 when the engine is at operating temp. The engine, for the most part, is the same temp no matter if you are driving in the desert or spring in Minnesota. Why? Your cooling system is designed to do just that. Hot or cold it works the same. The last number reflects the viscosity at operating temp (assuming you are comparing synthetic to synthetic and dino to dino) The first number is the viscosity at ambient temps, that is when you start the car. The smaller the number, 0 is best, means you get a less viscous oil to immediately lubricate your engine. Synthetic has been shown to leave a little more of a film after extended non-operation but that is another story. Favorite brands aside, it is better for start up if you get any oil with 0w to start up with.

Backmarker

So just to make sure I'm understanding you -- leave it, drive it normally for two months, and then once I change from now on just use 0W30 all the time since 0W will get oil flowing immediately, and 30 will keep it within spec.

Sounds right to me! Im just happy to hear that you're not too worried about me having 0W-20... I was in panic mode. haha

robertcope

I think it'd probably fine. 0W-20 is going to be more sheer stable than a 0W-30, which would probably sheer to a 20 weight, anyhow. I probably wouldn't go and do any track events or hard driving with it.

robert

zeroptzero

There was one member who ran a 20 weight and had it analyzed with normal results. I would avoid anything that causes engine oil temps to get too high on this next oil change interval though.

Backmarker

Thanks so much everyone! I'll take it easy on my last two months in Colorado and just run this 20 weight for two months. I am so relieved! Phew!

08S2000

Just to give you a bit more relief...

Some new 0w20s are close to new 0w30s. Also, some 0w30s do sear down to 0w20s as used.

As long as you use a good quality oil, you should be fine...

zeroptzero

Seeing as you have an ap1 you will be needing some oil over the next 2 months, so top off with the same brand of oil in a 30 weight to boost viscosity a bit as you need more oil.

robertcope

But he used Royal Purple...

<ducks>

robert

Backmarker

Nope, I have only used Mobil 1 since I got the car. Wanted to use RP after, but sounds like Mobil 1 0W30 is the recommendation.