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Really confused about engine oil!(long but please help)
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Posted by Wawa [Email] (more from Wawa) on Tue, 28 Feb 2006 01:26:07 Share Post by Email
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After reading about 100 messages on this BB and about 100 more on BobIsTheOilGuy.com, I have become thoroughly confused about what viscosity to use in my 98 CSE.

I am taking a very cross-country trip soon (1000 miles each way) and want to get my car ready.

I know discussing oil here is like opening pandora's box...but I hope you guys/girls can help. I think the most distressing thing for me is the fact that my owner's manual states several viscosities are ok to use...and provides no advice on the issue at all. I find this very strange as all previous cars I have owned (Acura, VW, Jeep, Ford) have included some recommendations and most have a chart of recommended viscosities in the owner's manual which was very handy. Why doesn't Saab do this?

I know I'm going to use Mobil-1. So that's a start. Now here's what I gleaned so far.

Saab uses/sells 5w-30 (semi-syn) and 0w-40 (syn).

I was all set to begin using Mobil-1 5w-40 Truck and SUV formula after reading many good comments from Saab owners. However, there is a new T+SUV formula, 5w-30. (Just saw it on the WalMart shelf this weekend). Word is this is replacing the old 5w-40 version.

I have no idea if the 5w-30 T+SUV specs are similar to the regular 5w-30 oil.

My main goal good fuel mileage. I live near Philadelphia, and plan to change to oil in the 5000-7500 mile range. (I'm using syn to extend the drain interval a bit.) Most of my driving is around town, sometimes I drive it as little as 2-3 min down the road to get to work. I would say 80% city/20% highway driving.

Also, I would like to use 1 viscosity year round if possible to keep things simple.

Now, am I over-analyzing things too much? Things are so much easier with my Volvo...manual states 10-w30 year round no problems, no worries.

Now, I'm leaning toward a 5w-30, for better mileage. But, Mobil-1 even comes in 0w-30...so why couldn't I use that as well?

Lastly, I think I'm going to stick with a SM oil, as they seem to have better lubricating properties than the newer SL (although this seems to go against conventional thinking that newer is better). When thinking about it, my car engine is 8 years old and anything that meets the specs for back then should be ok, right?

I know lots of folks here like thicker oils to protect the turbo...but I guess I'm not too worried about the turbo. I'd take the trade-off of slightly better fuel-economy, especially for mostly short drives.

And, since Saab advocates 5w-30 or 0w-40, I'm thinking of using one of those two viscosities. Again, leaning toward 5w-30.

Ok, can anyone help me solve this mess? I've got my Mann filter, new drain plug washer, and Rhino ramps ready to go. Just need to decide on an oil to use.



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