Using 5W-30 in Los Angeles

Hi group,

Just wondering what you all think of using 5W30 synthetic oil in LA
driving conditions. It's been damn hot out here lately--and I know
5W30 is for 95 degrees and less, but does the fact that it's synthetic
oil make it more versatile?

John

 

If it was only occasional hot weather, like we have here, I wouldn't
(and don't) worry about using 5W-30. However, in an area where hot
weather is a daily occurrance for weeks or months on end, I'd go with
5W-40. There's no downside to it in a hot climate and you KNOW that
you're covered.

 

Oh yeah, and I figured since the Mobil 1 container said it was made
for Newer Vehicles that the 5W-30 would be alright. It did say it was
comparable to 10W30 on the back as well. But if anyone can sorta
explain how that all works, it might be interesting for the rest of us
to understand.

John

 

Everything you'd ever want to know can be found here:
http://www.sae.org

You might want to start here:
http://www.sae.org/news/rightoil.htm

Use their search function to look for specific information.