0W-20 Oil... Anyone ever use it in their Q?

[Q45Owner]

Did a search on here, but came up with no results. Has anyone ever tried putting 0W-20 oil in their G50 Q? Have always heard that a thinner oil in general helps improve fuel efficiency and can possibly increase engine performance. Considering the Q is a gas hog, I'm wondering if anyone has tried the thinner oil to see if it would help improve MPG a bit. Any negative long term effects that the 0W-20 can have on the Q?

To be honest, I already took the plunge and have noticed a difference already, but I'm curious if anyone else has tried it and what their experiences were. Then I will tell you guys what I've noticed so far...

[mikejax21]

a friend of mine uses 0 weight in his q as well and swears by it and so far hes had good luck with it.

[mattd1979]

I use Mobil 1 0w40 though. That way the oil gets to all the parts of the engine much quicker when cold and when warm, the oil is at the right consistency. Also I read that 0w40 is a true synthetic by Mobil 1.

[cientortas]

The first number in oil weight is cold flow viscosity, which doesn't mean a whole lot when the engine is at operating temp. It describes the flow properties when cold, and all else being equal, a 0W-XX oil will flow better than a 5W-XX or a 10W-XX when the engine is cold.

The more important number if the the second one. It describes the viscosity when the engine reaches operating temp (the number actually refers to viscosity at 100 Celsius I think). So when talking about a XW-20 versus an XW-30, the former will be thinner at operating temp. Likewise, a XW-40 will be thicker than a XW-30 at operating temp.

I would guess that the mileage increase by using a XW-20 versus the appropriate XW-30 in the G50 would be minimal. How much mileage improvement did you notice?

For freeway driving, when the engine spins at low rpm at cruise speed, I'd rather have a XW-30 (or XW-40) in the engine for better protection of areas that require more film strength, like crank bearings. I highly doubt a XW-20 would cause any problems though. It is just piece of mind I guess.

This is my assumption, I could be wrong, but I think XW-20 oils were introduced recently mainly to help some cars in the US hit CAFE standards.

[BCC93QT]

Mobil 0w-40 for the past 220k miles. Changed @ 10k mile intervals. Running flawlessly. Now that the 5.1 quart jug is more common you can use coupons to lessen the price as well as around Christmas you can stock up getting it down to around $32 an oil change w/ filter. My Q sees about 20k miles a year so early spring and early fall is an oil change. Just changed it the other day and i bet I could have ran another 10k miles on the same oil. Plus I beat the living crap out of my Q almost every time I drive it

[Skibane]

The more important number if the the second one. It describes the viscosity when the engine reaches operating temp (the number actually refers to viscosity at 100 Celsius I think). So when talking about a XW-20 versus an XW-30, the former will be thinner at operating temp.

Also, the oil temperature tends to vary a lot more than coolant temperature - which means that there isn't one oil "operating temperature" you can rely on when choosing an oil weight. In hot weather, you can see some wicked oil temps - 270 degrees isn't uncommon. So, an oil that works fine under some conditions might be dangerously thin under some other conditions.

For this reason, car manufacturers assume worst-case conditions when specifying oil weights (along with specifying several different weights, based on anticipated air temperature).

Installing an oil cooler can be a way of safely using thinner oil weight, particularly if the cooler is thermostat-controlled. The oil-to-engine-coolant types are especially nice, since they help keep the oil close to the same temperature as engine coolant (which is already thermostat-controlled).

[Q451990]

I'm running M1 0W-30 in my Q and the wife's G. No complaints, but I never had any with the old 5W and 10W products either. The oil 101 article over at Bob is the Oil Guy sold me on the 0 weight stuff.

Heath

[Q45Owner]

Wow, I'm surprised no one has ever tried using the 0W-20. Anyway, I've only been using it for a few days now, but so far I'm noticing better acceleration and the car just seems to have more power than it did before. I'm coming from the 10W-30 oil and I swear I feel an improvement in the power delivery of my Q. Haven't noticed any MPG gains so far, but I'm calculating my mileage to see how things go after I get through my current tank of gas. I'll report back my results after I get through this tank. So far so good though and I'm glad I made the switch.

[BCC93QT]

Maybe you were just due for an oil change... Where do you live? I personally don't see why you would go 0w-20 over the 0w-40.

[Q45Owner]

Maybe you were just due for an oil change... Where do you live? I personally don't see why you would go 0w-20 over the 0w-40.

Actually, I was early. Only 1500 miles in from my last oil change, but was eager to try the lower weight oil, so I swapped it out. From everything I've read about 0W-20 vs. 0W-40 is that the thinner oil allows it to flow easier, thus there's less resistance in the moving parts. This is suppose to allow for better acceleration and higher MPGs, because less effort is needed to create the same output. Also, a lot of the newer hybrids (and ICE cars) come standard with 0W-20 because supposedly it helps the manufacturers squeak out an extra 1-2 MPG in their EPA ratings. I've done this switch in my other car as well and noticed the same increase in power (no noticeable changes in MPG though).

I was cruising on the highway earlier and I caught myself doing 75 MPH and I didn't even realize it. That's never happened before in my Q, so it really does seem like it's affecting something here. I usually average 16.5 in a mix of city/highway, so we'll see if there's any changes with that. I'll report my MPGs once I finish this tank of gas, but so far so good. I'm in New York btw.

[mikejax21]

Maybe you were just due for an oil change... Where do you live? I personally don't see why you would go 0w-20 over the 0w-40.

Actually, I was early. Only 1500 miles in from my last oil change, but was eager to try the lower weight oil, so I swapped it out. From everything I've read about 0W-20 vs. 0W-40 is that the thinner oil allows it to flow easier, thus there's less resistance in the moving parts. This is suppose to allow for better acceleration and higher MPGs, because less effort is needed to create the same output. Also, a lot of the newer hybrids (and ICE cars) come standard with 0W-20 because supposedly it helps the manufacturers squeak out an extra 1-2 MPG in their EPA ratings. I've done this switch in my other car as well and noticed the same increase in power (no noticeable changes in MPG though).

I was cruising on the highway earlier and I caught myself doing 75 MPH and I didn't even realize it. That's never happened before in my Q, so it really does seem like it's affecting something here. I usually average 16.5 in a mix of city/highway, so we'll see if there's any changes with that. I'll report my MPGs once I finish this tank of gas, but so far so good. I'm in New York btw.

im sorry to have to prove you wrong but any body who has owned a q has looked down and said to themselves "oh wow i need to slow down" lol

[Q45Owner]

im sorry to have to prove you wrong but any body who has owned a q has looked down and said to themselves "oh wow i need to slow down" lol

Fair enough, but I know that my car definitely feels more responsive after switching to the thinner oil. I really hope somebody else on here tries the switch as well to see if they notice the same improvement that I do.

[Q451990]

From what I've read on oil, the best way to test for oil weights is to try different weights and look at the cold and hot oil pressure readings... which involves hooking up an oil pressure gauge. It's entirely possible that these engines would perform well with a 20W oil, but without some testing I wouldn't be comfortable doing it on my own car yet.

Heath

[qship96]

Logic would suggest as an engine gets to higher miles and clearances become greater,if anything,going to a slightly heavier vs lighter oil than the engineers specced when brand new would make more sense.

[Q45Owner]

Logic would suggest as an engine gets to higher miles and clearances become greater,if anything,going to a slightly heavier vs lighter oil than the engineers specced when brand new would make more sense.

You're right, logic would suggest that, but it's not as if I'm using a 0W-5 racing oil or anything. I understand where you're coming from though, but I don't think it's a risk to the engine or anything. All I can say is that so far I'm noticing a significant difference in how my Q is behaving. It just feels more responsive and as if it's finally come alive or something. Really curious to see my MPG results. Should have those within a few days..

[BCC93QT]

Improving MPG... Not to be negative but I seriously doubt you will see an increase of even 1 MPG. With these cars/engines being as old as they are I think MPG should be on the back of your mind and engine longevity in your sights. You may have a better shot finding non-ethanol or leaded gas and maybe improving fuel mileage that way rather finding an oil that will increase your mpg... I used to get the ethanol free gas over the boarder in NY a few years back but it has ceased to exist

On a side note, I found an old gas receipt in my old snowboard pants from 2004 when I first bought my Q.

Dated 02/01/04

Pump # 5 PRM UNLEAD
Gallons 5.749
Price/Gal $1.739
Fuel Sale $10.00

-- THANK YOU --

[Q45Owner]

Improving MPG... Not to be negative but I seriously doubt you will see an increase of even 1 MPG. With these cars/engines being as old as they are I think MPG should be on the back of your mind and engine longevity in your sights. You may have a better shot finding non-ethanol or leaded gas and maybe improving fuel mileage that way rather finding an oil that will increase your mpg... I used to get the ethanol free gas over the boarder in NY a few years back but it has ceased to exist

Well, I'm not expecting any amazing gains in MPG, but every bit that I can do to help improve it, even if marginally IMO is worth it. Maintaining good tire pressure, clean air filter, removing excess cargo in the trunk, all help somewhat to improve MPG. So we'll see what happens. I'm just impressed so far with the way it feels now vs. before. It's noticeable. I do everything else I can to maintain longevity of the engine, realizing of course that it's old (although my car was well maintained by its previous owner as well). I really don't think using this oil could negatively affect this engine. I've done a lot of research on 0W-20 and have never heard of it being a problem for anyone.

On a side note, I found an old gas receipt in my old snowboard pants from 2004 when I first bought my Q.

Dated 02/01/04

Pump # 5 PRM UNLEAD
Gallons 5.749
Price/Gal $1.739
Fuel Sale $10.00

-- THANK YOU --

Wow... nowadays $3.73 for premium sounds cheap to me

[Q45Owner]

Ok, so I promised I would post my results after my first tank of gas from switching to the 0W-20... So here goes - it turns out it has made a slight improvement in fuel economy. Instead of averaging my usual 16.5 MPG in mixed city/highway, I averaged 17.5 MPG. So basically a 1 MPG improvement. Not bad, not great, but we'll see how things go with my next fill up, etc.

Regardless of any MPG improvements though, I'm convinced it has improved the responsiveness of my Q. It just feels more powerful. Merging onto the highway is quicker, passing is easier, etc. So I'm happy I made the switch.

[qship96]

Both observations are ghosts.

[BCC93QT]

This is not accurate and only is an assumption. 1mpg... There are so many variables... Weather, temperature, your mood, traffic, what kind of shoes you have on... Especially since you are aiming for higher mileage now rather than even thinking about it with your previous oil. Maybe you are just driving it like a sally now that you have different oil. Quicker and better passing means LESS gas mileage as you would be on the pedal more... I mean all the best to you but if you are looking for some special commendation take it else where.

[Q45Owner]

This is not accurate and only is an assumption. 1mpg... There are so many variables... Weather, temperature, your mood, traffic, what kind of shoes you have on... Especially since you are aiming for higher mileage now rather than even thinking about it with your previous oil. Maybe you are just driving it like a sally now that you have different oil. Quicker and better passing means LESS gas mileage as you would be on the pedal more... I mean all the best to you but if you are looking for some special commendation take it else where.

Interesting that you would say that. I guess I should have prefaced my comments by saying that I normally drive my Q like an old lady and have intentionally tried to be slightly more aggressive with this last fill up because I switched to the 0W-20 (to really see if there was any possible significant MPG gains). I should also add that since I switched to the 0W-20, my Q is practically begging me to go faster, due to its seemingly quicker response, so driving slightly more aggressive is coming easy. So if anything, I probably could have squeezed more MPG out of it if I drove like I normally do. As to your other comments, weather has been about the same and my shoes are the same as well.

Anyhoo, I find it funny how you and others are soooo quick to doubt what I've experienced, yet you've never even tried it yourself??
Just out of curiosity, have you seen the labels of most 0W-20 oils? Most of them specifically claim higher MPGs and it's a well known fact that hybrid owners and hypermilers use 0W-20 for that reason. So I really don't care if you don't believe me, since you've never tried it, you really have no point of reference.

I'm posting my experiences and I'm certainly not the type of person to claim something that isn't true. It is accurate and it is not an assumption, because I carefully calculated the mileage myself. Not looking for a special commendation, but hey, if I'm the first person to ever use 0W-20 in their Q on this site and I'm seeing gains all around, why not share that information? But like I said, believe what you want, I really couldn't care less. If anyone else out there tries the 0W-20 in their Q though, I would be interested in hearing what they experience. But those who haven't, please don't bother to chime in with your negative nancy comments, thanks

[BCC93QT]

But those who haven't, please don't bother to chime in with your negative nancy comments, thanks

Oh please. This is the largest Q45 forum on the web. You think somebody hasn't tried running 0w-20 in a Q45 before? This car is 25 years old. The thing is, most of us have put hundreds of thousands of miles on our Q45s. Oil is nothing new. You speaks of observations and not facts. Yes most hybrids and "hyermiler" cars use 0w-20 and require it as manufacturers demand. Not using such oil voids the warranty especially if you do not use THEIR label of oil. These are 4 cylinder vehicles and are only expected to put out X miles with their planned obsolescence.

That is not he point. You speak as if the oil is some sort of blessing on your car which seems to improove everything from HP to MPG. Some random person comes on the site every month or so stating they did this and they did that and improoved this with no factual information and is spewing random crap. I just cannot see an oil changing this vehicle as much as you have made it seem. You do not speak facts therefore I and others do not believe you and furthermore want YOU to proove it without some fools tale. Its like a teenager trying to outwit a wise old man. That is all

[Q45Owner]

Oh please. This is the largest Q45 forum on the web. You think somebody hasn't tried running 0w-20 in a Q45 before?

I'm sure somebody has (or at least hope so), but you haven't, so again, you have zero point of reference. FYI, I searched this entire forum and not a single post or thread on 0W-20. So I would hope that someone else has at least tried it, but after using the search function, I came up with zero results. Which is precisely why I asked if anyone else has tried it to chime in as well, so we could share experiences.

This car is 25 years old. The thing is, most of us have put hundreds of thousands of miles on our Q45s. Oil is nothing new. You speaks of observations and not facts.

Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't realize I was supposed to supply you with charts and graphs showing my experiences
Yes, I do speak of my observations and they are my facts. You however speak of neither observations or facts.

Yes most hybrids and "hyermiler" cars use 0w-20 and require it as manufacturers demand. Not using such oil voids the warranty especially if you do not use THEIR label of oil. These are 4 cylinder vehicles and are only expected to put out X miles with their planned obsolescence.

That is not he point. You speak as if the oil is some sort of blessing on your car which seems to improove everything from HP to MPG.

It has. I don't care if you don't believe me. Coming from 10W-30 and switching to 0W-20 has improved both performance and mileage of my Q. That is a fact. Again, you don't have to take my word for it. But I'm entitled to express my experiences. I have nothing to gain by making anything up.

Some random person comes on the site every month or so stating they did this and they did that and improoved this with no factual information and is spewing random crap. I just cannot see an oil changing this vehicle as much as you have made it seem.

Have you tried it? No? thought so. Furthermore, I have not made any claims about any extreme differences, but I did get better fuel mileage and I definitely notice the engine is more responsive. If you look around the web, others have made similar claims as I have with other makes.

You do not speak facts therefore I and others do not believe you and furthermore want YOU to proove it without some fools tale. Its like a teenager trying to outwit a wise old man. That is all

I do speak facts and I don't need to prove anything to you or anyone else on here. I'm sharing my experiences using 0W-20 which you clearly have never tried yourself, and apparently no one else on here has as well, because again, there were zero posts that I could find that show anyone on here has publicly even discussed the matter.

Anyway, the bottom line here is that 0W-20 is clearly a better oil for my Q. I really hope that someone on here at least researches 0W-20 and tries it out on their Q and shares their experiences as well, instead of someone just complaining to me that I'm "wrong" without them even trying it for themselves

[BCC93QT]

It has. I don't care if you don't believe me. You like sticking with Infiniti's recommendations?.

Factory oil recommendation is what 5w-30 valvoline?

As I stated before I run 0w-40. You are in the same area I am. I chose to run 0w-40 for the specs up here. 0w-20 is a lesser capable oil for the inclement weathers we see.

Whether you think you gain anything from the switch of oil is your call.

[BCC93QT]

It has. I don't care if you don't believe me. You like sticking with Infiniti's recommendations?.

Factory oil recommendation is what 5w-30 valvoline?

Yes, I do speak of my observations and they are my facts. You however speak of neither observations or facts.

You are clearly inexperienced and young if your observations are though of as facts in that simple minded head. Why do I need to speak of observations or facts. You are the one that is turning your observations into facts. There is nothing for me to prove, it is all yours.

As I stated before I run 0w-40. You are in the same area I am. I chose to run 0w-40 for the specs up here and have ran it for over 200k miles. You have changed your oil twice now in your ownership? 0w-20 is a lesser oil (my opinion) for the inclement weathers we see in the NE

Whether you think you gain anything from the switch of oil is your call.

[Q45Owner]

Factory oil recommendation is what 5w-30 valvoline?

Factory oil recommendation is 10W-30.

You are clearly inexperienced and young if your observations are though of as facts in that simple minded head. Why do I need to speak of observations or facts. You are the one that is turning your observations into facts. There is nothing for me to prove, it is all yours.

I am neither young nor inexperienced and have obviously done more research on oil, specifically synthetic oil, than you have or you would not be using a 40 weight oil at operating temperature in your Q. It's unnecessary and will only lead you to get less responsive performance and lower gas mileage. Don't believe me? look it up. I would at least use 0W-30 if I were you. Furthermore, you are the one who stated that I had to prove my experiences, which I don't. You basically said that my experiences were untrue and impossible, but how can you say that when you have never even tried the thinner oil yourself?

As I stated before I run 0w-40. You are in the same area I am. I chose to run 0w-40 for the specs up here and have ran it for over 200k miles. You have changed your oil twice now in your ownership? 0w-20 is a lesser oil (my opinion) for the inclement weathers we see in the NE

Whether you think you gain anything from the switch of oil is your call.

You are using a thicker oil at operating temperature than what Infiniti recommends for what reason exactly? We don't live on the north pole. You're deliberately making your Q run less efficient for no benefit.

Whether you think you gain anything from the switch of oil is your call.

Again, I have seen an improvement in how my Q is behaving using the 0W-20 over the 10W-30 I was using previously. That is a fact.

If anyone else has tried the 0W-20, please chime in and share your experiences as well. Actually, anyone that has played around with using different oils would be great to hear from.

[BCC93QT]

I am neither young nor inexperienced and have obviously done more research on oil, specifically synthetic oil, than you have or you would not be using a 40 weight oil at operating temperature in your Q. It's unnecessary and will only lead you to get less responsive performance and lower gas mileage. Don't believe me? look it up. I would at least use 0W-30 if I were you. Furthermore, you are the one who stated that I had to prove my experiences, which I don't. You basically said that my experiences were untrue and impossible, but how can you say that when you have never even tried the thinner oil yourself?

As an engineer I know all about the physics of lubrication. I know exactly what I am talking about.
You sound like an uneducated idiot and you have dug yourself a hole and obviously have NOT researched oil let alone 0w-40.

You are using a thicker oil at operating temperature than what Infiniti recommends for what reason exactly? We don't live on the north pole. You're deliberately making your Q run less efficient for no benefit.

No Benefit? Try running your Q well over 300k miles flawlessly on the same type of oil. Changing it every 10k miles. My Q is a tool of education. Not a DD for efficiency. Running less efficient? I know exactly how efficient my Q is. If I want 17+ MPG I can get it and have gotten almost 500 miles on a tank of gas multiple times. I have also tried to blow up my VH for years now. Don't talk to me about efficiency

[Q45Owner]

As an engineer I know all about the physics of lubrication. I know exactly what I am talking about.
You sound like an uneducated idiot and you have dug yourself a hole and obviously have NOT researched oil let alone 0w-40.

No Benefit? Try running your Q well over 300k miles flawlessly on the same type of oil. Changing it every 10k miles. My Q is a tool of education. Not a DD for efficiency. Running less efficient? I know exactly how efficient my Q is. If I want 17+ MPG I can get it and have gotten almost 500 miles on a tank of gas multiple times. I have also tried to blow up my VH for years now. Don't talk to me about efficiency

Ok, but your engine longevity has more to do with frequent oil changes than it does the type of oil you're using. By using 0W-40 (a thicker oil than what Infiniti recommends), you are forcing the oil pump to work harder (causing more wear and tear) because it was not intended to use such a thick oil. And yes, you are also using a less efficient oil (lower gas mileage) than what Infiniti recommends. But hey, if that makes you happy, right on!

[BCC93QT]

If I want 17+ MPG I can get it and have gotten almost 500 miles on a tank of gas multiple times. I have also tried to blow up my VH for years now. Don't talk to me about efficiency

OIl changed every 10-12.5k miles. Please, blow it up for me sally

[Infinitiguy19]

I have tried a lot of oils in My Q45. I have changed the oil in my cars engine every ~3000 miles. I have tried Mobil One 0W-40, Lubro/Liquimoly 0W-40, Castrol 0W-30 (German made). I have also used Mobil One and Purolator Pure One oil filters. I have owned my car since 114K and it now has 173K.

I might try Redline oil next oil change just for fun. I just don't trust oil past 3K miles as it gets pretty dark in my engine. Qship96 I think said the oil in his Q comes out the same color it went in after 10K miles?

I also disagree with the use of 0W-20 weight oil in a VH45DE. Hell when Fall/Winter passes I may use a 50 weight oil.