mkriete

I have been using Castrol GTX 20w50, but I have been wondering if I should be using a different oil in the cooler months. I think this place may have what I need.

GlenL

You'd have to change that again before Christmas.

MO? Unless you want to drive it in the worst cold snaps then the 20w50 will be fine.

dr bob

The 20W-50 is good for all but sub-zero start-up. No need to change from what you are using now.

I'm not sure the pumpkin fragrance will make it past the catalysts, so no real benefit from a social point of view. There are unsubstantiated rumors that the pumpkin fraction will change state at midnight. There is so far only anecdotal evidence to support that your horses will also change into mice. IMHO, it's not worth the risk. Stick with what's worked well for you so far, and follow the Owners Manual guidance on viscosity.

ltoolio

Is that Amsoil Pumpkin Motor Oil?

dr bob

The official name for that would be "Great Pumpkin Motor Oil". No doubt the seller would be touting the extra benefits were he actually selling the Amsoil version.

MainePorsche

Agree with the above, but if you're driving at temperatures that require an oil weight change consider the the salt/brine on the roads at that time.

mkriete

I was thinking peppermint stick oil around Christmas.

the flyin' scotsman

I should know better then get into an oil thread but its that time of year..........

I run either Amsoil 20w50 or Mobil 15w50 full synthetics all summer. Come late fall (right now) I change both oil and filter but use a cheaper brand.

Reasoning; the cars dont move all winter ~5 mths, when spring comes I can drive them for a few runs then change up to the better oils for summer.

Not saying its the best just what I do........S4 at 27 years old has 193k kms on it and uses no oil between changes; the GTS now has 185k kms, 23 years old and uses a little but not as much as many other GTS's

dr bob

Malcolm -- The question really isn't about the viscosity. It's about the need for a seasonal/holiday flavor adjustment. Orange yew glad you asked?

the flyin' scotsman

well beyond thxgiving flavour up here dr Bob

OP asked about different oil.......noone has said peanut or sunflower........yet!

Incoming Kibort, oh my.

MainePorsche

And for those who feel playful about their motor oil, there's this.

Strosek Ultra

I do not do a seasonal oil change. For the winter I put the cars in a warm and cosy garage to keep them away from the cold and salty streets. The oil I use is Motul 300V Competition 15W50.
Åke

mike77

I drive my S4 all year round but don't do enough miles to warrant changing oil seasonally so I use oil that is suitable all year around. At the moment that is millers 5w40. Started the car many time in sub zero temps and always get good oil pressure. I do however see hot oil pressure just under the 2 bar mark on the dash. I'm considering trying a 5w50 next change either millers cfc or valvoline vr1. Why not just use an oil that is good all year? What is the downside of a 5w50 vs 20w50? Surely it's the same viscosity when hot but better cold start protection.

As for salt on the roads. Yes that's a problem here in Scotland. I've replaced my fuel tank cradle which looked like it was about to rust out, fuel lines look suspect in places, suspension looks pretty rusty. I now spray everything under the car with Acf50 in the hope to slow down /prevent further rust.

MainePorsche

I would use a heavier oil than 5-40 on the 928. A 15-50 would be fine except for the extremely frigid mornings. I don't drive the 928 when salt/brine is on the road, but my pickup uses 15-50 all year round and only gives the ugly sound on startup for 5 seconds on mornings when the temp is -10 deg F or below. It has 250,000 miles on it and still goes strong. I would treat my 928 more gingerly regarding frigid startups if I had no choice but to drive it in those temps - perhaps something like 10-40 or even a 5-40. When the weather is temperate I'd use a minimum of 15-50.

mike77

Last year I was doing a lot of cold starts. Basically it was dark and freezing when I got to work and dark and freezing on the way home, 5w seemed the right choice.

For some reason here in the UK 15W50 seems to be marketed as motorcycle oil. That leaves 10w50 or 5w50. 5w50 is covered by my handbook (5w40 too) 10w50 isn't.