mt6forlife

I was at the dealer last week to pick up a filter and on the counter they have a big chart showing the recommended oil weight for every car and every year. I noticed for the CL/TL, they reduced the weight for 2003. It was (I think) 5w30 and now its 5w20. What's going on? I thought the engine was the same for all years of the 2nd gen CL and TL. I once read about Ford spec'ing a lower weight oil the pass EPA tests with better numbers even though they knew it would ultimately reduce the life of the engine. Would running 5w30 in my 2003 give better high temperature protection w/o being too thick to cause problems?

anothercls

My oil cap says 5-w20, I've used that and 0w-20, and 5w-30, but mostly stick with the 5w-20 from Mobil1.

danny25

that's exactly what Acura did. This was discussed somewhere in the past. 5w30 is fine and will be better in the summer months.

fsttyms1

the only reasons they lowered the weight is to help meet CAFE standards

GreenMonster

While the lower weight oil is better for emissions, theres been a debate on weither or not the 5/20 is worst for the longevity of the engine

I've got 5/20 in my 03 CLS...