Cold climate oil weight

Hello all! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year and all that good stuff... Quick question about 5W vs 0W oil in cold weather. I'm in the Chicago area. I had my oil changed at Walmart recently and asked specifically for the 0W-20 oil. Come to find out they put 5w 20 in it instead. So aside from not getting what I asked for, is there any benefit to trying argue for them to change it? Been driving it for a week and it does seem to be harder on a cold start. My mileage also dropped a little. From what I I understand both weights are basically the same once the truck warms up. Let me know what you think and what you run if your driving in the cold like I am. Thanks!

 

I'm in NW Montana. I use 5w-30 during the summer and switch to 0W-30 in the winter. We can see temps as much as -25 in February so the 0W makes it easier to start and warm up in the winter. Most likely you saw a drop in MPG more so from the winter fuel mixture and increased idle time not oil. If you asked for something specific and they did not follow your request is enough to have them change it out on their dime alone. Customer service goes a long way. And don't let some lube tech talk you into something as if they are a mechanical engineer or some non sense.

 

Definitely, a 0W is best to be used in the winter. As Bravohook said, helps with cold-starts and decreases warm-up times. Helps with fuel economy too.

 

I reminder those -25 degree cold days growing up in Cut Bank Montana 60 years ago. Took 10 min. to warm the car up, even when you plug it in. Ran with studded tires 6 months of the year. We moved south, to get warmer. It only gets down to 5-10 degree here.

 

If I recall correctly Walmart will only use the OEM recommended viscosity/weight oil for a particular vehicle. Liability concern. Lots of oil change place won't deviate either.

 

Minnesota here. 5w20 year round because I have a bunch of it. I don't worry about it.

 

I'm not so worried about it doing any damage as I am it being hard on my engine until I change it again in a couple months. It says right on the oil cap and in the manual 5W-20 or 0W-20. I ended up just getting a voucher for a free change the next time around. Thanks for all the input!

 

Here is your out. Just take your owners manual into them and show them that it is recommended 0W-20. Should be enough said.