I know the manual says 05/30W for the HHR and the general feeling on the board seems to be the same. However, every mechanic I talk to here in Florida says 05/30W is just too light for the climate here. They all recommend 10/30W because of the overall operating temperature. There is also concern that residual oil left on the moving parts may be borderline insufficient for start up which can cause premature wear. Also, the most often recommended filter seems to be the Purolator 1. Any input??

 

Including GM dealerships....

why would they go against what recommended by their Manufacture

 

I'm sure the factory engineers spent much more time studying this than your mechanic. The 30 portion protects like a 30. the 5W provides gas savings. I use 0W30, and I would in your climate also.

 

These cars are tested in much hotter places than FLA, I would stick with the manufactures recommendation.

 

No, not the dealership mechs. I don't think they have the luxury of voicing a differing opinion while working. Besides, the service department probably wouldn't allow anything but 05/30W to be poured in. I'm talking about other people I talk to. Just wondering if their advice is bad or if their reasons are valid.

 

A properly functioning cooling system regulates the operating temp of a vehicle no matter where you live. Just because we live in the Sunshine state doesn't mean we operate at higher temps, we just get there a lot quicker. That said, I too think SAE 5 is a little too light for our "cold" viscosity needs for pre-optimal temp operation.

 

they test all cars in the some of the hottest place on earth to make sure everything works properly and work any bugs out.

 

Older cars with greater engine component tolerances used the heavier weight 10w30 oil. Newer cars have closer tolerances and need the thiner oil lubricate the engine properly. If you are concerned with lubrication at start up or high temperature operation, use a full synthetic 5w30. FYI the first numer of a multigrade oil is the weight and the second number is how much it thins when hot. A 5w30 is a 5 weight oil that only thins as much as a 30 weight at the same temperature.

 

The dealer put 10W/30 in mine.

 

Mmmm...I've been pouring 3-in-1 oil in my car crankcase for years. If it works on door hinges, it's gotta' work on the pistons. Right?