Is 15W50 Motul synthetic/blend too thick for winter driving?

[ThePointman]

Is 15W50 Motul synthetic/blend to thick of oil for a pcar that will sit outside during the winter? It rairly freezes here in Victoria, BC. I am using it as a daily driver.

[ruf-porsche]

Depending on how cold it gets where you are. If the avaerage day time temp is 10 degree or colder you might try 15w30

[KobaltBlau]

You really need to look at the pour point in the oil specs. a thicker rating full synthetic can have a lower pour point than a thinner rating dino. now you don't want to be starting the car when the temp is at the pour point, but it gives you an idea of what a particular oil is like in cold conditions.

[donstevens]

I agree with Kobalt here in that cold pumpability (related to pour point) is the most important thing to consider. If it "rarely freezes" in Victoria your 15W50 is synth blend is probably fine. You would not want to use a 15W oil if the temps get below 0F though.

Ruf-Porsche posted that you might want to consider a 15W30. First of all I am not aware of a 15W30 oil so I am assuming he meant 5W30. A 5W oil will flow much better than a 15W oil at cold temperatures and therefore provide better start up protection.

Don

[jthwan22]

50 weight is even too heavy for my 86 Cab in the summer. It pags the oil pressure pointer to the top.

[livi]

I drive my car during cold, dry winter days here in Sweden. I use Mobil 1 0w40 all year. Perhaps a little more smoking on upstart but no leaks. The 0w40 pours fine even at our cold winter temperatures. I would think 15w50 should be just fine with your climate.

[CharlesJones]

I use Motul 15w50 semi-sythetic here in the UK in my 84 Carrera just fine, and I imagine it gets a lot colder here in the winter than it does where you live. I would have thought 5w30 or 0w40 would be too think for '85 car, especially in your climate.