5w40 vs 10w40

1940 VOLKSWAGEN
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VOLKSWAGENGOLF
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I have a Volkswagen Golf, 2000, 58,000miles , 2L engine.
The manual recommends 5w40, but says that if you can not get 5w40 that 5w30 is ok. I live in Missouri and it has never been below 0 deg F in the last 4 years.

My question is; is it ok to use 10w40 regular oil or should I use 5w30? Or should I go up to synthetic and use 5w40? because I have not seen any regular oil in 5w40.

Will using a heavier oil (10w40) cause my engine to wear more on cold start ups?

Thanks,
Darin
Jun 25, 2007 at 11:23 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
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I have not noticed any significant differences in cost of motor oils among the various oil weights. If the manufacturer recommends 5W40 go with it. They recommend it for a reason. More and more cars are using that weight of oil. I would not used the 10W40 or 10W30, at least not for that vehicle.
Jun 25, 2007 at 11:40 AM