Ok, I just inherited this car from it's previous owner....who passed....

99 neon, 115,000 miles. He had been running 20/50 oil. Doesn't seem like that many miles on that engine. Should I stick with it or go back to 5/30 or somewhere in between?

Thanks....

 

20/50's pretty thick for a modern engine.

I would try 5/30 or 10/30 and see if there's any problems--low pressure, noise, leak, etc. I would be wondering if there was a bearing or lifter noise he/she was trying to cover up / quiet down.

 

use what it says on the cap. if it doesnt say, then use 10w30 or lighter.

20w50 is mostly for racing applications. the previous owner may have been using the heavier oil to quiet down the engine or didnt know any better. you will get better MPG by using a lighter oil and it will start easier in the cold months.

 

20w50 is really thick, only time it would okay is if you were running baja in the mojave desert.

Save your engine use a 5w30 synthetic