0W-16 is here!
 

So I've been using Walmart's Super tech 0w-20 Synthetic since it came out a couple years ago, but this crap is always sold out and I end up having to check the other Walmart's in town or order on line (also Amazon basic oil has the same bottling company). Low and behold, that didn't happen this time, but look what I found. 0w-16 for $15.98 for 5 quarts. You can't beat the prices of either of these which is why the 20w is usually sold out. But the 0w-16 sparked my interest as before now it was only available for $40/5qt in the USA from either (2010 insight uses 0w-16 oil, 3019+ camry as well) Toyota/Honda/Ravenol/autozone recycled bottles which makes no sense cost wise. Excited to test this stuff. Anybody have any ideas for testing fuel economy vs 20w? It's hard to think of ways to quantify a 1-2% gain. I know that I will use this and a oem filter and send in the analysis at 10k and see if the doctor recommends it. Either way if the wear looks good the swap from 16w cost me 0$ over 20w which is nice.

There is only about a 1% difference between that thin stuff and what you are supposed to be using.
According to Cummins there is only about a 3% difference between 15w-40 and 0-20 oil, for fuel economy.

%3 in viscosity at temperature or fuel consumption?

Almost of my cars call for xw30 oils of some type, would love to test but not willing to risk it

3% fuel economy in their mixed driving testing.

I can confirm that with thinner oils it takes my engine a lot longer to warm up. I was looking at that same 0w-16 just a few days ago with interest.

I noticed that too. The engine has less friction when still cold, so it can maintain stationary revs more easy, so it uses less fuel, so it heats up more slowly.
Last oil change they did not use Green Oil anymore and the reverse happened.

I wouldn't go thinner on the warm grade, only on the winter grade.

So for example i'd be willing to go from 10w-30 to 0w-30 but not from 0w-30 to 0w16.

My 2006 V6 accord specced 5W-20 new, currently runnning 0W-20. I would be hesitant to switch to 0W-16 so I voted no. If my car was newer, say a 2013+ accord with the newer earth dreams engine I would say yes.

Generally speaking I feel the same. However some cars have multiple recommended oils which vary in the warm grade as well.

Take the S2000. Honda recommends either a 10w30 or 5w40 if the temperature goes below 0F / -20C.

The Acura TSX recommended 5w30 in 2004, or 10w30 if temperatures don't drop below 0F. The 2014 TSX has an extremely similar engine and calls for 0w20.

I'm going to give it a go. About due anyway. I hope the local Walmart has some! Would be nice to get some 70+ mpg tanks from commuting.