Oil concern (bought 5w20 instead of 5w30 by mistake)

[usmclowrider]

I recently did a tune up on my car, including changing the major fluids. Once I had filled everything I realized I had bought 5w20 instead of 5w30. I decided since this oil was only going til the next round number on the odometer, which is only about 2,000 miles away, that it would be okay. Is it safe to assume that I will be ok doing this? By round number I change my oil every 5,000 miles, so 170,000 will be the change then 175,000.

[California98Civic]

You're using good grade synthetic oil? What sort of driving are you doing? How hot is in in late march and April in your part of Va? Virginia Beach is a good deal warmer than Highland County.

[usmclowrider]

It is Pennzoil full synthetic. I drive pretty easy. It's hard to say about the weather up here in Fredericksburg though. Saturday was about 70 and Monday had about 8 inches of snow. I pretty much drive like a grandma though.

[Cobb]

With this long winter, I think you are fine.

[usmclowrider]

That's what I figured. Thanks

[KrautBurner]

its fine if its still cold there

or, you can pull the oil filter, you'll loose half to a whole quart
you can top off with some "Slick 50" or other oil addative that raises viscosity

[Cobb]

Yeah, with the wobble out earth has in its orbit we have 60-70 near the end of the week, then low 20s beginning of the week and a winter mix. So far they are calling again for a winter mix on Monday.

[oil pan 4]

If it warms up and you have room to add some oil to bring it back up to the full mark make up the difference with 20w-50.

Or put in some of that STP oil addtive, its thicker than honey.