I contacted Valvoline with my concerns over using their 5-50 fully synthetic oil - here is their reply:

 

 

"Good morning John and thank you for your enquiry which has reached my

attention here in the UK via Valvoline International routings.

 

In response to your question - you should not be concerned - certainly the

oil may appear to be "thin" at normal ambient temperature (due to the SAE

5W rating).

 

Additionally the light colour associated with poly alpha-olefinic basestock

upon which this "hightec." product is formulated - will also add to the

impression.

 

You can be assured that Valvoline SynPower SAE 5W/50 is fully compliant

with the viscosity values established by the Society of Automotive

Engineers -(SAE) and will offer you the fullest possible benefits of a

genuine synthetic oil -compliant with the highest possible established

performance standards of the API -(American Petroleum Institute) and ACEA

(Association of European Auto. Constructors/translated from the French).

 

The SAE 5W/50 band will ensure that you have both excellent start up and

normal engine running temperature protection within your engine.

 

(I would add that if you think a 5W/50 is thin - then you would certainly

not wish to examine the 5W/30 friction modified fuel efficient oils

typified by ACEA A1/B1 and Ford spec. 913B - mandatory in all their current

vehicles!).

 

I trust that the foregoing will give you the reassurance you require but if

you need any additional comment or assistance then just let me know -

always glad to help users of our products.

 

Your question via use of this customer focused communication facility is

sincerely appreciated.

 

Best regards - Frank

F.W.Sherlock- Technical Service Manager- UK"

 

Im still not covinced - but I am struggling to find 10-50 or 10-60 fully synth here in Derby, I contacted my local Anglo-Japanese Auto parts dealer who only stocks an oil called "Millers" ? Claimed to be one of the oldest oil companies in the UK ? Never heard of them.

http://www.millersoils.co.uk/

If an oil meets the required specs, then it meets the specs, end of story.

 

There is such a lot of old wives tales regarding oil I am allways amazed by them.

 

And lets face it, who among us "really" needs the ultimate, the last 2 or 3% protection that the best oils may or may not deliver for more than just a very small time every 3k miles or so? (in road use)????IF ever..

 

It reminds me of an article in a motorcycle mag, the guy said he was not the fastest rider but did often touch his knee down etc, he allways bought the "best" tyres using racing compounds. But was then told that because he did not get the tyres up to racing temp, that his "pukka racing compound tyres" were in fact LESS grippy than a fast road tyre. So the tyres he bought were not appropriate for his riding.

Thanks everyone,

 

Millers only have a 5-40 fully synth, and from what people say on here, its a mistake to use such a thin oil.

 

John