Expert: Ben Deutschman - 3/20/2009

Question
I OWN A 2006 FORD EXPEDITION WITH 50,000 MILES. IT CALLS FOR 5W20 BUT I NOTICED IT DOES NOT LAST THE WHOLE 3,000 MILES. OIL LEVEL IS NOT LOW BUT IT SEEMS IT GETS TO THIN AND I CAN HEAR THE VALVE TRAIN MORE. I'VE TRIED HIGH MIL. OIL BUT IT DOES THE SAME. DONT REALLY LIKE SYNTHYETIC. OIL, FROM EXPERIENCE FROM LAST SUV. WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND I COULD  USE HEAVIER WEIGHT. I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME OUT  THANK YOU

Answer
As an Engine wears, tolerances increase, and so does Oil consumption, especially if you use a light grade of Oil. Depending upon the climate, Northeast in the Winter for example, versus the Southwest, you could probably use either a 10W-30, or 10W-40 Multi-Grade Oil in your Truck, and have less Oil consumption, and a quieter Engine. You can also vary the grade, based on the season, as in using a heavier grade Oil in the Spring and Summer, and the lighter grade of Motor Oil in the Winter.