What motor Oil should I use in the cold
 

I am in NH, and was wondering what motor oil I should be putting into my car now that winter is approaching. Also I heard that ATF fluid is suitable for the power steering. What ATF fluid would work for this?

Rotella synthetic 5W-30 would be a good choice.

Use Dextron III in the PS system.

5W-40.;)

Although you can get away with using ATF in the power steering circuit, it really isn't recommended. If ATF were free and PS fluid were $100/quart I could understand, but PS fluid isn't expensive. Besides, PS fluid is usually clear when new and it's easy to watch it for color changes that tell you "time to change."

I struggled with this same question for the last few weeks and finally found resolution from this site and others! :P

First of all, I live in a much warmer climate than you, North Carolina.

But, I have decided that for my MB, 5W40 during the winter and 15W40 during the rest of the year will keep my Benz running like Singer sewing machine.

I also struggled between the choices of Rotella T Syn and Mobil 1 Turbo Diesel Truck for the winter oil. In the end I chose the Mobil route because I like Delvac 1300 for the summer choice and I figured I might as well stick with one brand. Plus, M1 is a stouter oil (so I read) than the RTS for only $3 more a gallon.

I recently flushed my PS system and used the Prestone branded PS fluid. Its about the same price as ATF, so you might as well use it as far as I am concerned.

Whenever someone suggests "Rotella" it means they're a WalMart shopper.

Why not go to the source?

http://www.startekinfo.com/StarTek/outside/9511/?requestedDocId=9511

Be excellent if you bothered to read the container on Rotella. It meets the CJ-4 spec for diesels. Your cited M/B recommendation shows the older CG-4 spec.

What does Rotella have to do with "Wal-Mart"? It's available at many retail outlets.

Why not run the 5W40 all year? The cost is identical and the labor is 1/2.

I use 5w-40 full synthetic.

Where can a buy 5w40 at 15w40 prices?

I think he was trying to be snide on the sly as he has been with owners of old MBs in the past, but it appears it's backfired on him yet again. There is a MB approved oil available at Wal-Mart, namely the 5W-40 weight Mobil 1, so I don't see what's wrong with being a Wal-Mart shopper.

Well . . .
 

Most ALL truck stops sell Rotella! I buy mine a NAPA! And actually Lkchris MB is not the source . . . some refiner produces the oil for them and puts the nice little label on for them too!:rolleyes:

A synthetic oil will flow better at colder temps . . . obviously switching to a 5W from a 10W also will help in cold weather, make sure you use Diesel compatible oil.

most of these oil threads get heated, and/or snide and snobby. this one got even worse, and quickly.

5w-40 in the cold weather, to answer the original question. i guess where you buy it now kicks you out of the cool kids club. :rolleyes:

I use distilled water. It has a great cleaning ability.