synthetic oil exactly match the recommended weight of conventional oil?

2002 FORD TAURUS
103,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ELWOODP
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  • 1 POST
Is it important that the weight of a synthetic oil exactly match the recommended weight of conventional oil. I am hard pressed to find a synthetic 5w 20 for my Taurus 5w 30 is available. Is there a downside to not matching those stats exactly?
Oct 12, 2009 at 6:39 AM
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SQM
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

It is best to use the recommended oil that is specified for the vehicle.
As far as conventional or synthetic, it will depend on what the manufacturer recommends.
You can use synthetic in place of conventional, just use the same weight of oil.
So if your vehicle is recommended to use 5W-20 then use 5W-20.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-change-engine-oil-and-filter

Hope this helps.
Let me know of any questions.
Thank you.
Aug 25, 2021 at 7:09 AM
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