Is it better to put a thicker oil in a vehicle for extra protection? consequences? (2013, auto)

[Jam-Man]

I searched the answer to this and got mixed results and no definitive answer.

So I just bought a used 2018 Camry 3.5 L engine and the previous owner who is a friend told me he was putting "extra thick oil" in the engine for every oil change since he bought it. He claims that the thicker oil adds extra protection and in case of a minor leak anywhere the thicker oil will not leak out or not leak out as fast preventing an engine blowout.

I just want to put this oil in as I am happy with the brand since I already use it for my 2013 Malibu.
https://www.searchforparts.com/oil-c...ry-3.5l-2grfks

Since this is the recommended oil for the 2018 Camry and I will be reverting back to a thinner or normal oil for this vehicle, will there be any drawbacks or consequences? Will an engine get used to the thicker oil and now will I risk leaks, or ?? Hopefully, this vehicle lasts like my previous Camry.

Or should I continue putting in the extra thick oil? It wasn't synthetic as far as I understand. I didn't want to get into a back n forth with my friend so I posted this here.

thanks!

[Parnassia]

What temperatures do you drive this car in? Obviously a heavier oil is going to make for harder starts/operation at cold temps and affect fuel economy...until the engine warms up. How many miles on this car? There are "high mileage" oils that may offer more protection without necessarily being "heavier".

[Jam-Man]

In hot weather, has 35,000 miles on it.

[HJ99]

I know little about specific models that new. But if it has variable valve timing, and lot later models do, then thicker oil is big no-no. Its fine in your old pushrod engine from decades ago with looser tolerances and some wear thrown in. But with the closer tolerances and tiny oil passages, not good idea in modern engine, even high mile ones.

[tickyul]

Depending on the vehicle, what viscosity oil you put in, ambient temperature and how hot your vehicle runs.............the change in oil viscosity can raise your oil-pressure significantly. Too high of an
oil-pressure can cause problems.

I have a pretty thick sludge-concoction in my beatervan and my oil-pressure is near max
on the gauge on startup.

[OutdoorLover]

Higher viscosity isn't better. The car's lubrication system is designed to work with a certain spec of oil performance that the factory recommends - I'd stick with that. Upping the viscosity may give substandard oil circulating performance - if the oil pump and the various openings and passages are all designed for 0-30W, and you put in thicker 10-40W, the oil may not get to the bearings very well.

If you want to be extra nice to the motor, get synthetic oil in the factory spec weight - all oil breaks down over time- oxidation, heat and churn. Synthetic oils hold up better to this and break down slower.

[southernnaturelover]

Look in your owners manual, it'll tell you the thickest oil you can use in your climate.

[MoNative34]

Originally Posted by Jam-Man

He claims that the thicker oil adds extra protection and in case of a minor leak anywhere the thicker oil will not leak out or not leak out as fast preventing an engine blowout.

The guy at Advance Auto Parts probably told him that nonsense.

And it makes me curious as to what else he poured down the crankcase. All those "get 5% better gas mileage, 10% more hp and stops all leaks" crap you see on the store shelves.

[johngolf]

I had a 2005 Ford Escape with 125K miles and it developed a small oil leak. I had it tested to find the leak and no one could. I started using high mileage motor oil and after a few months, the leak went away. As I understand it, the oil has additives to help seal leaks but is not a "thick" oil.

[rbohm]

OP your friends brain is full of fecal matter. use the oil recommended in your owners manual. modern engines have tighter clearances, and thicker oils will not flow through those clearances very easily, and as such you actually LOSE protection.