Chevrolet MONTE CARLO 1998 Manual page 237

RECOMMENDED SAE VlSCOSlTT GRADE ENGINE OILS
FOR BEST FUEL ECONOMY AND COLD STARTING, SELECT THE LOWEST
SAE VISCOSITY GRADE OIL FOR THE EXPECTED TEMPERATURE RANGE.
HOT
WEATHER
'
O F
+
100
+
80
+
60
+
40
+
20
7
"C
.
+38
+
27
.
+16
. + b
. - I
SAE 5W-30
WOK
FOR THIS
SYMBOL
COLD
WEATHER
DO NOT USE SAE 2OW-50 OR ANY
OTHER GRADE OIL NOT RECOMMENDED
As shown in the chart, if you have the 3800 engine,
SAE 1OW-30 is best for your vehicle. However, you
can use SAE 5W-30 if it's going to be colder than
60°F (16" C) before your next oil change. When it's
very cold, you should use
S A E 5W-30. These numbers
on an oil container show its viscosity, or thickness. Do
not
use
other viscosity oils, such as SAE 2OW-50.
NOTICE:
Use only engine oil with the American Petroleum
Institute Certified For Gasoline Engines
"Starburst" symbol. Failure to use the
recommended oil can result in engine damage
not covered by your warranty.
GM Goodwrench@ oil meets all the requirements for
your vehicle.
If you are in an area where the temperature falls below
-20°F (-29"C), consider using either an SAE 5W-30
synthetic oil or an SAE OW-30 oil. Both will provide
easier cold starting and better protection for your engine
at extremely low temperatures.
6-16