Long story short, I'm about to do my oil, and this is the only chance I have for atleast a week and I'm already 200 miles over. It calls for 5w-30, i have 5w-20 and a 10w-40. being winter and all i think the 5w-20 would be better than 10w-40, is this the right call?
I see you are in NY.
I would say yes to 5w-20 if you change it before the outdoor temps hit above 50 degrees. The "5" part is what you need in the temps below negative F degrees.
If you do not expect to see temps below negative F degrees then you should be able to get by with the "10". The "40" will take you to summer months and summer temps.
My supporting data is this chart:
Taken from here, my on-line Volvo 850 owners manual:
http://apps.volvocars.us/ownersdocs/1995/1995_850/95850_8_6.html#pg8.10
Neither are ideal.
The number at the end is the "hot" weight.
How cold does it get there?
I'd rather (a) run out and get the correct oil or (b) run the existing oil another several hundred miles before (c) put in the wrong oil.
Well, the oil is changed and I used the 5w-20. Besides, It will need another oil change before it gets warm. And it consumes oil at aprox. 1qt/700mi, so as long as I keep it topped off, it practicly changes itself!
Edit-Besides, My father and I have done worse improvising oil weights with out consequense
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