EricB
Member
Just getting ready to do my 1000 mile service. I'm old school and 0W-50 engine oil in the summer seems a little light. Anyone using this weight?
Polaris Oil Change Kit
Polaris Oil Change Kit
Oil Change - what weight?
- Thread starter EricB
- Start date
That weight is aimed more towards the hot and desert areas. It’s good for 100°f+ riding. If your average temps are lower than that, the 0w40 is better.
EricB
Member
Actually the summer here temp reach 120+ degrees. I'll order up the 0W-50.
You also don’t have to use the Polaris oil. 2 filters off Amazon and a 5qt jug of full synthetic from your local auto parts store cost less than a single Service kit from Polaris.
I didn’t check the formulas but my local autozone has oils formulated specifically for Powersports. Atvs, utvs, etc.
I just don’t like paying the “Polaris Tax” for products that are readily available elsewhere for considerably less money.
I just don’t like paying the “Polaris Tax” for products that are readily available elsewhere for considerably less money.
johndeerefarmer
Well-known member
Rotella T6 5w40 contains 1200ppm
Lucas SXS oil 5w50 contains 1058 ppm
EricB
Member
Rotella T6 5w40 contains 1200ppm. Is that enough Zinc for engines that rev to 8500 RPM?
johndeerefarmer
Well-known member
T6 has more zinc than Lucas and Lucas specifically calls theirs SXS oil. I run Lucas in my Turbo R and T6 in my Xpedition and Ranger.
As far as I know no one has posted how much zinc Polaris oil has in it
Synthetic 4-Stroke SxS Engine Oil – Lucas Oil Products, Inc. – Keep That Engine Alive!
EricB
Member
I asked ChatGPT about the oils mentioned here and to recommend the best overall oil for summer temps.
This is just an FYI. Run the oil you like.
ChatGPT:
Although Rotella T6 5W-40 contains a notably higher zinc concentration than the measured Polaris PS-4 sample, overall oil performance is determined by the complete formulation. For extreme summer conditions, viscosity retention and thermal stability are generally more important than zinc content alone.
This is just an FYI. Run the oil you like.
ChatGPT:
Engine Oil Comparison for High-Temperature UTV Use
With summer temperatures reaching 110–120+°F, oil selection becomes increasingly important due to higher engine temperatures, increased oxidation, and greater stress on the lubricant.Zinc (Zn), Phosphorus (P), and Molybdenum (Mo) Comparison
| Oil | Zinc (Zn) | Phosphorus (P) | Molybdenum (Mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Polaris PS-4 5W-50 | ~810 ppm | ~561 ppm | ~45 ppm |
| Rotella T6 5W-40 | ~1200 ppm | ~1000-1100 ppm | Very low |
| Polaris PS-4 Extreme 0W-50 | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Amsoil ATV/UTV 5W-50 | Not published | Not published | Not published |
| Lucas SXS 5W-50 | Not published | Not published | Not published |
Notes
- The Polaris PS-4 values come from an independent Virgin Oil Analysis (VOA).
- Shell has stated that Rotella T6 contains approximately 1200 ppm zinc.
- Polaris, Amsoil, and Lucas do not publish detailed additive concentrations for these products.
- Zinc, phosphorus, and molybdenum are only part of the overall oil formulation. Base oil quality, viscosity retention, oxidation resistance, and shear stability are equally important.
High-Temperature Considerations
When operating in extreme summer conditions, the following characteristics become especially important:- Viscosity retention at operating temperature
- Resistance to oxidation
- Shear stability
- Volatility and oil consumption
- Wear protection under sustained load
Overall Ranking for Extreme Summer Use (110–120+°F)
1. Polaris PS-4 Extreme 0W-50
Top choice for severe heat and factory-spec performance.- Developed specifically for modern Polaris powersports engines.
- Polaris states it contains an enhanced ZDDP and molybdenum additive package.
- Maintains a 50-weight viscosity at operating temperature.
- Designed for high-load, high-temperature operation.
2. Amsoil ATV/UTV 5W-50
Premium aftermarket alternative.- Excellent reputation for thermal stability.
- Strong resistance to oxidation and viscosity loss.
- Frequently recommended for severe-duty powersports applications.
3. Lucas SXS 5W-50
Solid dedicated UTV oil.- Correct viscosity grade for high-temperature use.
- Formulated specifically for side-by-side applications.
- Less publicly available analysis data than Amsoil.
4. Polaris PS-4 5W-50
Proven factory oil.- Meets manufacturer requirements.
- Independent analysis suggests a moderate anti-wear additive package.
- Remains a dependable choice for normal and severe use.
5. Rotella T6 5W-40
Highly respected but lower viscosity at operating temperature.- Strong anti-wear additive package with approximately 1200 ppm zinc.
- Excellent reputation for durability and cleanliness.
- Widely used by powersports enthusiasts.
- Provides a slightly thinner oil film at operating temperature compared to the 50-weight oils above.
Bottom Line
For sustained operation in 110–120+°F ambient temperatures, a premium 0W-50 or 5W-50 full synthetic oil provides the greatest margin of protection. The higher operating-temperature viscosity of a 50-weight oil offers additional film strength and protection during prolonged high-load, high-heat use.Although Rotella T6 5W-40 contains a notably higher zinc concentration than the measured Polaris PS-4 sample, overall oil performance is determined by the complete formulation. For extreme summer conditions, viscosity retention and thermal stability are generally more important than zinc content alone.
Pirate
Member
Here's an interesting note. There is a great video on YouTube that talks about all the engine failures GM and now about every other manufacturer is suffering. Most of it is due to poor cleanliness in the manufacturing process. Itty, bitty tiny metal particles get on the machined surfaces and cause damage. But my real point, the video told of the new materials in crank and rod bearings. Extremely tight clearances.
Told that the 0W oils are lighter as the oil film in crank and rod bearings is thinner than a human hair!!
GM does all final parts cleaning in an air tight room with everyone wearing clean suits and wearing respirators. Final engine assembly is done
the same way.
That makes me think we should be staying with the oil stated by Polaris Doesn't have to be Polaris, but the same grade.
This takes me to my next "I wonder". Do you suppose all the crank seals failing are due to an almost microscopic size particle imbedded in the crank surface where the seal makes contact to seal? I wonder??
Pirate
Told that the 0W oils are lighter as the oil film in crank and rod bearings is thinner than a human hair!!
GM does all final parts cleaning in an air tight room with everyone wearing clean suits and wearing respirators. Final engine assembly is done
the same way.
That makes me think we should be staying with the oil stated by Polaris Doesn't have to be Polaris, but the same grade.
This takes me to my next "I wonder". Do you suppose all the crank seals failing are due to an almost microscopic size particle imbedded in the crank surface where the seal makes contact to seal? I wonder??
Pirate
attakracer
Active member
I have used Amsoil products for many years in EVERY engine I have !! It has 3 times more wear protection than Mobil one ! I have a $100,000 truck that I change the oil in once a year .... thats how far I trust Amsoil ! I've been running it in the X since my first oil change at 50 miles. I haven't had any issues with having to add a quart every 500-1000 miles like i've read about numerous times or anything like that. Its also cheaper than Polaris oil so kind of a win win !
Dale's Snake Pit
Member
What weight Amsoil?
johndeerefarmer
Well-known member
3x wear protection according to Amsoil
attakracer
Active member
According to independant testing !! Mobil One actually sucks3x wear protection according to Amsoil
Polaris Xpedition Photos
Polaris Xpedition Photos
