Right is it seems that I would benefit from synthetic because it gets in the single digits during the winter time where I live. And per the article, the different type of oil is negligible. Some might prevent less wear, but the difference is insignificant. Just follow the manufacturers instructions and change the oil ever 5,000 miles.
So I should just get the cheapest “name brand” SAE 5W-30 oil that I can find and call it a day.
What about the filter though? Any filter that fits my car would work. Is there similar data suggesting that the type of filter I use is irreverent? Kinda like the oil, where more expensive filters might do a better job, but the difference isn’t worth the extra cost. What does data say on oil filters. Are the more expensive ones worth it?
I like the oil article that Tester pointed out. Can’t argue with the data. Type of oil is irrelevant, as long as it meets the viscosity requirement your good.