Synthetic oil

I use Amsoil signature series as well, 0W30, in fact just had an oil change and shock (Bilstein 5100) upgrade last Saturday.

 

Been using Amsoil signature for the past decade and have had no problems. I too, change once a year and drop the filter every 5-6,000. Changing oil once a year is much more convenient and filter changes are a no brainer. I have used the oil in a Subaru outback with over 165,000 and an 05 Tundra with over a 100,000 and just started the Taco with 1400. I buy Amsoil because I believe the Signature is a top tier oil an changing once a year is cheaper and convenient. Amsoil will guarantee the 25-35,000 mile changes however, some of the Tundra V-8's were known for going through oil filters(clogging them with debris) and Amsoil stated they recommended changing the filters at factory recomended mileages. Not sure if Tacomas are the same but still change filters at 5-6,000. I have done oil analysis on the Amsoil Signature and after 20,000 its still got plenty of life. I would use whatever oil you feel comfortable with. Getting Amsoil should not be hard. You can be a preferred dealer and get at dealer prices for far less then you would pay retail for a couple of oil changes and the oil will be at your home in two days...Again, use what you like but change it and do not skimp on a filter. It is the only thing that keeps your oil clean so don't cheap out on a filter. The OEM is one of the best OEM filters out there if you are not sure what to buy.

 

After my 25K service contract expired, I started using Mobil 1 synthetic with wix or mobil 1 oil filters for oil changes. I cant tell a difference in sound or performance. I just like the longer service intervals that synthetic oil has.

 

I've got one more free oil change left from the dealer, then I am going to continue to use the Toyota oil. The cost is lower than what I can find in the stores for

$52 0W20 oil Toyota/ exxon mobil Case of 6 Quarts Full Synthetic TGMO SN 0W-20 Oil

0W20 oil, and it is the factory oil. I've already started using the oil in my Miata, and it has done well. I like the factory stuff.

 

I had an oil change at the dealership today. Since that it was my second oil change, I decided to move to synthetic. I think it's 0w20. I would have to double check. For the extra money I think it's worth it. In the end though it comes down to personal preference.

 

With the 4.0, even with synthetic, you want to stick with the recommended weight of 5w30.

0w20 and 5w20 are for the 2.7
5w20 may be recommended for the 4.0 for extremely cold environments (check the manual), but keep in mind that on these modern engines, the oil does more than lubricate and cool the engine... it also operates the VVTi system, and the incorrect weight could cause issues.

 

I have to double check. "I think" means that I am not sure lol.

 

LOL!

Ya... I caught that.
I would imagine if you had the service done at the dealer, you got 0w20 since that is probably what they stock in bulk for the engines that specify synthetic.
You can get any weight, but if it's not bulk stock, it comes out of a bottle and you'll pay retail for that.

And again, check your owner's manual. 0w20 may be perfectly acceptable in Alberta. I know there are some Rotella weights available in Canada that are not available here.

 

On Saturday I phoned and asked what oil they used. They told me that they used Mobil 1(didn't specify weight). It's the something that's on my invoice(0w20SYN). Haha! I hope that it's a full synthetic because the other stuff that they used is only 50/50.

I just looked at the manual online and you are correct. Doesn't say anything about 0w20 for V6, just the 2.7.

 

0w20 is only available in full synthetic.
5w20 is available in synthetic, conventional, or a blend.

I have a hard time sourcing 0w20 here in Socal. I mean, every Walmart has it, but the 5w20 and 5w30 both go on sale at Costco every June for $36 / 6 bottles with a $10 instant rebate.
Limit 3 per customer... I'll buy 3 from 4 different Costcos and I'm set for a year or better for both 5w20 for the Taco and 5w30 for her Rav.

I try not to get too far ahead of her on the 5w30. She's got about 140k on it now and I don't know how much longer before we upgrade, but I figure at least a year, and worst case, I can always blend the 5w30 and 5w20 for the Taco during the summer.

 

From the manual.

“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used in your Toyota vehicle. Use
Toyota approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to satisfy the following grade and viscosity.
Oil grade: ILSAC GF-5 multigrade engine oil Recommended viscosity:
2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine SAE 0W-20
SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather.
If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change.
Outside temperature
Oil viscosity (0W-20 is explained here as an example):
● The 0W in 0W-20 indicates the characteristic of the oil which allows cold startability. Oils with a lower value before the W allow for easier starting of the engine in cold weather.
● The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the viscosity characteristic of the oil when the oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions.

4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine SAE 5W-30
SAE 5W-30 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather.
If SAE 5W-30 is not available, SAE 10W-30 oil may be used. However, it should be replaced with SAE 5W-30 at the next oil change.
456
Outside temperature
Oil viscosity (5W-30 is explained here as an example):
● The 5W in 5W-30 indicates the characteristic of the oil which allows cold startability. Oils with a lower value before the W allow for easier starting of the engine in cold weather.
● The 30 in 5W-30 indicates the viscosity characteristic of the oil when the oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions.
How to read oil container label:
The ILSAC (International Lubricant Standardization and Approval Committee) Certification Mark is added to some oil containers to help you select the oil you should use.

 

I do not think a layman can tell the difference in the oil in his car, nothing is gonna change except the price,

 

Interesting they aren't allowing anything lighter than 5w30 in the 4.0 but allow the 10w30.

 

I could kind of see why sourcing 0w20 since that it doesn't get cold enough down there to really need it. In LA you shouldn't have any problems starting with 5w20 or 5w30. For me personally, I like the added incentive since that I always park outside and in the dead of winter when it's below -30C. I know my truck will always start, at least here's hoping.

 

Of course not.

And how long the engine lasts.

 

Anyone have a reason to why this could be? I'm curious also.

 

VVTi system may not be calibrated for the lighter oil.
10w30 and 5w30 are going to act the same at full operating temperature, 5w30 gives better protection at startup.

But Xw20 and Xw30 are not going to act the same at full operating temperature.

Watch your power and MPG for the next couple of tanks... if you see a difference, might blame the oil.

 

Could it shorten the engine life possibly?

 

For a Canadian? Unlikely. The engine will keep running long after the frame had rotted away from all the road salt.

 

LOL....Good to know that I can have my feet through my floor boards(rusted) of my Tacoma like Fred Flinstone and my engine will keep on running.