0-W20 v 5-W30: A Tale of Two Motor Oils

Mine came with the FREE oil changes...but I think that's just to get you in there so they can find some thing wrong and get you to pay them to fix it!!!
I have always changed my oil...faster, know it's done right!!!!

 

I've used everything from 0W20 to 30W50 over the years. Couldn't tell any difference. I run 10K miles between oil changes, or once a year if I remember. Engine runs just fine. I don't think it matters as much as you guys think, and the biggest reason for the light oil these days is fuel economy. There is not much windage (crank slapping in the oil) in our engines anyway and I bet none of us could tell a difference in mileage due to oil viscosity. Maybe in a lab, but not on the street.

 

I'm sure this has happen to many and most don't notice. I noticed that I was billed for 7qts of 0/20 on my 13' v6, dealership swore up and down that it was a billing error and lost my business (Darcars of Frederick). I didn't notice any difference but changed it sooner then usual. Between this, techs leaving a catch container shoved down by the belts, and overall care giving to vehicles by dealerships, I opt to do mine myself. It takes me about 15min and costs roughly 40 bucks. I somewhat trust the dealer I bought from Koons of Westminster but still won't let them rotate my wheels.

 

Exactly!

 

And all of them keep on driving with zero oil induced issues...

 

So they over filled your engine by 1.5 Quarts. What a bunch of ....ing idiots.
Mostly any type of oil will certainly work, but if the cap says 5w-30, then it's probably the recommended oil for this truck.

 

Takes me about an hour. I start with it fully warmed up (15-20 minute drive), pull old filter, mount new filter, let it drain until no drip, refill, drive around the block, let it sit for 30 minutes, and check dipstick.

 

Same here, been doing my own oil changes with Mobil 1full syn. 0w-20 and i got the same results as you, i also see my engine warm up faster, better mpg

 

Wouldn't pulling drain plug, then filter minimize oil spillage when removing filter?

 

i am curious as to what oil is best suited for which type of ambient temperature.
Would there be any difference say changing oil 2x per year one for -40C and one for 30+c and using different oils ?

 

Well I'm not sure if that would help. I think if you go to http://www.bobistheoilguy.com which is "Bob is the oil guy" he talks about that and the multi viscosity of the oil. If you will then go to Motor Oil University on that website you will learn all about oil and how it is used in our autos and trucks. It's a good site with terrific information. It's well worth the time.

 

I was thinking the same thing. Pull the filter first? Is it different on these Tacoma's with the filter above the pan?

 

I've been running synthetic 0w20 since the first oil change (last 25,000 miles). No problems at all. But I do live in a cool climate.

 

I have a 2011 V6 and I've been running Mobil 1 Synthetic 5W30, as that's what the oil cap and manual specify.

My wife's Toyota runs 0W20, which is specified in the oil cap and manual.

Is there any reason/advantage to running 0W20 in the Tacoma?

 

That's what I do, even with the free oil changes. I bring in a case of Mobil 1 5w30 synthetic
and have them give me whatever is left of the sixth quart. I am due for my 10 k oil change.

 

Have tried it both ways, no appreciable difference since the anti-drainback valve is internal to the filter, just put a bottle under the drain in the filter base. Saves a little time as I install the new filter while the old oil is draining.

Also, it does seem to help a little by pulling dipstick before I open the oil pan, then leaving it out while oil drains - seems to let the dipstick tube drain better, and then is a little easier to read the first time with new oil.

 

Better yet, install some old fuel line with a clamp so that it drains out next to the oil pan drain. I mean you got the oil catch there anyways and keeps it clean at all times. After I install the new filter I squirt a bit of degrease in the oil filter drain to clean it the tube. Works like a champ and even the dealer was like "man that's a great idea, why didn't Toyota think of that?" Not sure, but it's not rocket science.

I've been running 0w-30 Amsoil in my 2012 since 22k. Better gas mileage and warms up quicker. I've got Amsoil in everything that takes oil on my truck. Trans, Diff's, Transfer case, Zerks, and motor. Love me some Amsoil.

 

No it wasn't over filled and they said that it was a typo when billing. I will never know what oil they really used.

The 15 min was with the truck parked, hood up, gloves on, tools laid out, and me looking at a clock saying ok, lets see how long this takes. I drive over to my folks place, couple miles, and the trucks sits while I gather up all I need.

In all the vehicles I have had, the tacoma is by far the easiest to change the oil in.

 

If the dealer 'accidentally' used 0W-20, and you made them change it to 5W-30... Can you tell the difference on the dipstick to be certain it was changed?

Might be better to do it yourself and know how it was done...

 

Something to consider is that in cold climates it's nice to have the lower weight oil to get to the engine internals faster on cold startups.