Oil Recommendations

Okay, so I know this topic has probably been beaten into the ground, but i cant find a clear answer, so im going to ask anyway.... I have a '15 TRD Sport with 38000 miles on it. What oil should I put in it? I was going to go semi synthetic based on what I've read, but I dont know if the engine is better off with full synthetic. Also, brand recommendations are welcome as well.

 

People are generally in a few different camps.

Warning-gross generalizations below.
1. Owners manual is good enough with their recommendations and oil type.
2. Overkill-best oil at reduced intervals.
3. Stretching the oil change interval with uber fluids such as Amsoil.
4. neglect.

I'm probably at bit lower than #2. I've used full synthetic since I bought the thing in 2007(4.0 engine). My oil change interval is usually around 4500-5000. I have used: Mobil 1 5W-30(once using the "extended performance" flavor), Mobil 1 "Advanced Fuel Economy" 0W-30, Penzoil Platinum 5W-30, and Penzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30. I've used the Ultra Platinum for the past couple years as I found a whole bunch on clearance with an additional $10 rebate per 5qt bottle. Any quality oil, dino, blended, or full synthetic will be fine if it meets Toyota's recommendations.

Here is a good thread on the subject: https://bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/1664795/"What_oil_should_I_use?__#Post1664795

 

I go to the dealer for the $5 Toyota filter with free drain plug gasket thrown in. Then to Walmart for a 5 quart jug of Mobile 1 synthetic.

Never regretted either decision.

 

Mobil 1 ... seems to be almost always on sale at Costco. I buy Toyota brand filters and drain gaskets on line. Change the oil every 5K as in the manual.

 

Advance auto near me has Castrol GTX HIgh Mileage, 5qt on sale for $21...is it bad for my engine if I use a 'high mileage' oil at only 38000?

 

Just like with pretty much anything related to cars, a lot of people have a lot of different opinions. Here is what I have found to be true and basically sum up most people's different positions.

It really doesn't matter what kind of oil you put in your car, whether it be dino oil or top of the line Ames Oil, provided that you change the oil at appropriate intervals. Dino oil needs to be changed every 5,000 miles. Full-Synthetic oil needs to be changed about every 10,000 miles. Some can go a bit longer but 10,000 is a safe change point. High quality oils like Ames Oil and filters can go 25,000 miles per use OR ONCE PER YEAR. All oils need to be changed at a minimum once per year. In most places in the US the weather gets cold enough where the viscosity is impacted.

People who drive a lot, like me, might benefit from an Ames Oil because then I can change it once a year. Saves some money, more time, and the environment from unnecessary oil waste. For people who drive their cars very little, dino oil might be fine because they will change it once a year and it's cheap. People in the middle (average mileage) probably would benefit from going full synethic every 10K miles.

You pick with what works for you. As long as you change the oil when that oil is intended to be changed, it won't make any magical difference one way or another.

People make up stuff like "if you go full-synthetic after using dino, oil will leak out of all your seals". Not in modern day cars. So pick what ever kind suits your life.

If you are nervous/curious about any changes you make. Order an oil test kit from Blackstone Labs and test the oil after an interval. Gives you more peace of mind you are adequately protecting your engine.

 

Slightly cheaper for filter and gasket on Flea Bay. Just search for the part numbers. Several folks selling cases(10) of filters for $40 and others selling 10 piece bags of gaskets for <$8.

Not that there is anything wrong with maintaining a good relationship with the dealer though. Sometimes good deals/info pops up when you visit.

Those jugs from Walmart are usually the best deal around-always keep an eye out for rebates.

 

Depends on where you live:
Florida: Sun tan oil
Georgia - Peanut oil
Canada - Canola oil
California - Imperial Valley - Vegetable oil
Hawaii - Coconut oil
Chicago - Little Italy - Olive oil
California - Bay area - Hash oil
California - Los Angeles - China Town - Sesame oil
All others: Whatever's on sale

 

I use Mobil 1 from Walmart $23 for the 5 at jug. Wix or napa gold filters. Dig in the threads, someone literally cut apart every brand of filter and took pics. The Oem filters are probably one of the best. If you want to go for the 10-15k synthetic oil changes, then I would recommend a filter only change 1/2 way in between. I personally do the 5000 mile interval and "waste" the extra miles left in the Mobil 1. I do my own service, so I feel I am still money ahead. I don't sweat it if it is 10 degrees out at 5000 miles, I know it's perfectly safe to go longer until the weather or time permits. I also take a turkey baster and suck out as much power steering fluid as I can and pour in new every other oil change. It's cheap and quick. Everyone kinda has their own system, but I think everyone will agree clean fluids = happy tacos.

 

Side note. I saw the new Mobil1 annual oil change oil at Walmart yesterday for $50 for a 5 quart jug. Holy hell is all I have to say about that.

 

It will be fine, although that sale may be extended to other Castrol oils. A coworker was speaking of the same Castrol deal on Friday.

Lots of thread on what high mileage flavor oils are on Bob Is The Oil Guy. An example: https://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php/topics/2367257/Re:_A_theory_on_&quot;high

 

+1 fuck all that.

 

I just went with the semi synthetic high mileage cuz that was on sale at advance auto, and bought a 5pack of Toyota filters on eBay for $5ea. I'll still probably change it around 5000 again. Maybe I'll try full synth next time if I find a good deal.

 

Thanks for all the info guys!

 

Mobil 1 and OEM filters. Seems most folks on TW use this combination and I've not heard of any problems.

I've used Mobil 1 since the early 80's and driven over 2 Mil miles on cars and trucks using it. Towing, offroading, high performance sports cars and family sedans none of them have had an oil related issue ever.

Oil, batteries and tires illicit emotional responses. Just follow the heard and you'll be fine.

 

For anyone interested in "What is the Best Synthetic Oil Brand?" here is some information that may help in making a more informative decision. I know that everyone like myself, wants our Tacos to last for as long as possible with the best lubricants.

During my internet and YouTube research, I came across three valuable sources. Online: EPA.gov & YouTube: Lubricants Explained & Project Farm. Project Farm demonstrated with various tests what could be the best Motor Oil and it was shocking to see my oil (Mobil 1) not make it to the finals. However, several questions kept coming up in my mind.

(1) What type of Base Oils does each company use to make their oils?

(2) Do Base Oils determine a better overall performance for our vehicles?

(3) Where do additives in Motor Oils play a role in our engines?

All three questions were answered thoroughly on the YouTube Channel: Lubricants Explained. The guy on that YouTube channel is a Lubrication Engineer and explains a lot about Motor Oil Chemistry.

This video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CsEvzWlAwA
This explains the differences of Mineral Oils (Groups 1-3) vs Polyalpaolefin (PAO) (Group 4)

* Notes:The CAS # 64742-54-7 or 92062-09-4 = Group III oil
The CAS # 68037-01-4 = PAO

* You can research each company's Base Oil in their "Safety Data Sheet" (SDS) under Sections: #3 or #15 on the manufacturer's website and cross-reference them on: https://sor.epa.gov/sor_internet/re...rnalSearch.do?p_type=CASNO&p_value=64742-54-7


FINAL THOUGHTS: Regular Oil Change Intervals (OCIs) are far more crucial than Motor Oils. However, having a PAO type of Motor Oil would be beneficial. I have used AMSOIL Signature Series before to compare with Mobil 1 Full Synthetic and did not notice anything spectacular. I currently still use Mobil 1 due to the fact that it's readily available and mostly made of PAO Base Oil.

 

I have Castrol syn so that is what I put. Every 5k.

Engine looked new inside when I did the valve covers.

people used Dino a long time ago because synthetic didn’t exist.
Now it does so I use it.

sometimes you’ll come across a random old person that goes “nooo, you can’t switch from Dino to synthetic!” Or “synthetic will mess with seals and cause leaks!”
^ cool story, never had leaks

 

Go with a synthetic oil that meets the API service specification as shown in the link below:

http://www.pqiamerica.com/apiserviceclass.htm

Brand really doesn’t matter as much as replacing the oil on time and using a quality filter, recommend OEM.

 

As long as you use a good oil oil, a quality filter and change every 5k miles you will be good to go.

 

Maybe the OP could use his hand less for jerking off and more for maybe doing a search of the subject the insane number of oil threads might finally end