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Toyota is one of the most reliable and popular cars in the world. Parts are easy to find, and maintenance is relatively affordable for the average family or individual.
One of the best ways manufacturers have ensured you get the best out of your vehicle is to use the recommended items and products.
But why does Toyota recommend using 0w20 oil?
The goal of many automobile manufacturers is to use methods that improve fuel economy.
The 0w20 oil has excellent stability because of its wide temperature range. This means you are saving on your fuel consumption when using 0w20 oil, even in cold temperatures.
Toyota has been recommending the use of the 0w20 oil since 2006.
In the rest of this article I will cover some of the additional benefits of using 0w20 oil. These reasons are additional ones that could be why Toyota recommends using this specific oil.
What Are The Benefits Of Using 0w20 Oil?
So how does 0w20 oil preserve your engine? One of the significant benefits of the 0w20 oil is that it flows so well at cold temperatures. It lubricates parts at a faster rate in cold weather, where most engine wear occurs during the first couple of minutes.
The 0w20 oil is classified as a lighter oil, so your engine doesn’t work as hard to move the oil around the engine. The lower viscosity of the oil prevents wear and tear by separating moving parts from each other.
The oil creates a boundary layer, so the parts don’t rub against each other.
In cold weather, you definitely need fast-flowing oil so that the parts are protected sooner. The 0w20 performs this function quite well. The 0w20 oil also allows your Toyota engine to crank faster so your car will start more quickly.
No more wasting precious minutes trying to start your car in the morning.
An additional benefit of the 0w20 is that it reduces internal engine friction since it is a fast-flowing oil. And as I’ve mentioned before, it improves fuel economy, meaning you save at least 2% on your fill ups on average.
This could save you several hundreds of dollars in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle.
Most experts believe that the 0w20 oil provides the best lubrication under all temperature conditions. It reduces engine combustion chamber deposits, reduces vehicle emissions, and improves fuel economy.
That’s a lot to expect from an engine oil, but the 0w20 seems to be up to the task.
Why Does Toyota Recommend Using 0w20 Oil?
Toyota cars have certain types of oils that work better with their engines. It is crucial that you use the recommended type of motor oil with your Toyota.
The 0w20 is a synthetic oil, and it’s more durable than most standard motor oils, although it costs slightly more. Synthetic oils prevent sludging, which is a common problem in several Toyota cars.
There are several brands of synthetic oils that you can choose from that work well with all models of Toyota cars. Always ensure that you purchase the right motor oil for your vehicle.
To summarize, the benefits of using 0w20 oil include:
● Synthetic oil keeps your engine cleaner than conventional or motor oils
● It offers greater engine wear protection
● This oil performs better at low temperatures
● It performs better at higher temperatures
● Synthetic oil offers improved protection of engine parts, including turbocharged and performance parts.
What Is Oil Viscosity, And Why Does It Matter?
Looking at the number 0w20 can be confusing. In fact, the whole motor oil grading system can seem hard to navigate. Why is there a zero in the number? Does that mean that the oil is of lower quality?
Unless you’re a car expert, it might be hard to see how and why there are different types of motor oils on the market.
To get a better understanding, let’s discuss what the motor oil grading system actually is.
According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), motor oil grades are defined from specific specifications known as the SAE J300. These specifications grade how oil flows differently at lower and at higher temperatures.
So the flow of the oil is called viscosity. The faster the oil flows at lower temperatures, the lower the number before the W will be.
The “20” part of the 0w20 grade refers to how the oil flows through the engine at higher temperatures. So again, the lower the number, the thinner the oil is and the easier it flows around your engine.
So oil viscosity simply refers to the resistance the oil has at a specific temperature.
For example, many car manufacturers have used thicker conventional oils that had a higher viscosity rating of 10W-30 or above in the past decades.
So as the car heated up, the oil would slowly thin out, leaving a thin layer that would still keep the car’s moving parts protected. Older cars did well with these high-viscosity oils because the engine parts were not designed to do well with thinner oils.
Modern cars have engine parts that are designed more precisely so they can handle a thinner oil like the 0w20.
0W20 VS. 5W20 Oil What’s The Difference?
Both the 0w20 and the 5w20 are considered winter-grade oils explicitly designed for working well in cold weather. They both allow your engine to perform at its highest efficiency in all kinds of temperatures.
In that regard, they are pretty similar oils.
So you may be wondering how they differ. The only difference between these two oils is in their composition and in their tolerance to low temperatures.
While both can flow easily in colder weather, the 0w20 has less resistance than the 5w20 oil.
How Long Does 0W20 Oil Last?
So how often should you change synthetic oil? Standard motor oil requires you to change it at 5,000 miles or 6 months to ensure peak performance, but what about synthetic?
Synthetic oils like the 0w20 require an oil change at intervals of 10,000 miles or every 12 months. So they last longer than standard motor oil. This Is excellent since synthetic oil tends to cost more up front.
Essentially you’re getting great value for your money when you purchase a synthetic oil like the 0w20.
Can You Mix 5W20 And 0W20 Oils?
Since the two oils have roughly the same composition and are both considered winter-grade oils, you can mix them without any issues.
Just remember, though, that the 5w20 is slightly heavier than the 0w20 and won’t perform as well in frigid environments. So if you live in an area that gets really chilly, stick to the 0w20; it will treat your engine better than the 5w20.
What Is The Best 0W-20 Oil?
When we talk about motor oil, most experts agree that the best are true synthetics. These are much better at handling extreme temperature fluctuations.
My top-five for the best 0w20 oils are as follows:
1. Valvoline 0w20 Synpower Full Synthetic Motor Oil
● It is ideal for hybrid and small-vehicle engines
● It has enhanced sludge and varnish protection
● 100% synthetic
● Works better on cold starts
2. Liquimoly 2208 0w20 Special Tec AA Motor Oil
● It is fuel-efficient and ideal for high mileage vehicles
● Works best if you have a modern American or Japanese car
● It improves vehicle performance
● 100% synthetic
● It’s perfect for cold starts and hot weather
3. Pennzoil 550038111 Platinum SAE 0w20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
● It protects against wear and tear
● It’s ideal for cold starts
● It has a faster low-temperature oil flow
● It limits the amount of friction in the engine
● Protects engines from loss of power
4. Castrol 03124 Edge 0w20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
● It has titanium fluid technology, so it lasts longer
● Helps to minimize the volatility of the engine
● It works well under extreme temperature changes
● Ideal for cold starts
● Perfect for modern engines
5. Royal Purple 51020 API-Licensed SAE 0w20 High-Performance Synthetic Motor Oil
● It protects the catalytic emission system
● It’s better for ethanol-based fuels
● It optimizes fuel efficiency
● It has superior corrosion prevention
● It reduces sludge and deposits
Final Thoughts
There’s a good reason why Toyota has recommended the use of the 0w20 motor oil. It’s a very stable oil and works great in low temperatures, which is a feature you’ll need regardless of the kind of weather you are located in.
It also offers excellent protection for your engine, ensuring that you can start your car quickly, even in frigid weather.
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- Can Toyota Unlock My Car?
- Are Toyotas Cheap Or Expensive To Repair/Fix?
- Do Toyotas Need Premium Gas?
- Do Toyotas Hold Their Value?
- Do Toyotas Last A Long Time?
- Why Do Toyotas Get Stolen? (Are They Easy to Steal?)
- Why Are Toyotas So Expensive? (5 Reasons Why)
- Is Toyota Celica’s RWD?
FAQs
Why Does Toyota Recommend Using 0w20 Oil? ? ›
To reduce friction 0w20 oil is used. The main reason is friction reduction and fuel efficiency. Lighter oil, less friction engine rotates faster.. better fuel economy.
Why do new cars use 0w20? ›Auto manufacturers are looking to make engines smaller and lighter while delivering more power than ever. To protect these smaller powerful engines, thinner oils with better ability to protect and clean engines are needed. This has led to 0W-20 being the fastest growing grade in the motor oil marketplace.
Does Toyota recommend full synthetic oil? ›Toyota recommends synthetic oil in all of their vehicles and requires it on some model years, check your owner's manual to find the recommended oil for your specific Toyota vehicle.
What will happen if I put 5w20 instead of 0w20? ›5W-20 has a similar viscosity level to 0W-20, also suited to low temperature climates, but has a slightly thicker oil viscosity than the latter. Alternating between the two may not cause any immediate damage, but it will severely affect your oil change interval length and overall engine performance over time.
Why do new cars use 0W oil? ›The development of zero-weight (0W) motor oils came as a need to reduce emissions, improve fuel economy and engine efficiency while continuing to provide engine protection.
What happens if I use 0W-20 instead of 5W-30? ›Can I use a 0W-20 in my car that recommends 5W-30? No, if your owner's manual calls for a thicker oil, you should not use a thinner SAE grade nor use a thicker oil for a recommended thinner oil vis-grade. Using the proper viscosity motor oil will help protect and maintain the performance of your vehicle's engine.
What is the best substitute for 0W20 oil? ›What Can I Use Instead of 0W-20 Oil? Generally, 0W-30, 5W-20, and 5W-30 oil grades behave very similarly to 0W-20 oil. So you may want to look into those if 0W-20 oil isn't available. These are thinner oils, similar to 0W-20, and flow smoothly throughout the engine.
What brand oil does Toyota recommend? ›Choose Mobil™ 1 motor oil for your Toyota
Treat your Toyota to the next-generation technology of Mobil 1™ motor oil. Mobil 1 synthetic oil helps keep important engine parts in excellent condition for 250,000 miles*.
Toyota recommends that you have your oil changed every 10,000 miles, but to continue with the 5,000-mile service intervals for fluid top offs, inspections, and tire rotations. Schedule a service appointment to get started or continue reading to learn more!
Do I have to use Toyota oil? ›Toyota, as you might expect, recommends that owners utilize Toyota Genuine Motor Oils when changing the oil in their vehicles. These motor oils are specifically designed to work with Toyota engines and will offer better performance than other motor oil options.
Can I use 0w20 in hot weather? ›
0W-20, for example, is rated at 104°F (40°C) for external temperatures, and 212°F (100°C) for internal engine temperatures. So, the 0W rating of most oils, including ENEOS, is within operational parameters of warmer climates like Hawaii, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Which is better 0W-20 or 5W-30? ›0w20 engine oil is known as the popular choice of lubricant that delivers the best performance. It flows well even at cold temperatures when compared to the 5W-30 oils, thanks to the ability of the lubricant to maintain the same viscosity or the semi-fluid consistency throughout the internal structure of an engine.
Can you mix different brands of 0w20 oil? ›THE ANSWER IS NO!
Even if two different brands of oil have the same viscosity, you still should not be mixing them together.
How Often Should You Change Synthetic Oil? Standard oil change intervals are typically listed at 5,000 miles or 6 months to ensure peak performance. Toyota models that are required to use 0W-20 synthetic oil extend that interval to 10,000 miles or 12 months.
Is it normal for a new car to use a little oil? ›A new report from Consumer Reports finds that dozens of new cars, “some only a few years old, can burn enough oil to deplete the engine of what it needs for lubrication between factory-recommended oil changes.” A low oil light or another dashboard warning would illuminate to let the driver know more oil is needed in ...
Should I change the factory oil in my new car? ›With today's higher quality base stocks and the availability of synthetics, today's oils offer performance and protection far beyond earlier formulas. So it's not necessary to change the factory fill on a new car before the manufacturer's suggested service interval — typically 5,000, 7,500, or 10,000 miles.
Can I use 0W20 instead of 5W20 in hot weather? ›Yes. Definitely you can use 0W20 instead of 5W20. Actually it will works better than 5W20 in colder conditions. But it may cost high.
What cars use 0W-20 oil? ›- Recommended for small cars, hybrids and some trucks like Honda Insight and Civic Hybrids, Toyota Solara, Camry, Rav4, Tundra 5.7L and Venza.
- Increased fuel economy and improved wear at cold start.
- Better flow at extremely cold temperatures compared to 5W20.
Mixing 5W-20 and 5W-30 (or any other oils for that matter) may lead to faster wear and tear of your engine and eventually cause problems with the basic functioning of critical engine parts. And even if your engine allows it, you won't get any noticeable results by mixing different viscosity grade oils.
Can you use 0W-20 fully synthetic oil? ›Mobil Full Synthetic 0W-20 motor oil is formulated for vehicles that require a full synthetic motor oil and vehicles that are upgrading from conventional and synthetic blend oils. Mobil Full Synthetic 0W-20 motor oil meets or exceeds the latest industry requirements for gasoline-powered: Cars. Trucks.
Who makes 0W20 synthetic oil? ›
IDEMITSU IS A LEADER IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF 0W-20 AND LOWER VISCOSITY SYNTHETIC OILS. Almost 20 years ago, Idemitsu partnered with Honda to develop a lower viscosity oil to boost fuel economy in their hybrid vehicles.
Is all 0W20 synthetic oil the same? ›Only Answer. Genuine Toyota motor oil 0W-20 utilizes a Toyota-specific additive package that will provide the best results for oil performance and fuel economy. However, other 0W-20 synthetic oils can be used as long as they are ILSAC certified, which is found on the oil container label.
What Toyota models use synthetic oil? ›| Toyota Synthetic Motor Oils | Toyota Vehicles |
|---|---|
| Genuine Toyota and Mobil 1 Synthetic Motor Oil | Toyota Avalon, Toyota Tacoma, Toyota Highlander, Toyota Sienna, Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tundra, Toyota Sequoia, Toyota Land Cruiser, and Toyota 86 |
While any 0W-20 or 5W-30 synthetic oil should do the trick, Toyota offers its own synthetic oils with special additives to enhance your performance on Atlanta roads and protect your engine from wear and tear. You can purchase Toyota oil and any other OEM parts you need right here at our Marietta parts center.
Who makes best quality engine oil? ›| Engine oil name | |
|---|---|
| Best engine oil overall | Mobil 1 Extended Performance |
| Best engine oil overall runner-up | Castrol GTX Magnatec |
| Best synthetic engine oil | Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic |
| Best synthetic engine oil runner-up | Amsoil Signature Series Synthetic |
Cars can generally go 5,000 to 7,500 miles before needing an oil change. Furthermore, if your vehicle uses synthetic oil, you can drive 10,000 or even 15,000 miles between oil changes.
How long does a Toyota oil filter last? ›How long do Toyota oil filters last? The oil filter on your Toyota will naturally last over 3,000 miles or 3 months, however, plentiful oil filters can survive intermediate wear and tear for up to 7,500 miles.
When should I get my first oil change on my brand new Toyota? ›Breaking in a new car is no longer necessary, but getting that first oil change will always be vital. When is the best time to get the first oil change on a brand new car? Make sure you change it for the first time at 1,500 miles, unless the manufacturer has a different recommendation for your vehicle.
What are the disadvantages of synthetic oil? ›A few disadvantages of synthetic oil to be aware of include: Probably the most glaring downside of synthetic oil is the cost. The price of synthetic oil is around two to four times the price of conventional oil. Synthetics may be more prone to additives precipitation during cold storage conditions.
Does oil brand matter for your car? ›The Effects of Low Quality Motor Oil
Whether you choose to change your car's oil with a bargain brand or a brand you trust, both choices will have immediate and long-term effects on your vehicle. Engine oil is one of those products - like light bulbs - where lower-cost truly does mean lower quality.
Is Toyota 0W 20 oil synthetic? ›
The 0W-20 oil is pure synthetic oil that retails for around $6.36 a quart. It is a pretty high price for a quart, yet it is the best oil that you can put into your Toyota. Synthetic oil has become more and more common.
Is 0w20 better for winter? ›The lower the oil's viscosity, the more readily it flows at cold winter temperatures. Of course, the opposite is true – the higher the oil's viscosity, the more slowly it flows when cold. That means an 0W-20 oil will flow better when it's cold than a 10W-30.
What is 20W 20 oil used for? ›MOTOR OIL EXTRA SAE 20W/20 is suitable for vehicles, motorbikes and stationary systems that are operated with monograde motor oils. EXTRA monograde oils can also be used in specific gears and hydraulic systems for which monograde motor oils are required.
What does 0W-20 mean? ›Breaking down the 0W-20 code, “0” is the oil's viscosity at startup when the engine is cold, “W” stands for its winter certification, and “20” is the viscosity at higher temperatures. Lower numbers designate thinner, lower-friction oil.
Can you mix 5W-30 with 0W 20? ›Unofficial answer: The only likely short term issue will likely be slightly reduced fuel economy. I wouldn't hesitate a second to do this if I were on a road trip and noticed that the oil was low.
Is 5W oil thicker than 0W? ›The 0W-30 engine oil is a lower viscosity than a 5W-30 meaning it is thinner. As the 0W-30 is a lower viscosity, its resistance to flow is lower.
What is the difference between 0W 30 and 0W 20 motor oil? ›Compared to 0W20 oil, 0W30 is a slightly thicker oil with a better warmer climate performance. You won't notice much difference, but 0W20 is a lower viscosity grade and performs better at lower temperature settings.
Why can't you go back to regular oil after synthetic? ›Once you go to synthetic oil, there is no turning back. By nature, synthetic oil is far slick than regular oil, which means that it can result in leaks in a conventional engine (which are dangerous and expensive).
Can you top up engine oil without draining? ›Adding oil instead of an oil change at this point could cause engine issues. This used oil needs to be removed to allow new oil to lubricate your engine's parts. PRO TIP Drop a drop of the used oil on the surface of water. New oil will bead up due to interfacial tension.
Does motor oil expire? ›Motor Oil Shelf Life
Simply put, the shelf life of conventional motor or "lube" oil is up to five years. It's not something that goes bad in a couple of months.
Is 0W-20 good for high mileage cars? ›
Mobil 1 High Mileage full-synthetic motor oil 0W-20 is designed for engines with over 75,000 miles to go up to 10,000 miles between oil changes.
How often should you change 0w20 full synthetic oil? ›If your Toyota vehicle uses 0w-20 synthetic oil, the manufacturer has approved an oil change interval of 10,000 miles or 12 months. Vehicle owners who use this type of oil should regularly check the oil level in the engine and top it off as needed.
Is it worse to have too much or too little oil in car? ›We all know that having too little oil in your engine is asking for big trouble. But having too much is also a potential disaster. It may be less common, but it can cause similarly catastrophic damage.
Why am I losing oil but no leaks? ›If your engine is low on oil but there isn't a leak, that means it's probably being burned inside the engine. A bad PCV valve is a frequent culprit in the case of burning oil--but what is it, exactly? A PCV valve is designed to let air escape when the pressure in the crankcase is too high.
Why is it not recommended to have too little engine oil? ›When there's not enough oil, moving parts within the engine do not get the lubrication they need. This allows them to make physical, metal-to-metal contact, which can cause a light tapping or knocking sound.
Is it OK to change oil once a year with low mileage? ›Oil Change Interval for Low-Mileage Vehicles
Ideally, an oil change is recommended after your vehicle is driven for 3000-5000 miles. In case the vehicle has not reached the mileage threshold, then you may begin to wonder whether you still need to get the oil changed. The answer to this pressing question is yes.
With time, the unchanged oil thickens and degrades, allowing dirt, particulate and acid to ruin key engine components. Build up sludge reduces the oil's ability to transfer the heat, which increases engine stress. Changing the oil thus makes the car run better and protects the engine.
How often should you change your oil filter? ›Many manufacturers recommend that the oil filter be replaced every second time you get your oil changed. So, if you're on a 3,000-mile cycle you'd change your filter every 6,000; if you're on a 6,000-mile cycle (as with most modern vehicles) you'd change out every 12,000.
Does it matter if you put 0W 40 in a 0W-20 engine? ›A 0w-40 and a 0w-20 are the same things at extremely low temperature. Both are SAE rated to crank at -35°C and pump at -40°C. At high temperature the 40 does not thin out as much as the 20, which can provide a thicker minimum oil film thickness and greater film strength, preventing wear.
What vehicles require 0W20 oil? ›- Recommended for small cars, hybrids and some trucks like Honda Insight and Civic Hybrids, Toyota Solara, Camry, Rav4, Tundra 5.7L and Venza.
- Increased fuel economy and improved wear at cold start.
- Better flow at extremely cold temperatures compared to 5W20.
Is 0W20 better than 5W-30? ›
0w20 engine oil is known as the popular choice of lubricant that delivers the best performance. It flows well even at cold temperatures when compared to the 5W-30 oils, thanks to the ability of the lubricant to maintain the same viscosity or the semi-fluid consistency throughout the internal structure of an engine.
Why does Honda use 0W20 oil? ›After rigorous testing and refinement, Honda began to fill their new Insight Hybrid at the factory with Idemitsu 0W-20. This lower viscosity higher grade synthetic oil used unique additives to enhance stability and reduce volatility – the typical drawbacks of low-viscosity oil.
Can you mix different brands of 0W20 oil? ›THE ANSWER IS NO!
Even if two different brands of oil have the same viscosity, you still should not be mixing them together.
0W-20, for example, is rated at 104°F (40°C) for external temperatures, and 212°F (100°C) for internal engine temperatures. So, the 0W rating of most oils, including ENEOS, is within operational parameters of warmer climates like Hawaii, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
How long does 0W-20 synthetic oil last? ›Maintenance intervals for synthetic oil
If your Toyota vehicle uses 0w-20 synthetic oil, the manufacturer has approved an oil change interval of 10,000 miles or 12 months. Vehicle owners who use this type of oil should regularly check the oil level in the engine and top it off as needed.
How Often Should You Change Synthetic Oil? Standard oil change intervals are typically listed at 5,000 miles or 6 months to ensure peak performance. Toyota models that are required to use 0W-20 synthetic oil extend that interval to 10,000 miles or 12 months.
Is 0W20 or 5W-30 better for summer? ›Temperatures and certain climate conditions affect the use of 0W-20 over the 5W-30 engine oil. During summer, viscosity becomes higher, and during winter, viscosity becomes lower so that why it's preferred to put the OW-20 in summer seasons.
Can I use 5w20 instead of 0W20 Toyota? ›Definitely. it will flow faster to lubricate faster on startup, and will have the same film thickness when hot. And it will probably be synthetic 20 that flows like 0 in cold, not using polymers, while the 5W-20 will probably be a 5W and use polymers to thicken to 20 when hot.
Why is 0w20 green? ›This oil features a particularly low ash content and has a reduced high-temperature viscosity (HTHS) this results in properties such as fuel-saving. The oil is coloured with a green marker, because it is not backwards compatible and can be used only with approved engines.
Who makes 0W-20 motor oil? ›Mobil 1 0W-20 is a high-performance motor oil for all types of cars where this viscosity is recommended.
Is Toyota 0W-20 oil synthetic? ›
The 0W-20 oil is pure synthetic oil that retails for around $6.36 a quart. It is a pretty high price for a quart, yet it is the best oil that you can put into your Toyota. Synthetic oil has become more and more common.