Recommended engine break-in and oil change frequency + factory oil analysis test (by Motor Oil Geek)

[sstarrx2]

Pushing 60'years old and have had more new vehicles than I can actually remember. Never changed oil any more frequent that what the owners manual said to. I have never had engine problems in my vehicles, not once after all these years and vehicles. Folks should do what gives them piece of mind. It is their money after all. I will keep doing what I have always done as it has not failed me yet!!

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[Dinosoar21]

So, I came across information about these motors of ours that have different oil weight recommendations in other parts of the world...namely heavier viscosity. Makes me begin to wonder if CAFE is a reason for 0-20.

This oil debate is brutal...I mean, I know my engine isn't going to blow apart, but jeez, what is the best for longevity and protection? Should be super straight forward.

 

[sstarrx2]

So, I came across information about these motors of ours that have different oil weight recommendations in other parts of the world...namely heavier viscosity. Makes me begin to wonder if CAFE is a reason for 0-20.

This oil debate is brutal...I mean, I know my engine isn't going to blow apart, but jeez, what is the best for longevity and protection? Should be super straight forward.

Use what your manual says to use...Toyota knows better than any what you should use. The internet just muddys the water.

 

[Joe Dirt]

So, I came across information about these motors of ours that have different oil weight recommendations in other parts of the world...namely heavier viscosity. Makes me begin to wonder if CAFE is a reason for 0-20.

This oil debate is brutal...I mean, I know my engine isn't going to blow apart, but jeez, what is the best for longevity and protection? Should be super straight forward.

Yeah I would concur that oil debates can be very opinionated and Elusive and not based off engineering statistics.

I do believe that our new engines have an electronic oil pump that regulates the viscosity.
Meaning it's going to pump lighter weight as to how it's designed moving up to a 30w might impair the pumping mechanism.
And opinions are all over the place especially people that live in cold climates.
I personally feel that since these small four bangers have a turbo with that boost we definitely need to think about viscosity and how it breaks down under turbo love!
Just find a good oil that has a high shear rate and is designed for turbos. And of course a frequent oci.
The book says 5K I've always done mine at 3K because I would consider stop and go traffic fairly extreme especially sitting in traffic.

I tend to go by hours more than by Miles. I remember my 5th gen had a timer clock on it where you could look at running time. I have not found that on our new ones yet.

 

[bkw777]

Great. I'm already at 7k and my first change was at 5k. This vehicle should almost not be called a 4runner if you have to treat it so precious. 3rd gen could run on the original factory oil until the LBJs drop at 150k.

 

[The_Dark_Knight_Forever]

Great. I'm already at 7k and my first change was at 5k. This vehicle should almost not be called a 4runner if you have to treat it so precious. 3rd gen could run on the original factory oil until the LBJs drop at 150k.

Unfortunately the turbos require more frequent oil changes if you want maximize their usable life span. In addition, all new engines produce shavings as it wears in & other crap related to the manufacturing that should be removed from the system as soon as possible & before the frost 5,000 miles. Yes, the oil filter catches some of it but not all of it so it circulates through the system slowly sanding away at the internals. Better to get it out sooner than later or you'll have oil burning issues & oil leaks as it ages. What's done is done though. Just keep changing the oil religiously every 3,000 to 5,000 miles using the best quality full synthetic you can afford & don't forget about changing the other fluids out early & often also.

 

[Nodak]

Unfortunately the turbos require more frequent oil changes if you want maximize their usable life span. In addition, all new engines produce shavings as it wears in & other crap related to the manufacturing that should be removed from the system as soon as possible & before the frost 5,000 miles. Yes, the oil filter catches some of it but not all of it so it circulates through the system slowly sanding away at the internals. Better to get it out sooner than later or you'll have oil burning issues & oil leaks as it ages. What's done is done though. Just keep changing the oil religiously every 3,000 to 5,000 miles using the best quality full synthetic you can afford & don't forget about changing the other fluids out early & often also.

some fluids can go longer

good example was my 2014 4R Limited. the brake fluid was fine after 10-11 yrs (was within moisture specs) per the tech.

when i had the oem original brake pads and rotors replaced and told them to also replace the brake fluid, the tech came back and said the brake fluid was still within specs and the fluid did not require to be replaced.

 

[The_Dark_Knight_Forever]

some fluids can go longer

good example was my 2014 4R Limited. the brake fluid was fine after 10-11 yrs (was within moisture specs) per the tech.

when i had the oem original brake pads and rotors replaced and told them to also replace the brake fluid, the tech came back and said the brake fluid was still within specs and the fluid did not require to be replaced.

After that long in the system I'd have changed it anyway if it were mine. That's just me though.

 

[Nodak]

After that long in the system I'd have changed it anyway if it were mine. That's just me though.

well i did get 96k on original brake pads and rotors

so i was frugal on taking care of my 2014 4R, but then again, not much in traffic in ND anyway.

5 major cities and we only have about 800k total population in the whole state

also to add insult, each of the top 10 cities are more than 100 miles apart minimum (mandan is part of bismarck)

Rank	City	Population (approx.)
1	Fargo	133,188
2	Bismarck	75,092
3	Grand Forks	58,921
4	Minot	47,373
5	West Fargo	40,400
6	Williston	27,706
7	Dickinson	25,130
8	Mandan	24,586
9	Jamestown	15,691
10	Wahpeton	8,000

 

[CO/ZA]

Use a euro spec oil, they far and away exceed any API, Toyota/Lexus, or other authority's rating.

Euro brands have been doing small turbo engines in North America / EMEA for decades longer than the Japanese or American brands.

Mobil 1 0w-20 ESPx2 is my pick.

 

[Dinosoar21]

Anything to shut down the rigid "cuz it says so in the manual" arguments!

 

[sstarrx2]

Anything to shut down the rigid "cuz it says so in the manual" arguments!

Folks should do what they want and are comfortable with. Coming on reddit to ask for advice is an exercise in futility. You are going to get many different answers. Been following owners manual recommendations for 40 years on my vehicles and have rarely had to do more than routine maintenance and have never had a drive train problem. If it ain't broke don't fix it!

 

[Dinosoar21]

Reddit? I am talking about differences in Toyota owner's manuals in different global locations, and research (e.g., "Motor Oil Geek") that are in contrast to all. Again, I recognize the motor won't blow up by following any one of those, but I am looking for the right answer, not any answer.

 

[sstarrx2]

Reddit? I am talking about differences in Toyota owner's manuals in different global locations, and research (e.g., "Motor Oil Geek") that are in contrast to all. Again, I recognize the motor won't blow up by following any one of those, but I am looking for the right answer, not any answer.

Good luck!

 

[watchbuzz]

This thread would land a lot better if the forum was focused on pre-purchase members

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