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

[drNick]

Mobil 1 0w-20 ESPx2 is a good oil which can be bought on sale on Amazon or in Walmart. For $30 bucks plus $10 for the filter, I don’t think I’ll get poor if I change my oil every 3K miles on my $58k truck. What do you think?

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[Desmolicious]

Mobil 1 0w-20 ESPx2 is a good oil which can be bought on sale on Amazon or in Walmart. For $30 bucks plus $10 for the filter, I don’t think I’ll get poor if I change my oil every 3K miles on my $58k truck. What do you think?

That’s like the cost of a burger, fries and two beers at a bar every 3k miles. To put it into perspective.

 

[127.0.0.1]

YAOT

Yet another oil thread...

 

[alldogsoffroad]

Lake Speed Jr is awesome, I'm really glad he picked up a new Tacoma to build content with. It'll be interesting to get input from a subject matter expert.

 

[127.0.0.1]

I had always thought break-in periods on modern engines did not need an oil change...this thread corrected me on that...changed my oil this weekend at 1000 miles. It was dark, but it did have some translucent look to it when pouring out. Did not notice any metallic look or material.

I also am now questioning my well-researched conclusion that the factory recommended oil is the best oil. While I hold to that, I have found discrepancies in what, in this case, Toyota is recommending for these 2.4 Turbos. I found an Australian Toyota document, Owner's Manual, that suggests 0W-30 is recommended, but 0W-20 for fuel economy. Toyota has even moved to 0W-8 in some other new models, though not our 6G 4Rs. I am beginning to think the 0-20 recommendation is based on CAFE standards here in the US, but devoid of that motivation, Toyota feels a heavier oil is better.

0w-8 will never be on a Turbo...until material science can catch up

0w-8 for Crown w/o turbo and 0w-16 for Crown w/turbo is one example

 

[Dinosoar21]

Good to know, but still, heavier oil has its benefits. I was errant, however, in my reporting of the 0-30 in Australia. Wrong motor in that version. Though, the verbiage did state the 0-20 was for fuel economy...a question I continue to research to see if 0-20 is really best for our turbo motors, or if 0-30 would be better (MPGs aside).

 

[ToYoDaMan]

Glad I found this thread. My local dealership offered a very well discounted oil and filter change if I brought my Runner in before the end of the month.

I couldn't pass it up after reading this! It's there now for its first oil change.

Hoping to keep this Runner for many miles to come.

 

[TRD Pro or Die Trying]

Why U.S. Cars Use 0W-20 But the Same Engines Use 5W-30 Abroad (Mechanic Explains!)

I'm confused. Live in Florida. Still don't know what is the best oil to use.

 

[Minnesota4Runner]

I just did mine at 433 and it looked terrible. Also very smelly (gas)
I was shocked actually. Probably still fine but damn. Glad I took this advice.

 

[ToYoDaMan]

Why U.S. Cars Use 0W-20 But the Same Engines Use 5W-30 Abroad (Mechanic Explains!)

I'm confused. Live in Florida. Still don't know what is the best oil to use.

There was also an article on this. I think the video makes sense.

I will probably switch to synthetic 5W-30 on my next oil change. Better for engine wear.

 

[Desmolicious]

Why U.S. Cars Use 0W-20 But the Same Engines Use 5W-30 Abroad (Mechanic Explains!)

I'm confused. Live in Florida. Still don't know what is the best oil to use.

5W 30

 

[ToYoDaMan]

5W 30

Does it void any warranties?

I am guessing we do the oil changes ourselves or will the dealership switch to synthetic 5W-30 if requested?

 

[Desmolicious]

Does it void any warranties?

I am guessing we do the oil changes ourselves or will the dealership switch to synthetic 5W-30 if requested?

Page 618 of the owner's manual says 5W 20 can be used. Yeah I know it's not 5W30 But if there is a failure Toyota has to prove it was due to the oil.

 

[Dr_Al]

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!!

I'm about the same age and have owned numerous Toyotas. I've never had an engine failure. Ever since Toyota went to 10,000 mile oil changes I do the first change change the oil at 5,000 miles and then every 10k after that. Turbo engine or not, they all get the same treatment. I usually keep them well past the 200k mark. Simply put I like not having to remember when the next change is due. 15k, 25k, 35k, etc.

As for people like in the OP's link, I'm sure that if you changed the oil every 100 miles you can get data that says how much better it is. The real question is is it going to make a difference if you don't? Since almost everyone who buys a modern Toyota just follows what Toyota recommends and other than problems when manufacturing the engine almost all of their motors last a very long time I would say that the extra materials like copper and silicone don't make a difference.

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