defuse

The manual states that I should use a 0-20w. I live in Los Angeles, and I tried a couple places and I couldnt find that weight of oil. Does it make a big difference between 0-20w and 5-20w? Someone told me that the car is too early for a oil change, something about the rings on the pistons hasn't sealed. Little info my car has 4500 miles on it. Looking at getting synthetic oil.

UNOHxB

i run 5w-30 valvoline durablend with a wix filter and i change both every 5k miles.

your just about to the mileage where you should change it. as for synthetic oil, its nice but not needed. synthetic blend can be just as good and much cheaper.

AAG

iTrader: (1)

Just recently did my first oil change & I used Castrol 5w-20 with an oem toyota filter. Brand wise doesn't really matter as long as you change it on a regular basis. I know alot people say its overkill, but I change mine at 3k miles and have so for years. Once I go synthetic i'll let it run for 5k-6k before changing.

Maytag

If you're a stickler like I am about using the recommended 0W-20, you will have to stick with full synthetic, as I am not aware of a dino oil in this grade yet.

I use Toyota's own 0W-20 full synthetic. It's reasonable at about $4.50 per quart at places like Mechanicsville Toyota online.

It's not like Toyota makes it anyway. It's probably Mobil or SOPUS, then re-labeled.

The part number is 00920-1QT0W-01.

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

How cold does it get in LA? I'm in MD and using Mobil One 5-20W. I've always preferred the extra protection of a heavier weight oil to the miniscule fuel economy benefit of lighter weight oils. If I lived somewhere that gets a lot colder than MD, I'd run 0-20W but the manual states that 5-20W is fine.

Multi-viscosity oils start with a base oil at the light end of the multi-vis range and use polymers to make the oil behave like a heavier weight when hot. I just don't like the idea of running 0W base oil. 5W is the same as sewing machine oil, which is pretty thin stuff.

CIONIDE

iTrader: (1)

I didn't know you sewed Fred.

uberspeed

Funnyguy lol

Check out http://www.bobistheoilguy.com
Great info there on oil.

goaliesmk

its ok to run a heavier oil but dont be surprised if your mpg suffers just a lil. you also may get a little more power out of a heavier oil.

CIONIDE

iTrader: (1)

Yeh, I'm good for a little levity once in a while. But I only do it in complete fun with people I appreciate and respect.

Sincerely, thanks for all the help you've given me in the various thread exchanges Fred (you too uberspeed).

SiXX

I'm using Amsoil's 0w20 in mine w/ an Amsoil oil filter... I plan on running 5k intervals (I do a lot of 1mi or less driving). I get a sweet hookup on it, so it doesn't cost me any more than your standard over-the-counter synthetic.

I know synthetic is overkill for most, but I figure why not when I get such a good deal on it.

SiXX

BTW, isn't this logic a little skewed? Thicker oil (more resistance) will give you more power? That should be reversed... thinner oil (less resistance) will give you more power.

healthynine

You are right. the heavier oil will have a slight decrease in power. Probably not noticable, however, if you check gas mileage religiously, you may notice a slight drop.

Assuming you live somewhere with normal temp. ranges, I would use the lightest weight oil recommended.

Also, I personally plan on switching to either Mobil1 or Toyota synthetic after the first 2 free Scion oil changes. Its not usually recommended to run synthetic too early to allow the rings to seal properly

wrczx3

I did my first oil change the other day. I got 5-20 synthetic blend Motorcraft oil at Walmart for $10.00 for a 5 quart jug. I will switch to full synthetic on my next oil cange at about 7,000 miles.

dgenem

Remember one major advantage of synthetic oil, it will not sludge. Oil sludge in a small engine is fatal, and only happens with dino.

Remember that the heavier the oil, the more work is required to push it. Heavier oil also takes longer to circulate and reach proper pressure during startup. Another reason thinner oils are pushed is because they better lubricate tight clearances. Engines are being built with much tighter bearing clearances which require thinner oils to properly lubricate.

ScionFred

iTrader: (1)

Only when I absolutely have to!












Smartass!!!

CIONIDE

iTrader: (1)

My father used to tell me: "Everybody likes a smart guy, nobody likes a smartass." Whoops!?! Me bad. (Won't be the first time, won't be the last.) Thanks for appreciating the joke Fred.

whitebreadbox

yes, i completely agree with the sludge build up from conventional oils. todays engines are so well built and don't require large clearances like the old engines do. i'm a firm believer in synth oils. thats not to say that everyone should run synth oil. i know that after i get my next and last comp oil change, i'll be running royal purlple 0w-20. i've already got their gear oil in the tranny. amsoil is another great oil!!! run what you want. just do a bit of research and see what you like.