quick oil change question - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

adalex · 09-07-2011, 09:56 AM

I have Valvoline Full Synthetic 5w30 right now and I'm due in like 1500 miles. I'm getting low 20s for mpgs lately. would it be ok to switch to this http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web...9M_T%7CGRP2046_____# and if so what kinda of gains would i get?

thanks

I have a 99 camry le I4 with 118,455 miles

Pvt-Public · 09-07-2011, 10:53 AM

What kind of driving? Highway, City, short trips? Need more info. But I seriously doubt it's the kind of oil. I have a 99 4cly and I am getting 27+ combined and about 34 MPG highway

ghettosled · 09-07-2011, 11:26 AM

i wouldnt switch oil weights for better fuel economy. you're getting bad fuel economy, really bad for an i4, and it has to be due to some other factor. poor spark, dragging brake caliper, fuel leak - something but not the weight of the oil.

***fenixus*** · 09-07-2011, 01:05 PM

low 20's in city driving doesn't sound too tragic. we get around 22-23 MPG in city, but that's short distance driving (engine warming up burns more fuel), we have gazillions of stop signs and traffic lights here, and lastly hills, there is no flat roads here ...

I don't think that Advanced Fuel Economy oil formula can help your problem, i'd rather check things like free spin of wheels, look at brakes (perhaps binding), check bearings (slow free spin of wheel or shaky feeling), make sure the wheel alignment is good.

when was the minor tune up (plugs, wireset, A/F filters, belts) done for the last time? any leaks?

how about your AFR/o2 sensors and ECT for EFI?

just shooting some ideas, like others, sorry for repeating if that's been posted already, I haven't read all.

***Zembonez*** · 09-07-2011, 01:18 PM

You won't get any noticeable difference in fuel economy by changing oil weight. The difference (assuming there is any) is very very tiny.

Chris Crash · 09-07-2011, 04:13 PM

Changing oil brand or weight will not gain you any yield. Also, I highly doubt your oil needing a change is the reason for low MPG.

adalex · 09-07-2011, 04:20 PM

Yea I can't figure it out, one thing I did notice when I put in the rsb was I think the back left drum was catching on something as I turned it like a light scraping sound. Maybe next week Ill take it to the dealer and have them look at everything. Besides that.I know there's a leak on the passenger side of the bottom of the manifold where it meets the flex pipe just below the o2 sensor (which is new btw)