2008 Highlander V6: can I use 0W-20 Toyota Synthetic oil

[Sky1111]

Hello,

I was in Toyota dealership yesterday and I discovered that Toyota switched all 2011 models to 0W-20, and hear good things about that oil.

Can I safely use it on my 2008 HL? Did anyone tried?

[bschurr]

Originally Posted by Sky1111

Hello,

I was in Toyota dealership yesterday and I discovered that Toyota switched all 2011 models to 0W-20, and hear good things about that oil.

Can I safely use it on my 2008 HL? Did anyone tried?

Toyota spec for the 2008 Highlander is 5W20 for vehicles without the towing package. 0W20 would actually be more benefical for cold weather starts as compared to 5W20.

[Sky1111]

thanks, but I was wondering if anyone actually tried this oil on the 2008 HL...

[summerwind]

Stick with what is stamped on the oil filler cap.
The switch to 0W is a move to get a slight boost in there mileage ratings.

[moonspell2000]

I was at the dealer the other day and asked why they changed the oil type on 2011s. I was told that it's better oil.

If you think about it a bit they are right that sythetic oil is better quality oil but it adds little value in the end. The main reason I believe that Toyota changed the oil type is because the free oils changes ends up costing them less money. They went from a 5k oil change schedule ( like on my 2010 ) to a 10k schedule on the 2011s. Since they give free oil changes till 25k they go from 5 oil changes to 2. Nice savings!

Here's more fuel for thought. Part of the reason oil is changed not only viscosity break down but because it gets dirty . With a 10k schedule your oil will be twice as dirty. The viscosity break down of regular oil with a 5k change verses a synthetic change at 10k will add little value. I even bet that the viscosity break down between both of them is little to none based on their respective schedules.

Conclusion: Your better off with a 5k oil changes with regular oil verses 10k changes with synthetic. It will keep your engine cleaner and in better shape.

Just my 2 cents on oil changes.

[arabianobsession]

^Actually, Toyota has been using 0w-20 since late 2009, when they first put it in the 2010 Prius, at least a half year before the free oil changes.

Also, I use 0w-20 in my 2011 Camry and after the first oil change everything looked fine. There are also several members here who got an oil analysis done after 10k miles....and no problems, no cause for concern. Synthetic oil isn't going to be affected as much as conventional oil after 10k miles.....and here's another thought: other manufacturers (BMW, Mercedes), have even crazier oil change schedules, think every 15-20k.

[moonspell2000]

Do you know after how many 10k oil changes was the analysis done. I would be curious to see an analysis done around 60k ( 6 - 10k oil changes).

Any one out there done that?

[arabianobsession]

I don't know, maybe try opening a thread on it in General Discussion and see what results you find.

[charlieboy]

I bought like 2 cases of 5W30 of Penzoil Platinum for my 2008 sport, which only saw 1 oil change from the lot. The milage sure as hell did not improve with this grade, but it worked well for towing.

I just bought a 2011 sport and the manual says 0W20 for normal use and good cold starts. 5W20 CAN BE USED AS WELL BUT REVERT TO 0W20 ON THE NEXT OIL CHANGE. So i'm going to try to exchange the rest of the oil for the new grade.

Thus far the fuel milage on my 2011 has been way better than my 2008, and i'm quite sure its due to the oil i was using.

[C5BlkVette]

I am running Amsoil 5W-30 in my 09 Base, and I don't see any mileage difference. I do some minor towing too.

Andy

[Sky1111]

Well, I do not have towing package, nor that I plan towing. But I am thinking to switch to Toyota 0W-20 for few reasons:
- I am planning to switch to synthetic anyway (done it on my 98 Camry and 03 Accord)
- somehow it is cheaper than 5W-20 synthetic (dealership quoted $53 vs $69)
- apparently it is high on moly (which seems to be a known good anti-wear anti-friction additive

I am not planning to change oil 10k miles; most I will do is 10k km (which is ~6.5k miles

Did anyone actually tried this Toyota synthetic (and not any other brand) 0W-20 on pre-2009 vehicle?

[Sky1111]

But is that oil truly Synthetic?

[summerwind]

And the religion of oil lives on

[Sky1111]

I just got back from the dealership. Yes, I bit the bullet and got 0W-20. So far so good - engine tone changed to a much smoother one, and when you floor the gas, it does sound different (AND IT GOES!). Given the fact that I was not even close to the recommended oil change mileage/date, I find it surprising - should not be much of a difference, right?

For fellow Canadians: the total cost of oil change was ~$65 (that's with the taxes and fees!). The only place which comes close to this price is Costco, but the use Castrol Synthetic and generic oil filter. (not the best brand in synthetics)

I keep my eye on the actual gas mileage.

[Sky1111]

UPDATE: a week later I do not feel any mileage improvement with the new oil. Do like the engine more responsiveness so I will stick to this oil - IMHO it is a good value for synthetic oil