Zereldo

Quick Version: I've always used 5W-30 Synthetic oil. Is 0W-20 prefered during Canadian Winter months? Always used 91 Octane fuel, is 88/89 octane recommended based on cost difference?



Detailed Version:

Hello, I have a 2010 ES 350 clocked at 160,000 KMs. It's my daily driver and was purchased about 2 years ago at 130,000 KM. The vehicle has more or less a complete servie history with Toyota/Lexus dealership network. The previous owner did most oil changes from a third party but some are with a Lexus dealership.

I had the first oil change done under my ownership from a local Lexus dealership that ended up putting 0W-20 Synthetic oil (During summer) and the engine sounded louder and less refined. I did not know about the wrong oil and so it wasn't superstition. I called lexus a week folowing the oil change and I was told they put in 0W-20 oil. I bought some 5W-30 Pennzoil Ultra Platinum and did an oil change (with oil filter) the same day. I noticed the car was running smooth again.

- I have since changed the brakes with OEM pads and rotors
- Brake fluid flush and fill
- Tranmission fluid drain and fill
- New OEM spark plugs

I've been changing the oil every 5,000 KM (6,000 KM MAX) or 5 months (6 months MAX) with OEM filter. I always used 91 Octane petrol in all my cars (they require it) and don't in ones that do not require it. With my 2010 ES 350, which is the first year of the 5th gen ES facelift, but 'requires' 91 octane fuel; I have not hesitated to use 91 octane. I drove the car with 89 Octage (Regular fuel) and felt a difference (Engine not as smooth, and louder).

I did some additional research and spoke to a Lexus tech who said that 0W-20 is a 'better' oil and the car should run better with it, especially in cold temps like we get here in Canada. With winter approaching, I am inclined to try 0W-20 oil in the engine for the duration of the season. Has anyone else tried 0W-20 in their engine? Do you use different oil during winter to boost performance or extend engine life?

Thanks for taking the time to read my post, any and all recommendations are welcome!

Cheers!

tolian21

For cold climate, 0w-30 should be good. I would not mess with second number. First number you can drop to zero, no issues.

coolsaber

I have to ask why? 0w20 is super thin oil when the oil is upto temp, on a motor that was designed for for 5w30 if memory serves me right so dont even both going in that direction.

5w30 dino is fine, your using synthetic which is great, you can move up to 0w30 which is pushing awesome. The problem with moving to the 0w30 is that its cost is higher for not much added short term gain. Long term of course, but even the better lubrication at cold temps you`d probably never materialize the added cost of the oil.

Stick with the current oil, you`ll be fine,

LeX2K

Use what the owners manual tells you to use or what is stated on the filler cap. Dino oil is awful in cold weather, poor cold starts much less flow when cold. Avoid.

tolian21

5w-30 is substitutable by 0w-30, its a known thing, google it. If living in very cold climate, its definitely recommended to use 0w oil.

Zereldo

Noted. I will do additional research since I have never tried it. Thanks for the suggestion!

Zereldo

Not sure what 'Dino' is. Is that a brand of oil or type? Eitherway, I use Penzzoil Ultra Platinum 5W-30. The owners manal does not mention alternative oil type for different climates. The recommneded oil is 5W-30.

Zereldo

I'd be willing to pay the premium as this is one car I want to keep for years to come while the European makes are sold off by the time they're 4 years old or when warranty expires. Thanks for the suggestion, I will look into 0W-30. Would you recommend any particular brand? I've been sticking with Penzoil Ultra Plat as it's usually on sale and the reviews are excellent.

Zereldo

Noted. It appears everyone is recommending 0W-30. Thanks!

coolsaber

You`ll be fine either way. Any brand of 0w30 is fine, heck if supertech is available from walmart use that. The most important rule with longevity of a motor is of course using the right spec oil, but more so making sure its changed at regular intervals with a good filter (not cheapo crap).

tolian21

owner manual was written before 0w30 was widely available. If you go on mobil1 website for oil selector, it will show 0w30 as suitable oil for 2012 ES350. I am sure other oil brands will say the same.

If you know anything about first number in oil weights, and Canadian winters, the choice should be obvious.

ESh

Amsoil SS 0W30 would work great.

coolsaber

0w30 at $10-15/quart vs 5w30 ultra penzoil at $2/quart

To each their own. While they are undeniable benefits to going 0w30, the ROI on this is arguable and personal choice. Lexus designed that motor to withstand those cold temps during the testing and development on the ES with 5w30, that too with oil with now outdated standards.

tolian21

$22.38 for 5qt of mobil1 at walmart
for 0w-30

tolian21

Here is what mobil1 says:----------------
A 0W-30 low viscosity oil can be used where a 5W-30 or 10W-30 is recommended. Switching to a Mobil™ 0W-30 advanced full synthetic formulation motor oil can help to increase engine efficiency and improve fuel economy versus higher viscosity oils.0W-30 is widely suggested by American, European and Asian automakers as a viscosity alternate to higher viscosity oils for driving in frigid weather.
----------------

If you live more to south, especially florida/arizona, 5w-30 is good. But for -40C Canadian winters, if it was my car, it would be getting 0w-30. It flows a lot better at cold temperatures.