tolian21

I do have a lot of respect for people that work on engines such as Car Care Nut. But I am not sure why these people automatically become lubrication specialists? Are they engineers that design these engines or study fluid dynamics inside the engine? Being good with your hands and having lots of experience fixing engines does not automatically make you any more knowledgeable about oil.

LeX2K

Can you post one of them please?

Freds430

Will post five.

Wilson2000

Sorry Fred, but that's the worst list of references ever! There is no testing data or comparison of additives. Most, if not all are simply marketing. Much is outdated. The only credible source, Car and Driver, picked Mobil 1 as number one for just three makes only, and Car and Driver is in the advertising business where they get paid to hawk these products! One of your sources, CNET, had a disclaimer at the top saying "If you buy through our links, we may get a commission," hardly non-bias!

Just saying, if you really want to convince yourself and others Mobil 1 is number one, you need to do your homework and come up with some independent testing to lend credence to your position.

I used Mobil 1 for decades when there wasn't information on line, and not a lot of competition in the premium oil market. Now we have the opportunity to dig deeper, and new innovative products are emerging constantly. Two-year-old trade-magazine reviews aren't all that helpful.

Freds430

​​​​​​Five sources Mobil 1 the best. What difference does it make if two year old .Norhing has changed in technology in oil. Some are convinced if you pay three times more for oil it must be better. You are a marketers best customer. Again any major brand of synthetic will be as good as another. If you believe differently than sorry.

LeX2K

Those motor oil ratings are not based on scientific tests which makes them useless might as well post Amazon reviews.

Barncobob

I love oil/filter threads...................

Freds430

You seriously think looking at oil analysis report and one has a 10 point higher copper number that is going to make a squat of difference in how long your engine last. As stated you are the marketers best gullible customer. I will find you some oil that is $100 a quart and will be awesome for your engine. My manufacturer says Mobil 1 is the best oil. I will go with them over you all day everyday.

LexFinally

Generally speaking, there are two reasons why Toyota's oil weight recommendations can vary by country:

1) There's a profit incentive in recommending thinner oil in America. To avoid getting bogged down in details, the EPA fuel economy tests require that you test the car in exactly the state you plan to sell it (oil weight, tires, everything). They also require that the manufacturer then tell the customer to use the exact same oil used for the test. Thinner oil fractionall reduces friction resistance and thus yields a tiny improvement in test MPG. Carmakers' ability to sell more profitable, lower-mileage vehicles, and/or their ability to avoid paying crippling fines for violation, depend on these test results. So, thinner oil recommendations = profits.

2) Thicker oil is often recommended in countries with hotter weather like Australia. The "W" in oil ratings stands for "Winter." Oil naturally thickens like molasses in the cold. Thicker oil is fine when it's hot outside. Thin oil is fine when it's cold. But for operation in a range of temperatures—i.e., real-world use—you want both. A 0W-20 oil is one whose viscosity (thickness) modifiers make it run like a thinner 0-weight oil would in winter, and like a thicker 20 weight oil when it's warm. The greater the difference, the more versatile the oil to remain usefl over a wide range of temperatures. (This is why the dawn of multi-grade oils was a great leap forward, and why the even more versatile and durable synthetics were another one.) It's also why 5W-30 is perfectly suitable in Sydney, while Toyota might recommend 0W-16 instead in the same car for Calgary.

That help?

Freds430

So sad some have to make everything a pissing contest with their egos getting the best of them. I know more than you. I know more than Toyota.

tolian21

Also, the manual uses languages such as “recommended viscosity”, if this was so important, the lawyers would have changed it to “required” viscosity. Nobody says they know more than Toyota, if Toyota wanted this to be super important they would change the manual

mikemu30

Is it okay to use 0w-20 in the hybrid engine as opposed to 0w-16 - I'm asking specifically about our RX which I think has the same ice engine as the ES? I've read many dealers don't even stock the 0w16 and use 20 even though the manual calls for 16.

ESh

You can use 0W20 until ne next oil change but you can put Mobil 1 0w16 from Walmart.

Wilson2000

Not helpful. If you don't have anything to add, no need to post to this thread.

Wilson2000

I wanted this to be a friendly debate, not an opportunity to dump on those you don't agree with. I wrote very diplomatically in response to your post. Please so the same regarding others, or, bow out of the conversation.