One of the low-temperature grades added to the SAE J300 EOVC system after 1952 is 0W20 motor oil (0W20 oil). It is a liquid designed to behave as an SAE 20 once the engine reaches its operating temperature but flow as easily as an SAE 0 in subzero conditions.
Even at -35C/-31F, this type of oil will still start to flow through the engine’s oil channels. This oil lubricates important engine components, making it simpler for you to start your engine cold in the winter.
In This Article...
W20 vs 5W20 Fuel Economy
Another low-temperature grade often advised for winter use is 5W20 motor oil, with 10W-30 serving as an option for higher temperatures. Because it offers the best fuel economy, reduces fuel consumption, and produces fewer exhaust pollutants, this oil type is widely used. Motor companies and governments all around the world, led by those in Japan, Europe, and the US, are looking for 5W20.
Low viscosity, high-quality synthetic grades 0W20 and 5W20 can both significantly improve fuel economy. When employed in fair-weather temperatures, their attributes are identical. When utilized in cold temperatures, there is little to no difference between the two variants.
Why do modern vehicles use 0W20?
The most popular and widely used motor oil grades have evolved over time to match the engines that automakers have utilized. In the 1960s, it was typical for a vehicle to need a monograde oil, with the viscosity or grade needed varying with the season. Multi-grade oils have taken the place of the requirement to switch grades according to the seasons or weather as motor oil chemistry has improved.
The size and power output of engines have varied substantially as vehicle engine technology has advanced. In order to protect the engine, it was typical in the 1970s to have an extremely huge engine (6-cylinder and 8-cylinder engines were the most popular). 20W-50 and 10W-40 were the most often used grades at the time. Smaller engines required lower viscosity motor oils as fuel efficiency became more important, which over time led to a growth in demand for the 10W-30, 5W-30, and 5W-20 grades.
Modern engines are developing more quickly than ever. Engines are being designed by automakers to be lighter and smaller while producing more power than ever. Thinner lubricants with improved engine protection and cleaning capabilities are required to safeguard these smaller, more powerful engines. This has caused 0W-20 to be the motor oil grade with the quickest rate of growth.
What kind of oil does Toyota suggest?
For brand-new vehicles, Toyota suggests using Toyota Genuine SAE 0W-20 Full-Synthetic motor oil. Older models might need Toyota Genuine 5W-30 motor oil; if in doubt, check with one of our service consultants or the owner’s manual.
What occurs if 5W20 is used in place of 0W-20?
The ability of an oil to flow is measured by its viscosity. It also describes the thickness of the oil at various temperature levels.
When operating in freezing temperatures, 0W-20 motor oil performs like an SAE 0W weight oil. While 5W-20 oil functions as an SAE 5W weight oil.
The better the motor oil performs at low temperatures, according to SAE nomenclature, the lower the number before the ‘W’ is. Since 0W20 is much thinner than 5W-20, it is more stable at low temperatures and flows easily through the essential engine components.
A more suitable oil for a typical operating temperature range of -22F to 68F is 5W-20, which has a viscosity that is relatively thicker.
Is 0W20 harmful to engines?
an inquiry from a reader “For my new pickup truck, the recommended engine oil is 0W-20. This is a significant adjustment for me because I have never owned a car that required anything other than 5W-30. 0W-20 oil appears excessively thin, and I have serious doubts. I requested that my dealer allow me to use at least 5W-20, but they claim that 0W-20 must be used in order to keep my warranty in effect. For my new engine, is 0W-20 safe?
Answer: Without a doubt, 0W-20 is safe for your engine. Since the beginning of the previous decade, manufacturers have required 5W-20 and 0W-20, and there is absolutely no proof that engine wear rates have gone up. Engine wear has never been lower because of the enormous advancements made in the last 15 years in engine designs, materials, and motor oil chemistry. The 5W-20 and 0W-20 grades are quickly replacing the 5W-30 grade in new cars. A brand-new car with the specification 5W-30 will be uncommon by the end of this decade. In fact, in the upcoming years, anticipate to see even lower viscosities, such 0W-16.
Why do auto manufacturers advise using thinner motor oils? merely to maximize fuel efficiency. However, this pattern has persisted long enough for us to draw the conclusion that there are no negative effects in terms of shortened engine life.
Regarding the second half of your query, which asks whether it is advantageous to use 5W-20 instead of the advised 0W-20, we see no justification for doing so. Let’s utilize the characteristics of the 0W-20 and 5W-20 AMSOIL Signature Series oils to demonstrate our point.
The measured in is the industry standard for assessing viscosity at operational temperature “at 100C, centistokes.
- 8.7 centistokes for AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-20.
- 8.8 centistokes for the AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20.
The 0W-20 and 5W-20 are consequently nearly equal in terms of thickness or viscosity at working temperatures. Because it would provide a very minor increase in terms of cold weather start-up protection, the car maker chose a 0W-20 oil.
We choose a 0W-20 for year-round use even though our daily driver requires a 5W-20 in order to have the optimum start-up protection. Even in sweltering weather, we observe absolutely no oil usage in between oil changes.
In conclusion, you may be sure that a high-quality 0W-20 motor oil will provide the best wear control. Enjoy your new truck, and you may use 0W-20 motor oil with confidence.
How frequently should 0W-20 oil be changed?
The manufacturer has approved an oil change interval of 10,000 miles or 12 months for Toyota vehicles that utilize 0w-20 synthetic oil. When using this type of oil, vehicle owners should periodically check the engine’s oil level and top it off as necessary. This will enhance the effectiveness of the synthetic oil. The 10,000-mile oil change interval has NOT been approved by Toyota if you operate a Toyota Tundra or Toyota Sequoia that is fitted with a flex fuel-compatible engine.
Some engines may safely run on 0w-20 synthetic oil despite being tuned to run on 5w-20 mineral oil. Even if synthetic oil is used, these engines will still require the 5,000-mile/six-month oil change period.
Other maintenance tasks
Owners shouldn’t disregard the other maintenance requirements of their car just because it has a longer time between oil changes. Despite the fact that the oil only needs to be changed once a year, or after 10,000 miles, the 5,000-mile services are still necessary. This would cover procedures like brake inspections and tire rotations.
Toyota continues to demand the 5,000-mile/six-month interval from owners who frequently make short journeys in below-freezing weather, drive on dirt roads, off-road, or tow big loads. Even if an owner uses synthetic oil, this is still true.
Is 5W-30 preferable to 0w20?
Pay particular attention to the quality testing done while selecting a motor oil. Both the API donut and the starburst sign should be visible on the packaging.
The American Petroleum Institute’s testing was successful, as evidenced by the API donut. The starburst is also used to demonstrate eligibility for SL service.
Location
You must take the region into account while selecting the ideal oil viscosity from the suggested possibilities. For instance, 5W20 can be used in somewhat warmer settings while OW20 will perform better in cold climates like Maine or Alaska.
Having knowledge of the temperature range aids in selecting the proper oil. The temperature range for 0W-20 oil is -40 to 68F. In contrast, the operating temperature range for 5W20 oil is -31F to 68F and for 5W30 oil is -31F to 104F.
Fuel Economy
Because the lubricant flows more easily, the higher the fuel efficiency, the thinner the oil viscosity. As a result, 5W20 will run similarly to 0W20 once the engine has warmed up, but 0W20 will be more fuel-efficient during startup.
In both colder and warmer climates, 0W20 offers greater fuel efficiency than 5W30. However, 5W20 only performs better than 5W30 in hotter environments.
You can give the engine the protection it needs to last longer by using the proper oil in it. Make sure you do your study before selecting oil to attain the performance level you need.
Can I use 5W-30 for 0W 20?
No, you shouldn’t use a thinner SAE grade or a thicker oil for a suggested thinner oil vis-grade if your owner’s handbook calls for a thicker oil. The performance of your car’s engine will be protected and maintained if you use the right viscosity motor oil. Thus, while your vehicle is still covered by its manufacturer’s guarantee, always follow their advice.
**If your vehicle calls for 0W-20, avoid using 5W-30 in the rear. The vis-grade number and grade must match.
What oil is an alternative to 0w20?
In stead of 0w20, I wouldn’t think twice using a solid 5w20. The only thing that *could* be a problem is if you experienced a probable lubrication-related problem and a dealer or Subaru asked to see the receipts for your oil changes and they indicated 5w20.
It would be extremely challenging, if not impossible, for them to distinguish between a well-used 0w20 and a 5w20 in the sump in the event of a used oil analysis.
What Are the Benefits of Synthetic Oil?
It mostly depends on the model you purchase, how the engine was made, and what is advised in the owner’s manual whether your new Toyota utilizes synthetic or traditional oil. There are advantages and disadvantages to using each type of oil, but here are a few of the advantages of synthetic oil. Before using synthetic oil, make sure to verify with the Toyota service center in your area.
- Enhanced Protection for Performance and Turbocharged Parts
- Enhanced Protection at Higher Temperatures
- increased protection against engine wear
- Synthetic Oil Maintains Cleaner Engines
- Better Performance at Low Temperatures
How Often Should You Change Synthetic Oil?
To guarantee best performance, standard oil change intervals are commonly set as 5,000 miles or 6 months. That period is increased to 10,000 miles or 12 months on Toyota cars that are required to use 0W-20 synthetic oil. Within that time frame, you should still periodically check and top off the oil level. For other models, synthetic oil is an option, and regardless of the type of oil you choose to use in those models, it is advised that you stick to the 5,000-mile/6-month intervals.
Does my Toyota require synthetic oil?
There are two sorts of oil in the world, regular and synthetic, apart from different viscosities. Although there is a third variety that combines the first two, you often deal with either one or the other. The best option for your Toyota? What kind of oil is used in your Toyota? We offer all the solutions you require.
Does a Toyota need a specific kind of oil?
At this point, all current Toyota vehicles either require synthetic oil or at least recommend it. You must reference your manual to be certain. However, if you only decide to use synthetic oil, it will be far better for your engine and will simplify everything.