Oil is essential for maintaining a clean, cool engine in any car, including the Toyota Highlander. Your engine’s moving parts are lubricated, which helps to stop wear and tear.
The oil in your car is thick and cold when you first start it. As the engine warms up, the oil thins and flows more swiftly. This makes it possible for it to more efficiently lubricate the engine parts.
Toyota advises using full synthetic oil in the Highlander for maximum performance and engine protection. But which viscosity should you pick?
For newer Toyota Highlander models, Toyota Genuine full synthetic 0w-20 oil is the best option. However, it is advisable to choose complete synthetic 5w-30 oil if you have an older model with higher mileage.
Depending on the year and mileage, a Toyota repair may occasionally suggest using a complete synthetic 5w-20.
Full synthetic oil will not only guarantee that your engine is operating at peak efficiency, but it will also allow you to travel 7,50010,000 miles between oil changes.
The normal oil can still be used, but you will need to change it every 3,500 to 5,000 miles. Additionally, synthetic oil and your engine won’t be protected by conventional oil if you drive a lot.
For more information on the recommended oil for your specific Highlander model, be sure to consult your owner’s manual or with a Toyota-certified repair. Your car can need a different type of oil depending on its year and mileage.
In This Article...
What is engine oil 0W-20?
In colder temperatures, 0W-20 motor oil flows as freely as 0 Weight oil, but once the engine reaches operating temperature, it behaves more like 20 Weight oil. This guarantees that oil will begin to flow through the engine right away, lubricating important engine components even in cold weather.
The ‘W’ in viscosity descriptions does not, contrary to popular belief, stand for weight. In actuality, it represents Winter. This means that synthetic 0W-20 oil performs as a 0 Weight oil in cold areas but becomes as thick and viscous as a 20 Weight oil once the typical engine temperature has been attained.
Castrol EDGE, a cutting-edge full synthetic 0W-20 motor oil, is part of the company’s line of low viscosity 0W-20 lubricants. It is our toughest oil and is made to endure high temperatures and pressure. For those who want to push their car to the limit, it’s the perfect choice. Full synthetic 0W-20 motor oil liquid Castrol GTX MAGNATEC is designed with protective, clever ingredients that offer outstanding wear prevention.
How frequently should a Toyota Highlander have its synthetic oil changed?
Generally speaking, synthetic oil needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. For traditional oil, Toyota suggests changing your 2020 Toyota Highlander’s oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
What kind of oil does Toyota advise using?
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.
Do I need synthetic oil for my Toyota?
Only Toyota cars (apart from 3UR-FBE Engines*) that require 0w-20 synthetic oil have been given the go-ahead for longer oil change intervals of 10,000 miles or 12 months. (You should, though, keep checking the oil level frequently and topping off as necessary. This will enable your engine to benefit fully from synthetic oil.)
Is full synthetic Toyota oil recommended?
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.
How frequently should a 2019 Toyota Highlander have its oil changed?
One of the most fundamental and important maintenance for your car is an oil change. Toyota suggests changing the oil and filter in your 2019 Toyota Highlander every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but it’s essential to consult your owner’s manual and your dealer to determine the intervals that are most effective for your car.
What kind of oil can I use in a 2020 Highlander?
1 Response. SAE 0W-20 synthetic motor oil is what the 2020 Toyota Highlander LE runs on. SAE 5W-20 oil may be used if SAE 0W-20 is unavailable. At the subsequent oil change, SAE 0W-20 must be used in its place.
A 2019 Toyota Highlander V6 consumes how much oil?
Response given by. The oil capacity of the 2019 Toyota Highlander is 6.3 quarts. When changing the oil in your Highlander, remember that Toyota advises using synthetic oil! Check your auto insurance to make sure it’s the best policy for you when you’re shopping for a new vehicle.
How often should an oil change be performed on a 2021 Toyota Highlander?
For conventional oil, Toyota suggests changing your 2021 Toyota Highlander’s oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Normally, synthetic oil needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
A 3.5 L Toyota Highlander uses how much oil?
The 2.7L 4-cylinder engine consumes 4.6 quarts of oil, while the 3.5L V6 engine requires 5.8 quarts. Both engine options are available for the 2018 Toyota Highlander.
Keep in mind that synthetic oil is recommended for both of these engines whenever you need to replace the oil!
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Your Owner’s Manual
Although it’s really easy, owners manuals are frequently disregarded. To find out the appropriate viscosity of the motor oil you should use, always consult your owner’s handbook. Use the 0W20 and 5W20 variations interchangeably, depending on the weather, if they are both on the list.
Location
Given that both 0W20 and 5W20 motor oils operate in much the same temperature range, it is critical to think about where you will be using the car. The operating temperature range for synthetic oil is -40C to 20C for 0W-20 and -35C to 20C for 5W20 (5W20 synthetic oil). Being aware of these facts means two things:
- In places like Florida when the temperature is above 20C/68F, you cannot use either 0W20 or 5W20.
- If you reside in a region with extremely low temperatures, such as Alaska or Maine, it is preferable to use 0W20 oil.
Viscosity
The motor oil will flow more smoothly the lower the number is. At beginning temperatures, a 0W20 will be more fluid than a 5W20, but both will function similarly at normal engine operating temperatures. Keep in mind that engine oils naturally become thinner during heating and thicken while cooling.
Quality Testing
Any oil brand with the appropriate viscosity grade and the API donut symbol is acceptable. The oil has passed the testing required for SL service, as indicated by the starburst sign.
The API donut indicates that your motor oil passed the current SL service rating test after being tested by the American Petroleum Institute. ACEA (Association des Constructeurs Europeens d’Automobiles) is the counterpart of API in Europe.
Manufacturer Requirements
If your vehicle is substantially loaded, the machine designer would typically advise using an oil that has a high viscosity and is heavy like honey. However, if it moves quickly, a lubricant that can move out of the way and then move back in is preferable.
Fuel Economy
Despite the fact that both 5W20 and 0W20 (0W20 synthetic oil) can be used at 20C/68F, 0W20 is thinner than 5W20 at cold engine temperatures, particularly in the initial minutes after starting your automobile. Because it gives the car slightly higher fuel economy than the 5W20, new models specify it. The 0W20 model satisfies a turbo-diesel engine’s requirements as well.
What happens if I substitute 5W20 for 0W20?
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.
Which is preferable, 5W-30 or 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.