The Toyota Camry 2020 requires 0W-20 synthetic motor oil. Toyota sells an additive at Toyota dealerships that is applied to their OEM oil. However, any ILSAC-certified 0W-20 synthetic oil will function. If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-30 mineral oil will function in its place. At the subsequent oil change, it must be replaced with 0W-20 synthetic oil.
In This Article...
How often should I change the oil in my Camry?
The owner’s manual for your Camry contains a list of the precise service intervals. However, the interval for the most majority of synthetic oil situations is every 10,000 miles or 12 months*. The interval for older Camry vehicles that utilize 5W-30 mineral oil is 5,000 miles/6 months. Even in vehicles with a 10,000-mile/12-month oil change interval, other maintenance like tire rotation and fluid adjustments still needs to be done every 5,000 miles/6 months.
*According to Toyota standards, this period is reduced to 5,000 miles/6 months if you frequently make short excursions (i.e., only in cities) in below-freezing conditions or with heavy idling.
Can I substitute 0W-20 oil for 5w20 oil?
The 20 in 0W motor oils (also known as 0W-20) stands for the viscosity measurement value, making them appropriate for usage in 5W applications. The most important factor to match when choosing a motor oil is that value. The pumpability at cold temperatures is shown by the 0W or 5W. Consequently, a 0W would flow more freely than a 5W and might be a suitable replacement. As a result, SAE 0W-20 can be used in place of SAE 5W-20 application.
**Provides improved fuel economy and faster flow while yet offering the same level of protection as 5W.
What makes 0W-20 and 5W-20 different from one another?
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.
Toyota uses what kind of synthetic oil?
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 is the purpose of 0W-20 oil?
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.
How frequently should a Toyota Camry have its synthetic oil changed?
For traditional oil, Toyota suggests changing your Toyota Camry’s oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Every 7,500 to 10,000 miles, synthetic oil needs to be changed.
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.
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.
- 8.8 centistokes for the AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20.
- 8.7 centistokes for AMSOIL Signature Series 5W-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.
Which is preferable, 5W 30 or 0W 20?
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.
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.