Depending on your model, Toyota suggests using motor oils with an API GF-5 specification (or higher). SAE 0W-16, OW-20, 5W-50, and 0W-40 are frequently used on more recent vehicles.
In This Article...
Which motor oil is recommended for the 2016 Toyota Prius?
Engine oil by Mobil Complete synthetic 0W-40 1 quarts container, 1 quart of 0W-40. GPFs are advised for high-performance engines (gasoline particulate filters).
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.
When should a Prius get its oil changed?
Normally, synthetic oil needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. For standard oil, Toyota suggests changing your 2020 Toyota Prius’s oil and filter every 3,0005,000 miles. Remember that the best way to determine the appropriate intervals for your vehicle is to consult the owner’s manual and speak with the dealer.
How often should the oil be changed in a Prius?
Toyota advises changing your oil every 10,000 miles, but that you should keep the 5,000-mile service intervals for fluid top-offs, inspections, and tire rotations.
How often should the oil be changed in a 2012 Prius?
One of the most fundamental and important maintenance for your car is an oil change. Normally, synthetic oil needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. For conventional oil, Toyota advises changing your 2012 Toyota Prius’s oil and filter every 3,0005,000 miles.
How often should the oil be changed in a 2010 Prius?
One year or 10,000 miles, whichever comes first, is the recommended oil change interval for the 2010 Toyota Prius, for instance. Because some oil life monitors are more advanced than others, the recommended duration will vary depending on the vehicle.
2011 Prius: Does it require synthetic oil?
The best motor oil for your 2011 Toyota Prius is available at your nearby Firestone Complete Auto Care in synthetic or traditional blends.
Driving with assurance is possible knowing that we consider your needs and those of your Prius while
How frequently should the oil be changed in a 2013 Toyota Prius?
How often should an oil change be performed on a 2013 Toyota Prius? One of the most fundamental and important maintenance for your car is an oil change. Normally, synthetic oil needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. For conventional oil, Toyota recommends having your 2013 Toyota Prius’s oil and filter replaced every 3,0005,000 miles.
How often should an oil change be performed on a 2013 Toyota Prius?
One of the most fundamental and important maintenance for your car is an oil change. Every 3,0005,000 miles for conventional oil, Toyota advises having the oil and filter replaced on your 2013 Toyota Prius Plug-In. Changing synthetic oil should be done every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
Which type of oil are hybrids using?
Unless the manufacturer clearly specifies one type is necessary, you can typically use either conventional or synthetic oil in your hybrid car. It’s typically advised to use synthetic oil in the majority of contemporary hybrid automobiles. The oil change interval is longer with synthetics, as was already mentioned.
Many manufacturers of hybrid vehicles would advise using 0W20 oil as opposed to 5W20 or 10W30 like in regular vehicles. For instance, Toyota mandates the use of 0W20 synthetic engine oil for Prius automobiles manufactured from 2010 to 2017.
Low-weight oil is required for hybrid automobile engines to receive the correct lubrication. Just make sure to go to your owner’s manual for more information on the proper oil to use. The improper oil could permanently harm the engine if you use it.
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, 0W-20 or 5W-30?
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.
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.