switched from conventional oil to synth 0w20 - questions

[josh044]

I made the switch this weekend. It's the first oil change I've done since I bought the car a couple thousand miles ago.

The previous owner used conventional oil, and the used oil coming out didn't look too nice, pretty dark.

So, a few questions...

With synthetic, how often do I need to change it to keep up the warranty (I'm at 43,000 - the previous owner had an extended warranty that transferred over to me). I've heard it's 5,000 - but is it the same if I use synthetic?

Also, with as dirty as the old oil was, do I need to do anything special to clean the old gunk out? Should I change out the oil earlier after the first switch? Should put some additive before the next change?

Thanks!

[ROCKLAND TOYOTA]

0W20 INTERVAL is every 10k......

[josh044]

thanks, also - FYI - I'm sure this is partially in my head, but the car seems to be running better now. Smoother, a bit more responsive. Who knows though, maybe it's all in my imagination. I'll see how the mpg responds, previously I'm been nearing 40mpg.

[marcus]

thanks, also - FYI - I'm sure this is partially in my head, but the car seems to be running better now. Smoother, a bit more responsive. Who knows though, maybe it's all in my imagination. I'll see how the mpg responds, previously I'm been nearing 40mpg.

not your imagination although previous owner might have it at 5w-30 which was thicker..

[RedRide]

It has been my experience that most modern engines wiil run just a hair better with fresh oil particulary when the old oil has been in for a while.
After all, the main purpose of the oil is to minimize friction and new, clean oil can do that just a bit better.

[Hershey]

We have the extended warranty as well. The oil must be changed every 6 months or 5000 miles whichever is first. Being a synthetic or not.

[josh044]

Hershey, thanks. That's what I was afraid of. I guess with the cheap gallon of Mobil 1 from Walmart the cost isn't too bad for synthetic. Toyota isn't really giving customers much incentive to take better care of their cars. Ugh, seem shortsighted.

[Hershey]

Welcome . We use SHELL synthetic that can be bought for $3 > 4 a quart when on sale at BJs Wholesale . Just sent in a oil sample of their 5w-30 ( SN/GF-5 ) with 4,700+ miles on it for analysis . Replaced it with SHELL 5w-20 full synthetic ( SN/GF-5 ) . The YARIS sedan seems to like it so far . Just a tad more engine noise than the 5w-30 syn . Will post the U.O.A. when it comes in . Probably on Thursday or Friday . Hopefully the results will be good . Comparing it to the used oil anlaysis of the PENNZOIL conventional 5w-30 ( SN/GF-5 ) used before the Shell 5w-30 syn . Think I got the PENNZOIL yellow bottle ( conventional ) for less than $3 a quart .

[jambo101]

Some interesting reading..


http://www.baileycar.com/oil_overview_html.htm


http://www.baileycar.com/engine_lube_html.htm

[bronsin]

thanks, also - FYI - I'm sure this is partially in my head, but the car seems to be running better now. Smoother, a bit more responsive. Who knows though, maybe it's all in my imagination. I'll see how the mpg responds, previously I'm been nearing 40mpg.

Correct. I recently drove my Yaris to Alaska and back from NJ. Going to Alaska I had regular oil in the engine. In the parking lot in Walmarts in Fairbanks I put in Mobile One. Gas was $6-7 a gallon in northern Canada and I hoped to recoup the money spent for the synthetic.

There was no change in mpg and I was very careful about the calculations.

Your car will be fine. Theres no need to "flush the engine" with more oil.

The benefits of synthetic oil are all in the head. :iono: It WILL make starting easier in very cold weather and might flow better initially.

BTW I would be using 5W-30 per the owners manual if it was my car. Others have used 0W oil without a problem though.

All this is just my opinion of course.

Except the mileage improvments claims.

[henrylee]

^ Dang NJ to -> Alaska -> NJ? Serious? how many miles was that?

[josh044]

From what I understand Toyota recently approved use of 0w20 oil in most of it's vehicles including the yaris.

[Hershey]

5w-20 was approved for the YARIS quite a whlie ago . The approval of 0w-20 for the Yaris is from Canada . Haven't seen the chart for the U.S.. Have asked about it over the phone and in person and many service managers were not aware of it or wouldn't provide the chart for a look .

[marcus]

really 0w-20 here in canada...hmmmm..interesting

[josh044]

I was referring to this chart - http://www.clublexus.com/forums/atta...plications.pdf - I don't see any mention of Canada only... ??

[bronsin]

^ Dang NJ to -> Alaska -> NJ? Serious? how many miles was that?


10,400 miles there and back. Read all about it here:

http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35187

[Hershey]

I was referring to this chart - http://www.clublexus.com/forums/atta...plications.pdf - I don't see any mention of Canada only... ?? Not making the connection to this site . Bummer .

[josh044]

oops - hopefully this link won't get clipped. the .pdf is in the first post of this thread

http://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-second-generation/547798-official-toyota-oil-recommendation-chart.html