How does one "test" his oil . . .

[TheSilkySmooth]

From what Ive seen on oil boards, 90 percent of people getting their oil tested misinterpret or make bad assumptions with the test results. All said, an economical practice (using a good long life synthetic like Total Quartz or Motul X-max or redline) would be to: just do a 2x /year oil change in december and april in cold climates. Make sure you have a good filter on there too - nothing too fine sieve. This would not apply to short trippers , you need more frequent OCi. Me, I dont like mid grade PAO synthetics, PAO are not inherently good lubricants - though they are good cold flow fluids. They will oxidise and thicken over long drain intervals. Amsoil (?) and M1 Ep are examples of PAO syns. The toyota 0w-20 Idemitsu syntetic is a fine oil if you are not afraid of 20wt like me - My car gets flogged too hard, IMO , for 20wt but I'm willing to be proved wrong on this. Note: I am not aware of the 1nzfe being spec'd for 0w-20 oils and I dont know why, given toyota spec the 1nzfe for 5w-20.