Should I Choose 0W20 or 5W20 for Corolla?
2 Answers
Whether to choose 0W20 or 5W20 for Corolla depends on the usage environment: If the local winter is extremely cold with low temperatures, 0W20 offers better cold-start performance than 5W20; If you are in the relatively mild climate of the south, 5W20 is sufficient. Below is relevant information about engine oil: 1. Label meaning: "W" stands for winter, and the smaller the number before it, the better the low-temperature fluidity of the oil, indicating a lower usable environmental temperature and better engine protection during cold starts; The number after "W" (after the dash) is an indicator of the oil's high-temperature resistance, with higher values indicating better protection at high temperatures. 2. The difference between 5W-20 and 0W-20: The stronger the oil's fluidity at low temperatures, the better its cold resistance. The viscosity at 100℃, higher numbers represent higher viscosity, indicating different high-temperature resistance capabilities.
As a Corolla owner who has driven for several years, I find that 0W20 oil makes cold starts in winter particularly smooth, without any buzzing noise. The engine temperature rises faster, and fuel consumption is about 5% lower compared to 5W20. In northern regions where temperatures drop below minus ten degrees Celsius, 0W20 effectively protects the engine, preventing wear and reducing vehicle vibration. While 5W20 performs decently in summer heat, Toyota's manual recommends 0W20 for better fuel economy. If you're in a warmer southern area and want to save some money, using 5W20 is acceptable, but long-term, 0W20 is more cost-effective. Regular oil changes are crucial—check the oil condition every six months. Avoid cheap, low-quality oil to prevent costly engine repairs down the line.
