What type of engine oil is best for the Vios?
2 Answers
Toyota Vios can use Toyota Genuine Oil or other 0W20, 5W20, and 5W30 engine oils. Here are some guidelines for selecting engine oil:1. Naturally aspirated engines have lower performance requirements for oil: Mineral oil or semi-synthetic oil can be used. If the budget allows, fully synthetic oil can be considered. Turbocharged engines, compared to naturally aspirated ones, are more precise and operate under harsher conditions, requiring higher-performance oil with better fluidity, preferably fully synthetic oil.2. Viscosity grade selection: In winter, 5W oil is suitable for many regions. However, in some northern areas (such as Heilongjiang), 0W oil is recommended for better low-temperature fluidity to adapt to local environmental conditions. The high-temperature viscosity of lubricating oil is generally 20. However, if the vehicle frequently operates in heavy traffic, is older, or is used for long-distance heavy-load transportation, the oil viscosity can be appropriately increased, such as using 0W30 oil.3. Choosing a lubricant brand: For long-lasting oil performance, Mobil lubricants are a good choice. For engine cleanliness, Shell lubricants are recommended. If strong oil film toughness is needed, Castrol is suggested. For example, turbocharged engines are prone to carbon deposits at high speeds, so Shell oil with strong cleaning capabilities can be selected.
I've been driving my Vios for five or six years and have tried several types of engine oil. I feel that 5W-30 full synthetic oil suits it best. This oil is suitable for all seasons—it's not too thick in summer and ensures good starts in winter, especially for small-displacement engines like Toyota's 1.5L. Semi-synthetic oil can also save fuel, but full synthetic oil can last for about 8,000 kilometers between maintenance intervals. I remember last year at the auto repair shop, the technician specifically reminded me to choose oil with API certification, like big brands such as Shell or Mobil, and never go for cheap, no-name brands from small shops. Actually, the user manual also clearly states that 0W-20 can be used, but since winter temperatures here drop to -10°C, I feel more confident with the cold-start performance of 5W oil.
