What Type of Engine Oil is Best for Toyota Vehicles?
3 Answers
Toyota's original engine oil brand is 0W-20. Alternatively, you can use 5W-20, 5W-30 fully synthetic or semi-synthetic oils. If you wish to change the oil during later maintenance, you can choose from brands like Shell or Castrol. The viscosity of engine oil changes with temperature, so special attention should be paid to its performance under both low and high temperatures. For example, in 5W-30, the first number indicates low-temperature fluidity. 5W means it can withstand temperatures as low as -30°C. The smaller this number, the better the low-temperature fluidity, resulting in smoother cold starts for the vehicle. The latter number represents the kinematic viscosity of the oil at 100°C. The higher this number, the better the oil can maintain its viscosity index at high temperatures, which can also be understood as better lubrication performance under high-temperature conditions. The method for changing the engine oil in Toyota vehicles is as follows: Wait for the engine temperature to drop, allowing the oil to flow back into the oil pan; Use a wrench to loosen the oil drain plug and place an oil pan underneath to catch the old oil until it stops flowing. Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to allow the oil in the main oil passages to drain out; Use a specialized wrench to remove the oil filter; Apply oil to the gasket of the new oil filter and tighten it clockwise by hand; Add the new oil through the oil filler cap on the engine valve cover, typically filling about three-quarters of a standard oil container; Start the engine and let it run for 5 minutes, checking for any leaks around the oil drain plug and oil filter. If leaks are found, perform necessary repairs; After stopping the engine, pull out the dipstick to check that the oil level is within the standard range.
My Camry has been running for 8 years, and the 4S shop has always used 0W-20 full synthetic oil. Toyota engines have tight clearances, so thin oil with fast low-temperature flow is particularly suitable, making the engine sound lighter during cold starts. The manual clearly requires ILSAC GF-6 certified oil, so that’s a must. Don’t cheap out and switch to high-viscosity oil—last year, my friend’s old RAV4 used 5W-40, and fuel consumption skyrocketed. If you frequently drive on highways, you can upgrade to 0W-30, but never skip the API SP or GF-6 certification marks. In northern regions with -20°C winters, opt for 0W-grade oil for better cold-start protection. By the way, hybrid models have higher requirements for oil anti-emulsification, so it’s recommended to change it every 8,000 km.
Just had my Corolla serviced, and the mechanic said Toyota Genuine 0W-20 is the most worry-free option. Its full synthetic base oil formula is specifically designed for Toyota's Dual VVT-i system, helping to reduce sludge buildup in the variable valve mechanism. If buying it yourself, look for the 'Toyota Genuine' label on the oil container. I always keep two bottles in my garage and top up whenever I notice the oil level is low. While mineral oil can also be used, it offers inferior high-temperature protection—the engine noticeably strains when climbing hills with the AC on during summer. Also, for vehicles compliant with China 6B emissions standards, it's crucial to use low-ash oil to avoid clogging the GPF. Last time at the repair shop, I saw a Highlander with oil burning issues caused by stuck piston rings from long-term use of counterfeit oil.
