What type of engine oil is suitable for the Prado 2700?
3 Answers
The Prado 2700 can use SN-grade 5W-40 fully synthetic engine oil. Engine oil selection: Naturally aspirated engines have relatively general requirements for oil quality, and mineral oil or semi-synthetic oil can be used. If the owner has a higher budget, fully synthetic oil can be adopted. Compared to naturally aspirated engines, turbocharged engines have a more compact structure and operate under harsher conditions, demanding higher performance from the engine oil. They require oil with better fluidity, and fully synthetic oil is the best choice. Advantages of fully synthetic oil: Fully synthetic oil offers superior quality, and its usage can be noticeably felt in the following aspects: smoother cold starts, improved fuel efficiency, longer oil change intervals (equivalent to 1.5 times or more of conventional lubricants), extended engine lifespan, reduced maintenance rates, and cleaner engine cylinders due to the excellent detergency of fully synthetic oil.
As a veteran Land Cruiser Prado owner with over a decade of experience, I've used various engine oils for the 2700 model. Toyota's manual typically recommends 5W-30 full synthetic oil - this viscosity ensures easier cold starts in winter and reduces volatility in summer. I've tried 10W-40 before, but found 5W-30 delivers better fuel efficiency, especially on long-distance drives. Always consider your vehicle's age - older models might benefit from 10W-40 to compensate for engine wear. I adhere to an oil change interval of 5,000 to 8,000 km - don't prolong it too much or the engine will sound rough. For DIY oil changes, choose reputable brands and never compromise quality for cheaper alternatives, as inferior oil can cause engine damage that's far more expensive to repair. Regularly check oil levels to prevent shortages.
I've been into cars for quite some time, and the engine of the Prado 2700 SUV is quite sensitive to engine oil. It's best to use 5W-30 full synthetic oil, with mainstream brands like Mobil or Castrol being good choices. 10W-40 is also acceptable, but performs better in high-temperature areas. Oil viscosity affects protection; 5W has good low-temperature fluidity, making cold starts easier. Synthetic oil is more durable than mineral oil and causes less engine carbon buildup. I recommend changing the oil as per the manual, usually around every 7,000 kilometers. By the way, remember to change the oil filter at the same time to keep the system clean. Choosing oil with API SP standard is safer, and avoid using low-quality oil, as it can cause strange noises during acceleration and affect the driving experience.
