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Toyota is one of the most reliable and popular cars in the world. Parts are easy to find, and maintenance is relatively affordable for the average family or individual.
One of the best ways manufacturers have ensured you get the best out of your vehicle is to use the recommended items and products.
But why does Toyota recommend using 0w20 oil?
The goal of many automobile manufacturers is to use methods that improve fuel economy.
The 0w20 oil has excellent stability because of its wide temperature range. This means you are saving on your fuel consumption when using 0w20 oil, even in cold temperatures.
Toyota has been recommending the use of the 0w20 oil since 2006.
In the rest of this article I will cover some of the additional benefits of using 0w20 oil. These reasons are additional ones that could be why Toyota recommends using this specific oil.
What Are The Benefits Of Using 0w20 Oil?
So how does 0w20 oil preserve your engine? One of the significant benefits of the 0w20 oil is that it flows so well at cold temperatures. It lubricates parts at a faster rate in cold weather, where most engine wear occurs during the first couple of minutes.
The 0w20 oil is classified as a lighter oil, so your engine doesn’t work as hard to move the oil around the engine. The lower viscosity of the oil prevents wear and tear by separating moving parts from each other.
The oil creates a boundary layer, so the parts don’t rub against each other.
In cold weather, you definitely need fast-flowing oil so that the parts are protected sooner. The 0w20 performs this function quite well. The 0w20 oil also allows your Toyota engine to crank faster so your car will start more quickly.
No more wasting precious minutes trying to start your car in the morning.
An additional benefit of the 0w20 is that it reduces internal engine friction since it is a fast-flowing oil. And as I’ve mentioned before, it improves fuel economy, meaning you save at least 2% on your fill ups on average.
This could save you several hundreds of dollars in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle.
Most experts believe that the 0w20 oil provides the best lubrication under all temperature conditions. It reduces engine combustion chamber deposits, reduces vehicle emissions, and improves fuel economy.
That’s a lot to expect from an engine oil, but the 0w20 seems to be up to the task.
Why Does Toyota Recommend Using 0w20 Oil?
Toyota cars have certain types of oils that work better with their engines. It is crucial that you use the recommended type of motor oil with your Toyota.
The 0w20 is a synthetic oil, and it’s more durable than most standard motor oils, although it costs slightly more. Synthetic oils prevent sludging, which is a common problem in several Toyota cars.
There are several brands of synthetic oils that you can choose from that work well with all models of Toyota cars. Always ensure that you purchase the right motor oil for your vehicle.
To summarize, the benefits of using 0w20 oil include:
● Synthetic oil keeps your engine cleaner than conventional or motor oils
● It offers greater engine wear protection
● This oil performs better at low temperatures
● It performs better at higher temperatures
● Synthetic oil offers improved protection of engine parts, including turbocharged and performance parts.
What Is Oil Viscosity, And Why Does It Matter?
Looking at the number 0w20 can be confusing. In fact, the whole motor oil grading system can seem hard to navigate. Why is there a zero in the number? Does that mean that the oil is of lower quality?
Unless you’re a car expert, it might be hard to see how and why there are different types of motor oils on the market.
To get a better understanding, let’s discuss what the motor oil grading system actually is.
According to the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), motor oil grades are defined from specific specifications known as the SAE J300. These specifications grade how oil flows differently at lower and at higher temperatures.
So the flow of the oil is called viscosity. The faster the oil flows at lower temperatures, the lower the number before the W will be.
The “20” part of the 0w20 grade refers to how the oil flows through the engine at higher temperatures. So again, the lower the number, the thinner the oil is and the easier it flows around your engine.
So oil viscosity simply refers to the resistance the oil has at a specific temperature.
For example, many car manufacturers have used thicker conventional oils that had a higher viscosity rating of 10W-30 or above in the past decades.
So as the car heated up, the oil would slowly thin out, leaving a thin layer that would still keep the car’s moving parts protected. Older cars did well with these high-viscosity oils because the engine parts were not designed to do well with thinner oils.
Modern cars have engine parts that are designed more precisely so they can handle a thinner oil like the 0w20.
0W20 VS. 5W20 Oil What’s The Difference?
Both the 0w20 and the 5w20 are considered winter-grade oils explicitly designed for working well in cold weather. They both allow your engine to perform at its highest efficiency in all kinds of temperatures.
In that regard, they are pretty similar oils.
So you may be wondering how they differ. The only difference between these two oils is in their composition and in their tolerance to low temperatures.
While both can flow easily in colder weather, the 0w20 has less resistance than the 5w20 oil.
How Long Does 0W20 Oil Last?
So how often should you change synthetic oil? Standard motor oil requires you to change it at 5,000 miles or 6 months to ensure peak performance, but what about synthetic?
Synthetic oils like the 0w20 require an oil change at intervals of 10,000 miles or every 12 months. So they last longer than standard motor oil. This Is excellent since synthetic oil tends to cost more up front.
Essentially you’re getting great value for your money when you purchase a synthetic oil like the 0w20.
Can You Mix 5W20 And 0W20 Oils?
Since the two oils have roughly the same composition and are both considered winter-grade oils, you can mix them without any issues.
Just remember, though, that the 5w20 is slightly heavier than the 0w20 and won’t perform as well in frigid environments. So if you live in an area that gets really chilly, stick to the 0w20; it will treat your engine better than the 5w20.
What Is The Best 0W-20 Oil?
When we talk about motor oil, most experts agree that the best are true synthetics. These are much better at handling extreme temperature fluctuations.
My top-five for the best 0w20 oils are as follows:
1. Valvoline 0w20 Synpower Full Synthetic Motor Oil
● It is ideal for hybrid and small-vehicle engines
● It has enhanced sludge and varnish protection
● 100% synthetic
● Works better on cold starts
2. Liquimoly 2208 0w20 Special Tec AA Motor Oil
● It is fuel-efficient and ideal for high mileage vehicles
● Works best if you have a modern American or Japanese car
● It improves vehicle performance
● 100% synthetic
● It’s perfect for cold starts and hot weather
3. Pennzoil 550038111 Platinum SAE 0w20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
● It protects against wear and tear
● It’s ideal for cold starts
● It has a faster low-temperature oil flow
● It limits the amount of friction in the engine
● Protects engines from loss of power
4. Castrol 03124 Edge 0w20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil
● It has titanium fluid technology, so it lasts longer
● Helps to minimize the volatility of the engine
● It works well under extreme temperature changes
● Ideal for cold starts
● Perfect for modern engines
5. Royal Purple 51020 API-Licensed SAE 0w20 High-Performance Synthetic Motor Oil
● It protects the catalytic emission system
● It’s better for ethanol-based fuels
● It optimizes fuel efficiency
● It has superior corrosion prevention
● It reduces sludge and deposits
Final Thoughts
There’s a good reason why Toyota has recommended the use of the 0w20 motor oil. It’s a very stable oil and works great in low temperatures, which is a feature you’ll need regardless of the kind of weather you are located in.
It also offers excellent protection for your engine, ensuring that you can start your car quickly, even in frigid weather.