A Toyota dealer using only 5W-20 oil for 2010 Prius

[NoMoShocks]

Time for my first oil change so I asked a Toyota dealership what type of oil they would use. They stated they only stock 5W-20 and 5W-30 and would use 5W-20 for the 2010 Prius.

I pointed out that the owners manual specifically states that 5W-20 could only be used for a limited time, and must be changed to 0W-20 at the next oil change, but they did not seem the least bit concerned.

So I mentioned that they are always reminding me that they want me to give all posative feedback on any Toyota surveys I recieve, and how can they justify routinely using oil that is not recommended by Toyota. They remained completely not concered and said they can use my own oil I provided.

Unless there is a Toyota Service Bulletin that retracts the owners manual recommendations not to use 5W-20 on a regular basis, public beware. Some service centers don't really care that much.

[ALS]

That policy could get them a whole lot of long term warranty trouble. Toyota Corporate should be made aware of this dealers policy concerning the use of 5W30 in the 2010 Prius.

Being that they were as a dealer not following Toyota's own policy on maintenance I would feel they could be held liable for any engine damage that occurs even after the 3 yr 36 month warranty runs out.

[vapor8]

Dumb question; how would one know if a dealer claims they changed your oil with 0W-20, when in fact they used 5W-20 and charged you the 0W price?

[stream]

I had my oil/filter service today--see post here:
Oil change

When I called the dealer to ask about 0W-20 synthetic and pricing vs. their coupon, I was told that they use quart containers (not bulk) of 0W-20 on the 2010 Prius, and that their system would ensure that's what the tech used. The service person confirmed this when I arrived.

The invoice also said 0W-20.

[a priori]

Originally Posted by stream

When I called the dealer to ask about 0W-20 synthetic and pricing vs. their coupon, I was told that they use quart containers (not bulk) of 0W-20 on the 2010 Prius, and that their system would ensure that's what the tech used. The service person confirmed this when I arrived.

My dealer also said they did not have 0 W 20 in buld, so they told me they used quart containers. Also, the service rep told me that he had no direction to charge more than the regular (and then-discounted0 price, because the oil wasn't offered in bulk. Further, because he didn't have a way to price it at the then-offered discount, he simply priced it with conventional 5 W 20, though written on my receipt is: "used 0 W 20 for actual oil change" -- or some such wording.

I do trust the guy. We talked about it for a long time, and he made every effort to see what the up-charge would be for synthetic. There even was a bit of an argument with the tech guy who did the work, because he thought it was wrong for the dealer to take a hit on the oil ($7 to $8 per quart, apparently). The entire service (tire rotation and other checks and fills included) was $42.99, so the oil & filter retail for more than the cost of the whole job.

Next time I'm going to ask to see the quart containers!

Originally Posted by stream

The invoice also said 0W-20.

Mine had the handwritten notation described above, though the typing said 5W20.

There probably will be enough service appointments before I hit 10,000 miles for the dealer to have worked out a higher price for my next oil change!

[paulemus]

I am in a hot climate, which in the old days, calls for a heavier weight oil. I put 20-50 in my old RV. But a hybrid engine starts and stops all the time, which may call for a light weight oil for all that quick starting. Still, it seems like zero weight is kind of low, and what would be needed in frozen climates.

[tumbleweed]

Originally Posted by paulemus

I am in a hot climate, which in the old days, calls for a heavier weight oil. I put 20-50 in my old RV. But a hybrid engine starts and stops all the time, which may call for a light weight oil for all that quick starting. Still, it seems like zero weight is kind of low, and what would be needed in frozen climates.

I have had those same concerns. I don't think this is something Toyota engineering came up with because they thought it would be better for our engines.

Toyota and other manufacturers are going to lighter oils because lighter oils give them a slightly higher number on the EPA mileage tests. It may be only a couple of tenths higher but when they do a bunch of other things that give them a couple of tenths it adds up. This gives them a higher fuel mileage number and increases the CAFE (Cooperate Average Fuel Efficiency) by a little, this is important because Toyota sells a lot of SUVs and Trucks.

So in my opinion it was probably a management decision but engineering must have approved. Which means they think the engines will run OK on the lighter oils. I have been told that some of the newer designs (perhaps ours) have closer tolerances and are designed for 0W20 or 5W20 oils.

I have considered using 0W30 for summer but I don't want a warranty hassle in the unlikely event something goes wrong with the engine. So I'll be using 0W20 Mobil 1 when it's 105 degrees out this summer, just as most new Prius owners will, and we shall see how it works out, my guess is everything will be OK.

[spiderman]

Originally Posted by tumbleweed

I have considered using 0W30 for summer but I don't want a warranty hassle in the unlikely event something goes wrong with the engine. So I'll be using 0W20 Mobil 1 when it's 105 degrees out this summer, just as most new Prius owners will, and we shall see how it works out, my guess is everything will be OK.

T, do you plan to do a UOA over the summer months? It would be interesting to see if the higher temps and lighter oil produce more wear.

[Rhino]

Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing anything. If they don't change the oil filter, how would you know? If they use cheap oil, how would you know? I wish Toyota used throw away filters.

I think the dealers are possibly more honest since they charge you more but now I see that some dealers cannot be trusted.

[The Electric Me]

I'm afraid I disagree. I would stick with Toyotas recommendation. Most high performance and super cars, Lamborghini's and Ferraris use full synthetics and it's not because they want or even care about fuel efficiency. It's because synthetics offer superior lubrication and viscosity. Especially on start up. Synthetics are a different deal than Dino Oils. Lighter weights will help protect The Prius on start ups, in both cold and heat by getting to all areas of the parts quicker and easier.

Ultimately also who should know their own engine better than Toyota? Even if it did take them a month to figure out what grade fuel to use. (joke) If they are recommending 0w-5w full synthetic then that's what I'm using.