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0w-20 0w-30 5-30?? Which one??

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by NinnJinn, Mar 4, 2012.

  1. NinnJinn

    NinnJinn Member

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    I have been googling and searching and reading on here as well.

    I have a 2002 Prius with over 100k, past records show Valvoline 5w30 at around 3100-3300miles faithfully..

    I want to switch to Mobil 1 synthetic due to the positive comments on here plus with synthetic I won't have to change oil as often.

    So what do I go with? 0w-20 0w-30 5-30 etc?



    My driving habits:

    Southern Indiana. Winters are typically no colder than low 20's to upper teens.

    Summers are 80-95 and HUMID!!!

    I drive about 2-2500miles a month, Usually at least 30 cold start trips of less than 5 miles each a week. (Deliver pizzas as a second job.)

    About 70% of the miles are in town no speeds over 35mph. and usually 4-5 stop and go sessions per 5 mile trip.
     
    #1 NinnJinn, Mar 4, 2012
  2. ngc4565

    ngc4565 Member

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    You should probably follow the recommendations found in the owner's manual.
     
    #2 ngc4565, Mar 4, 2012
  3. Jimbo69ny

    Jimbo69ny Active Member

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    I dont know about you year but I know for the 04+ the manual suggests 5w-30 but I have heard on this forum that toyota now suggests 0w-30.
     
    #3 Jimbo69ny, Mar 4, 2012
  4. GrumpyCabbie

    GrumpyCabbie Senior Member

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    +1, except with that mileage I'd stick with the 5w30.
     
    #4 GrumpyCabbie, Mar 4, 2012
  5. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I assume your Gen-I is same as my Gen-II which is 5W-30.
    If for example you go with Mobil-1 you have choice of 5W-30 or
    you can opt for Mobil-1 0W-30 Advanced Fuel Economy, which states on the label it is acceptable for 5w-30. I have the 0W-30 in right now for better MPG in winter.
     
    #5 wjtracy, Mar 4, 2012
  6. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    Here is a Toyota oil chart, it says for your 2002 Prius you can use 5W20 or 5W30. Living where you do I would uses either 5W20 for winter and 5W30 for summer or 5W30 all year around. The chart only recommends 0W20 for 2004 and newer.
     

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    #6 tumbleweed, Mar 5, 2012
  7. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    I like the chart but it is hard to interpret.
    On this site, never heard anyone say anything other than 5W-30 is official recommedation for Gen-II in USA. I know some try other grades and in other countries they have other recommendations.
     
    #7 wjtracy, Mar 5, 2012
  8. tumbleweed

    tumbleweed Senior Member

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    I think 5W30 would be a good choice, that's what I used in my '05 all year around. I also checked the Mobil 1 site and they recommend Mobil 1 5W30 Extended Performance for your Prius. If you decide to go with a full synthetic oil you could easily get by with an oil and filter change every 10K miles.
     
    #8 tumbleweed, Mar 5, 2012
  9. wjtracy

    wjtracy Senior Member

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    ...well like minds then, I have the Mobil-1 5W-30 extended performance already purchased ready to go in at 105k (or later if I procrastinate).
     
    #9 wjtracy, Mar 5, 2012
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