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Anyone using an oil other than 0w20?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by The Critic, Nov 23, 2012.

  1. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    This is how the devices increasing MPG scams work. Most people don't monitor MPG and will do only once before and after. In 50% of cases it will be higher by chance and they will be hooked for life.
     
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    For my situation I can think of a couple of reasons:

    1. Toyota Canada tells me to.

    2. I like to err on the cautious side.
     
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  3. Crazedcommuter

    Crazedcommuter Junior Member

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    RAL-
    thanks for the link to the oil viscosity guide. I think I'll stay with the factory recommended viscosity.
     
  4. Crazedcommuter

    Crazedcommuter Junior Member

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    Bill- have you done an oil analysis before, and what were your results? I've never done one but have been curious about people's results.
     
  5. Bill Norton

    Bill Norton Senior Member

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    Crazed,
    I have not done analysis on the engine oil on my Prius.
    I have on my VW Golf TDI in the past. I was running a By-Pass oil filter system on it and had high hopes....

    I am curious to see what a typical first change at 5k or 10k would look like on a Prius.
    And I will post my results from running Mobil 1 5-20W Extended Performance after 15k miles.
    I suppose I should do an analysis of the M1 0-20w I drain after 8k just for reference.
    (I'm changing it at the 120k mark to make record keeping easy in the future)

    I am the Original poster on this thread: ATF fluid changes ARE Required. | PriusChat
    I have 3 separate analyses of ATF from the Prius transaxle. And there are lots of threads on this important subject.
     
  6. Taimur Nizami

    Taimur Nizami New Member

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    I am currently using Zic X7 FE 0W-30 that is made for Hybrid cars. thinking of shifting to Liqui Moly 5W-30. My car is nearing 100,000 Km's and the dealer suggested to up the viscosity to 5W after 100,000. What do you all suggest?
     
  7. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Sounds like a good idea: 5W30 was the 2nd gen default oil grade. There's a 3rd gen member here running 5W30, no problems. @Raytheeagle if I'm not mistaken.

    I don't think there's much credence to "oil made for hybrid cars" btw. Any decent quality oil is good. I've used nothing but Toyota 0W20 in our 2010 so far, I believe it's made for Toyota by Mobil, not really sure.
     
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  8. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    I have been running 5w-30 for about 25 k miles once I began to see oil consumption( currently at 143 k miles on our Prius). I have done some engine treatments since, which have slowed the oil consumption and plan on a couple more things to see if the effect can be lessened and improve the performance. Consumption was one quart every 4,500 miles. I still use the 10 k miles oil change that is standard in the states.

    5w-30 in your neck of the woods should be fine based on the ambient conditions.

    Never heard of hybrid specific oil as the oil is in the ice side of the engine. If by hybrid it is meant that it is lower viscosity to improve gas mileage, then that might be what they mean.
     
  9. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Purely editorial, and in my self appointed duty as acronym police: that's a very strange statement, lol.
     
    #89 Mendel Leisk, Nov 11, 2016
    Last edited: Nov 11, 2016
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  10. Raytheeagle

    Raytheeagle Senior Member

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    Sometimes the words just don't come out right:rolleyes:.
     
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