Oil Question...

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Hybrid Hobo, Feb 5, 2026 at 12:57 PM.

  1. Hybrid Hobo

    Hybrid Hobo Member

    Joined:
    Jun 5, 2018
    209
    54
    0
    Location:
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2008 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    As many of you know from my prior posts, my 2008 Prius is burning oil, which I know is common in older Prius'.

    I'm checking it religiously now every 3-4 days and topping off when needed.

    My question is...I've always used full synthetic 5W-30 on oil changes since buying the car 4 years ago.

    But due to the oil burning issue and the extremely frigid temperatures here over the last 2 months, in addition to my car running in ready mode for extended periods, someone recently said I'd be better off using 0W-30 instead, as it's much better in freezing temperatures because it's less viscous/thinner.

    Is this sound advice?

    If so, I'll pick up a couple of quarts today.

    TIA
     
    #1 Hybrid Hobo, Feb 5, 2026 at 12:57 PM
  2. PriusCamper

    PriusCamper Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 3, 2012
    12,934
    5,254
    0
    Location:
    Pacific Northwest, USA
    Vehicle:
    2007 Prius
    Model:
    Two
    I've yet to find a motor oil discussion that has more to do with verifiable facts than personal preference.
     
    #2 PriusCamper, Feb 5, 2026 at 4:03 PM
  3. Tombukt2

    Tombukt2 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 29, 2020
    13,193
    2,385
    0
    Location:
    Durham NC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Prius
    Model:
    Base
    I would say stay with the 5:30 going to 0 will give ya lil less viscous at lowest temps . I don't think you're out of the range of the 5:30. Lot this oil crap is old wives tales. Redneck engine meeting 103 in mistah kottahs class
     
    #3 Tombukt2, Feb 5, 2026 at 4:57 PM
    PriusCamper likes this.
  4. BiomedO1

    BiomedO1 Senior Member

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2021
    3,928
    2,065
    0
    Location:
    SacTown, Ca
    Vehicle:
    2021 Prius Prime
    Model:
    LE
    That's bad advice and would accelerate your oil burning. Please do your homework before listening to bad advice from the internet void. Ask the idiot the basis or OEM documentation to support their position!
    If your low oil lamp came on in the middle of the night; would you notice it in your stupor? I would be checking the oil level every night, before running the car all night long to prevent seizing the engine. It's your car, do whatever you want.....
    [​IMG]
     
    #4 BiomedO1, Feb 5, 2026 at 5:16 PM
    Last edited: Feb 5, 2026 at 5:37 PM
(You must log in or sign up to post here.)