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0w-20 oil by mistake

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Chris Vedeler, May 28, 2013.

  1. Chris Vedeler

    Chris Vedeler Red Pepper

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    I changed my oil yesterday and after the fact realized I put in 0w-20 Mobil 1 oil. I live in Phoenix (very, very hot) and my 2008 Prius has 145000 miles on it. I'm thinking it will be too thin and may cause problems in our heat. Should I change the oil again with 5w-30, or just run it with the thinner oil until the next oil change? We are coming into summer where the temps routinely get to 110F.

    What should I do?
     
    #1 Chris Vedeler, May 28, 2013
  2. 2k1Toaster

    2k1Toaster Brand New Prius Batteries

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    0w20 is the new standard spec for many Toyota and other manufacturer vehicles. It works from -47C to +205C. That is -52.6F to 401F.

    Don't worry about it.
     
    #2 2k1Toaster, May 28, 2013
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  3. Former Member 68813

    Former Member 68813 Senior Member

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    Can you hear difference in engine noise?
     
    #3 Former Member 68813, May 28, 2013
  4. Patrick Wong

    Patrick Wong DIY Enthusiast

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    I agree that you may find the engine will consume oil at an accelerated rate. Should you find this to be the case, I suggest switching back to 5W-30.
     
    #4 Patrick Wong, May 28, 2013
  5. Chris Vedeler

    Chris Vedeler Red Pepper

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    It seems to be driving just fine. I can't tell any difference after 100 miles. I just don't want to cause any extra engine wear. It is just broken in at 145,000 miles... ;)
     
    #5 Chris Vedeler, May 29, 2013
  6. S Keith

    S Keith Senior Member

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    ZOMBIE THREAD LIVES!

    For others that stumble across this thread as I have, 0W-20 will perform identically at operating temperature as 5W-20. The lower number is the flow characteristics when cold.

    0W-20 performs like 0 weight oil at cold temps and 20 weight oil at 100°C.
    5W-20 performs like 5 weight oil at cold temps and 20 weight oil at 100°C

    The higher the weight, the thicker.

    0 and 5 weight oils are BOTH thicker at cold temps than 20W at 100°C.

    20W oil is "thinner" at operating temp than 0 or 5W at cold temps.

    There should be absolutely no issues with the change and most manufacturers are retroactively specifying 0W-20 where 5W-20 was specified. The oil will always progress from "thick" to "thin" as the oil temp increases.

    Coincidentally, I have a friend's 2008, live in the Phoenix area and will be changing it for him while he's on vacation... :)

    Steve
     
    #6 S Keith, Nov 27, 2015
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