Prius Oil Change Question

If u look on the oil filler cap Toyota recommends 5w30 and that's all I use. Dino or synthetic is fine.

 

The Gen III in 2010 switched to Synthetic 0W20. My unscientific test with 0W20 on my 2008 gave about 5% better gas mileage. Some people claim Toyota approves of 0W20 in the Gen II. I have never seen proof.

 

Gen-2 Prius can use 5w-30, as specified in owner's manual. Synthetic or Dino is not as important as proper grade of oil.

0w-20 would be fine for as long as you don't have excessive oil consumption, I tried 0w-20 once & engine started to consume half quart every 1,500 miles & I didn't like the fact that it did not consume oil prior to the switch, consequently I switched back to 5w-30.

Now I run Royal Purple 5w-30, so far my engine likes it the most, and the engine has no consumption issues. At the OCI of 7500 miles, oil level drops less than 1/3 inch from full mark.

 

As stated above, 5W-30 is USA Gen2 spec (also 0W-30).
Only go to 20 weight if you are trying to push MPG.
I am losing a little oil now so I do not plan 0W-20 for any reason.
The 30 weight synthetics seem to have better ratings for extended drain (A5/B5) compared to 20 weights.
In any case, Toyota recommends maintain 5000 mile drain interval on Gen2, last I heard.

 

The recommended oil grade (as per owners manual) for the gen2 Prius varies by region and in some cases by year model, even though they all have the same engine. The truth is that no one given oil grade is a "must have".

Either 0W20 full synthetic or 5w30 (full or part synthetic or conventional) will work alright in your climate.

BTW. What oil change interval are you using?

 

I use Mobil 1 synthetic in my 2007 with an extra capacity Mobil 1 filter. Excellent fuel efficiency (50 mpg to 135,000 mi on odometer). Easy and quick to change.

 

I'd use someone else next time. Don't do business with someone who runs roughshod over your requests/concerns. If you want 0W20, find a place that doesn't start arguing with you.

FWIW, I believe at time of manufacturer 0W20 was NOT recommended, but at present Toyota says it's acceptable.