Full Synthetic in TCH - not recommended until 25000 miles? - GreenHybrid

spiff72 · #1 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 07:56 AM

Has anyone heard that Toyota doesn't recommend using synthetic oil until you reach 25000 miles (documented in a TSB or other document)?

I was talking on the phone to someone at my usual servicing dealer, and they told me this when I was asking them about the 0W-20 oil.

My first oil change was Mobil 1 5W-20 (since I couldn't find the 0W-20), and I have used synthetic for all subsequent changes (either Mobil 1 or Toyota brand 0W-20).

I argued with the guy and told him that seemed odd, since 0W-20 is recommended by Toyota, but ONLY exists as a synthetic...

Thanks,
Jeff

skywagon · #2 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spiff72

Has anyone heard that Toyota doesn't recommend using synthetic oil until you reach 25000 miles (documented in a TSB or other document)?

I was talking on the phone to someone at my usual servicing dealer, and they told me this when I was asking them about the 0W-20 oil.

My first oil change was Mobil 1 5W-20 (since I couldn't find the 0W-20), and I have used synthetic for all subsequent changes (either Mobil 1 or Toyota brand 0W-20).

I argued with the guy and told him that seemed odd, since 0W-20 is recommended by Toyota, but ONLY exists as a synthetic...

Thanks,
Jeff

Total BS!!! All my machines get full syn at 1500 miles. never ever have had a problem. Dyno oil dates back to dyno days lol!

SPL · #3 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 10:12 AM

spiff72 — Nothing that I have seen says anything of the sort. Indeed, Toyota has said that 0W-20 will be the standard (factory) oil in all their new engines. Their manuals recommend 0W-20 for the TCH, and the issued TSB also recommends it for the TCH. Nowhere is there any mention of any break-in period.

Stan

mikieboyblue · #4 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPL

spiff72 — Nothing that I have seen says anything of the sort. Indeed, Toyota has said that 0W-20 will be the standard (factory) oil in all their new engines. Their manuals recommend 0W-20 for the TCH, and the issued TSB also recommends it for the TCH. Nowhere is there any mention of any break-in period.

Stan

And more so, 0W-20 comes in no flavor other than synthetic.

McGyver · #5 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 10:36 AM

It's like an old wive's tale...

Back in the old days of Big Block V-8's and primitive machining process control it was somewhat tribal knowledge that these crude beasts 'NEEDED' the lesser quality lubrication for the first 10-25,000 miles to ensure "proper seating and break in of mating parts".

It is still debatable whether that was really true back then.

These days even the crappiest engines are machined to tolerances that were unthinkable back in the day.

Embrace the Mobil One! It's all I will ever put in my cars, regardless of age.

spiff72 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 10:58 AM

Thanks everyone. I figured as much.

I ended up calling another dealer (the one I bought the car from), and they never heard such a thing. They did mention that you still have to change the oil every 5000 miles to avoid voiding your warranty. This made me nervous since I have been busy lately and haven't had time to get it changed until now (I am about 800 miles over). Could I be screwed as a result, even though I have been using synthetic religously since the fisrt oil change?

Thanks again,
Jeff

haroldo · #7 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 11:02 AM

No.
Warranties are voided due to gross negilgence (no oil changes for two years), not a slight mistake, such as going 800 miles.
Be careful what dealers tell you, they can be very misleading (such as the ones who are recommending oil changes every 3000 miles...to enhance their business).
Read your manual, it tells you what the manufacturer recommends.
Dealers don't always tell the truth.

rburt07 · #8 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 02:51 PM

I read where a few European built cars come with full synthetic from the factory. I picked up 1 1/2 mpg with the TCH by switching to 0W mobil 1 at 5000 miles.

roseng · #9 (**permalink**) 07-25-2008, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rburt07

I read where a few European built cars come with full synthetic from the factory. I picked up 1 1/2 mpg with the TCH by switching to 0W mobil 1 at 5000 miles.

I have a 07' BMW 530I. It comes from the factory with synthetic and the internal computer system tells you when to change it. I have had 3 oil changes (all @ no charge as part of the warranty) in 52,000 miles about every 17-18K per factory spec.

Just picked my TCH this week LOVE IT!