While poking around under the hood of my TCH, realizing I don't have a clue as to what most of this stuff is, I identified the dip stick (kinda felt like a dipstick myself) and oil cap. The oil cap (and manual) recommends SAE 5W-20 or 0W-20. No, I did not mis-type: zeroW-20. I've never heard of this. It's gotta be as runny as vegitable oil. And then the thought occured to me: do I go with conventional or synthetic? All that starting and stopping's gotta be brutal on the oil.

Anybody have a suggestion as to what I should put into this car to maximize life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness?

Thanks.

Mobil 1 Synthetic For those who change their oil 2 twice a year

The Honda Civic Hybrid also uses 0w20. I use Mobil 1 Synthetic, and change my oil every 10k miles, in accordance with the owner's manual.

-Charlie...

I read some comments about the Prius that the ICE rotates at a low rpm when cruising or coasting even when the gas is shutdown, I guess to make starts easier if they become necessary. If thats really the case then I guess it would make sense to have a very thin oil, as you would need to lubricate an ICE that is not running all the time and therefore might not be operating as hot as a normal ICE. Just my guess...

Is the oil recommendation different with the standard 4-cylinder Camry (2007) versus the TCH? If yes, what do they recommend for it?

The starting and stopping in HSD is WAY different than conventional gas engines: the generator-motor spins the engine up to 1,000 RPM with no fuel or spark, with very little compression to restrain the spin-up. Compare that with a regular gas engine that is always under compression being spun by an anemic 300-400 RPM starter, all the while with spark and fuel present...hoping the whole thing 'catches' and fires up.

Completely non-issue in HSD, as far as starting the gas engine.

I'm using Mobil 1 5W20 syn, changed every 5K per owners warranty/maintenance book. Could be overkill (every 5K), but it's realy about my peace of mind with synthetics better lubricating and cooling and viscosity ratings versus straight-up dino oil.

YMMV.

Cheers,

Curt.

'04 Seaside Pearl #7. Fumoto oil drain, mudflaps, rear bumper scuff protector & rear warn system, compass mirror, EV mode button, 8" subwoofer in right rear cubby & 6" subs under seats, power lumbar in the front seats, Coastaletech hitch w/ Aspen bike/snowboard rack. iPod2car, 2 amps, Alpine component speakers, and DVD video, solid 47 MPG @ 70000 miles.

Great stuff. Thanks for the info. My TCH replaces a 1995 Dodge Neon. I usually picked the oil based on how pretty the smoke was.