0W-20 here. I buy it for the constant stop and starts the engine goes through. I use normal oil in my 07 Tundra.

 

My dealer (Sterling McCall in Houston) does the synthetic oil change with tire rotation for about $60. I don't think that is too bad since it is full synthetic and a tire rotation.

I use the 0w20 in both my '07 Camry and my '07 Tundra.

 

That sounds like a good price to me.
A few years ago, I went to one of those 10 minute oil change places and they charged me $65 for just the oil change.

 

I pay about $60 for my Camry with the tires rotated every time. They always hand wash the car for me too. I pay about $50 for the Tundra with the same service, but just normal oil. I may change to Syn. on the next oil change with the Tundra. It only has 5,000 miles on it.

 

So quick question that I'm sure as been answered somewhere. If I change my own oil then I would just need to keep the receipts for oil and filter as proof, if god forbid something happened to the engine. So that warranty would not be an issue?

 

CNG,

Just keep your reciepts and note the date and mileage when you changed your oil. Don't forget the air and cabin filters as they come due.

 

The Toyota Technical Service Bulleten (TSB) and the Owner's Manual both state that 5W-20 is OK. But, for better fuel economy & better cold starting performance use 0W-20.

More recently, Toyota announced 0W-20 across the board:

In the July 1, 2008 Edition of Flashpoint, ILMA has announced that Toyota has officially decided to switch the recommendation on engine oil for certain vehicles from SAE 5W20 and SAE 5W30 to SAE 0W20.

ILMA reports that these changes will affect all Toyota brands, including Toyota, Scion and Lexus. The change will also appear in owner's manuals.

No further information is offered on timing or specific vehicles.

Please read more about this announcement here:
http://newsmanager.commpartners.com/...8-07-01/1.html

Here is a link to download the TSB:
http://www.chrysanindustries.com/pdf..._tsb071002.pdf

 

Since most engine wear occurs at start-up, it is always preferable to use 0w-20. Forget winter/summer effect. Our engines are designed to operate at just over 210 degrees and with an oil delivering a cSt value between 9 and 10. Either weight does that. If the oils were the same price, I would use the 0w-20.
But since 5w-20 is considerably less expensive, I feel more the benefit is too small to justify the up-charge.

 

I basically agree with Red's analysis. 0W-20 has even less potential benefit because when the engine is cold it will not cycle. It only cycles once it has warmed up, and then it is 20 weight just like the dino oil. Of course if your driving patterns are such that the engine never gets to warm up, synthetic would get the nod, but then you'd probably be better off with a non-hybrid car anyway because it will offer little benefit.

At one time synthetic oil could be justified on cost because of a longer change interval, but 5000 miles is required no matter which oil is used. A 10k service interval (including tire rotation) with synthetic would make its choice a no-brainer.

 

This TSB is from 2006, is there something more current???

I'm asking since the TSB is saying that the TCH SHOULD have 0W-20. But my 2009 manual leaves it open for either 0W or 5W-20. Since I get some free oil changes, and am interested in running the 0W I need the ammo for when I go to the dealer so I can insist on the 'free' synthetic oil change...

Thanks.