I used 0W-20 Mobil 1 at my first oil change.

 

On my first change 1500 mi. used full synthetic with 30 as the last number. if you are not going to keep your ride for the long haul use the thin crap but if you plane on keeping it for the long haul put in the heavier oil. Note, I did not loose nothing in MPG, I don't know what it came with for oil. I have had over 10 Lexus vehicals and used the 30 oil in them all without a hitch. futhermore they cannot prove what weight oil is in the SOB. I hate oil threads as it always comes to whos oil is better.

 

Hmmm, the manual calls for 3.8 quarts (w/filter). Did I miss something elsewhere in the forum that specifies either 4 or 4.2 quarts??

 

I think you are referring to a different metric unit, the Oil quantity is 4.5 US qts with oil filter changed for the 2007 TCH and can be found in your owner's manual at page 372 if I remember well...

 

Nash,

FWIW, here's my take. The ICE in the Hybrid has a very different duty profile than a conventional ICE. The conventional engine starts cold, comes up to operating temperature and stays there until the engine shuts down at the end of the drive. The ICE in a hybrid vehicle is constantly cycling; it has many more starts per 1,000 miles than a conventional ICE, and more temp variation.

Thus it makes sense to me that the recommended oil in the hybrid is a lower viscosity (0/5W-20), because the oil needs to circulate quickly through the engine as the oil pump cycles on and off. Also, lower viscosity means less fluid friction on moving surfaces - read higher MPG.

Arguably, an xW-30 will give marginally better protection in very hot weather, which can degrade lighter oils. But I would not say categorically that a higher viscosity oil provides better protection to an IC engine that is cycling constantly. If you are really concerned about hot-weather protection, I recommend you consider 0W-20 in the cooler months and 5W-30 in the warmer months.

 

Ah yes - I just double checked this morning and the 3.8 was Imperial quarts. Thanks!

 

4 qts is perfect, leaves it a bit below the full mark.

 

Hi Bill, all good points you have stated, full synthetics have come a long way in the last few years and with pour point of most of them being at -60 to -70 below zero, ciculation when cold is not a big factor, but too thin of an oil with the heat of these newer engines certainly is. Just be sure you use oil marked 505.01 for fixed drain intervals, and 506.01 or 507.00 for extended drains. take care! SK

 

Not an expert, but, I believe if your car was out of alignment, you might have caused uneven wear on the tires. Once the car is put into proper alignment, the car can still drift due to the uneven tire wear. At least that is what a tire guy told me when an alignment didn't correct the drift. New tires did, so I guess he was right.
I know this is an old thread, but thought I'd share the info.