Oil Viscosity ..... Which One

[AvalonJohn]

Have a 2009 Camry LE with 2.4 engine. I need to change the oil. Oil cap says 0-20W, but I was wondering if that is really the best oil for my engine? Seems a little light and I was thinking a Synthetic 5W-30 would provide more engine wear protection. I've hear reports that the manufactures specify the 0-20W and 5W-20 because it increases the gas milage of the cars which is the real reason they say to use those oils and a 5W-30 would actually provide better protection. Anyones throughts?

AJ

[Mike Gerber]

I would use what Toyota recommends; that is 0W-20 or 5W-20. I use the 5W-20 dino on my 07 XLE with the 2.4 liter engine. I notice that I consume about 1/2 quart of oil every 3000 miles, which I contibute to the lighter weight oil. I don't consider this an excessive amount of oil consumption.

Mike

[Brian R.]

Stick with Toyota recommendation. Higher viscosity oils don't provide a meaningful increase in lubrication protection. The tough job for oil is on the cylinder walls and cam lobes. Viscosity has no influence on the quality of the high pressure additives needed for lubrication of the important wear points.

[jdmccright]

FYI, the lower viscosity is the result of Toyota wanting to improve fuel economy. In a nutshell, lower viscosity oils are easier to pump through the engine's passages with less pressure loss. That plus advancements in surface treatments translates to better fuel economy through lower parasitic losses internally.

[salesmantony]

Originally Posted by AvalonJohn

Have a 2009 Camry LE with 2.4 engine. I need to change the oil. Oil cap says 0-20W, but I was wondering if that is really the best oil for my engine? Seems a little light and I was thinking a Synthetic 5W-30 would provide more engine wear protection. I've hear reports that the manufactures specify the 0-20W and 5W-20 because it increases the gas milage of the cars which is the real reason they say to use those oils and a 5W-30 would actually provide better protection. Anyones throughts?

AJ

I accidentally put 5W-30 in my wife's 2007 camry with the same motor as yours. When I changed the oil after 5,000 miles (per the manual), it was noticeably dirtier and thicker than previous oil changes. I went back with the correct 5W-20.