TOYOTA ENGINES AND SYNTHETIC OIL: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

JULY 2012
TOYOTA ENGINES AND SYNTHETIC OIL: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Toyota began using 0W-20-weight
synthetic oil in certain engines in 2010.
More engines were adapted to use
synthetic oil in 2011, and more have
been added for 2012. In fact, the
only 2012 Toyotas that cannot use
synthetic oil are the Avalon, 3.5-liter
RAV4, 4.0-liter Tacoma and Yaris.
Everything else uses synthetic, or can
use synthetic or conventional.
the advantages of synthetic oil
Synthetic oil provides a more even and “slippery” composition within a wider range of temperatures than conventional
mineral-based oil. This creates more stable performance under high heat and cold-start/cold-running conditions.
Synthetic oil also has a more consistent molecule size than conventional oil, allowing it to better maintain the slick film
that minimizes metal-to-metal contact. Toyota’s 0W-20 synthetic oil is formulated for Toyota engines, helping to reduce
engine wear and prevent harmful deposits, while enhancing engine protection.
How Synthetic Oil Benefits the Customer
Engines using synthetic oil have been certified for a stricter emissions standard, and they experience reduced engine
drag and therefore may achieve better fuel economy. Many engines using synthetic oil have an extended 10,000-mile
oil change interval, while other engines using synthetic oil may still have a 5,000-mile oil change interval. As with all
maintenance, there are limitations based on driving style and vehicle use, so the owner’s manual must be consulted to
establish oil change intervals for a specific vehicle and the specific way the vehicle is being driven.
What Will You Find in this Hot Sheet Update?
The chart below shows the engine types, models and model years that use synthetic oil. It also shows which models continue to use
conventional oil. The chart indicates the models that use synthetic oil but still require the 5,000-mile normal-use oil change interval.
Next is information on the maintenance indicator light, followed by a Q&A section.
2013.3
OIL CHART
Oil Type by Model
Model
2011
2012
2013
V6
3.5
Conventional
Conventional
N/A
2AR-FE
I4
2.5
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
2GR-FE
V6
3.5
Conventional
Synthetic
Synthetic
2AZ-FXE
I4
2.4
Conventional
N/A
N/A
2AR-FXE
I4
2.4
N/A
Synthetic
Synthetic
Corolla
2ZR-FE
I4
1.8
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
Matrix
2ZR-FE
I4
1.8
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
2AZ-FE
I4
2.4
Conventional
Conventional
Conventional
Prius
2ZR-FXE
I4
1.8
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
Prius C
1NZ-FXE
I4
1.5
N/A
Synthetic
Synthetic
Prius PHV
2ZR-FXE
I4
1.8
N/A
Synthetic
Synthetic
Prius V
2ZR-FXE
I4
1.8
N/A
Synthetic
Synthetic
Venza
1AR-FE
I4
2.7
Conventional
Conventional
Synthetic
2GR-FE
V6
3.5
Conventional
Synthetic
Synthetic
Yaris
1NZ-FE
I4
1.5
Conventional
Conventional
Conventional
Sienna
1AR-FE
I4
2.7
Synthetic
Synthetic
N/A
2GR-FE
V6
3.5
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
4Runner
1GR-FE
V6
4.0
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
FJ Cruiser
1GR-FE
V6
4.0
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
Highlander
1AR-FE
I4
2.7
Conventional
Conventional
Conventional
2GR-FE
V6
3.5
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
V6
3.5
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
Car
Van
SUV
Liters
2GR-FE
Highlander HV 2GR-FXE
Land Cruiser
3UR-FE
V8
5.7
Conventional
N/A
Synthetic
RAV4
2AR-FE
I4
2.5
Conventional
Conventional
N/A
2GR-FE
V6
3.5
Conventional
Conventional
N/A
1UR-FE
V8
4.6
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
3UR-FE
V8
5.7
Conventional
Synthetic
3UR-FBE (FFV)
V8
5.7
Conventional
Synthetic
1GR-FE
V6
4.0
Conventional
Conventional
Conventional
2TR-FE
I4
2.7
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic1
1GR-FE
V6
4.0
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
1UR-FE
V8
4.6
Synthetic
Synthetic
Synthetic
3UR-FE
V8
5.7
Conventional
Synthetic
3UR-FBE (FFV)
V8
5.7
Conventional
Synthetic
Sequoia
Tacoma
Truck
Engine Type
Camry
Camry HV
2013.3
Engine Code
Avalon
Tundra
1
Synthetic
1
1
Synthetic1
Synthetic
1
Synthetic1
Maintenance Indicator Lamp: Service Intervals vs. Oil Change Intervals
Toyota includes a Maintenance Indicator Lamp on the instrument panel light that illuminates every 5,000 miles.
What exactly does this light mean? Three simple rules explain it all.
RULE #1: Your Toyota should be brought in for service when the light illuminates.
RULE #2: For vehicles using conventional oil, 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) is also the oil change interval. The vehicle would be due for service, including an oil change, every time the light illuminates.
RULE #3: For many vehicles using synthetic oil, the oil change interval is 10,000 miles. The vehicle would still be due for service every 5,000 miles, but it would need an oil change only every other time the light illuminates.
Keep in mind that there are exceptions to every rule. The exceptions in this case are the 2011 and 2012 2TR-FE engine
used in some Tacomas and the 3UR-FBE Flexible Fuel engine used in some Sequoias and Tundras. They use synthetic
oil, but require an oil change every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first.
The intervals may change based on driving habits and conditions. See the owner’s manual for details.
be prepared with the right answers
Q
What are the oil change intervals using this new oil? Are they longer?
A
Yes! The superior qualities of synthetic oil have allowed the oil change interval to be extended from 5,000 miles to
10,000 miles in some cases.
Q
What if I change the oil myself and 0W-20 synthetic oil isn’t available?
A
If 0W-20 synthetic oil is not available, 5W-20 mineral oil may be used. However, it must be replaced at 5,000 miles
with 0W-20 synthetic oil.
Q
Can I use any brand of 0W-20 synthetic oil?
A
Genuine Toyota Motor Oil 0W-20 utilizes a Toyota-specific additive package that will provide the best results for oil
performance and fuel economy—it’s what the engine was designed to use. However, other 0W-20 synthetic oils can
be used, although they aren’t optimized for Toyota engines.
TOYOTA VEHICLE DELIVERY
It’s an important part of the delivery process that you make sure customers know the benefits of synthetic oil, such as
enhancing engine protection. Make sure your customers understand that the maintenance light means they still need to
have their vehicle serviced every 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) even if the car uses synthetic oil and
only requires an oil change every 10,000 miles.
Customers are happier when they know what to expect, and happy customers are more likely to buy again.
1 Engine uses synthetic oil but requires oil change at 5,000 miles or 6 months (whichever comes first) under normal driving conditions. These vehicles do not have a 10,000-mile oil change interval.
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AD-12055-12
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