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. ©2012 TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A., INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COPYING OR ANY OTHER REPRODUCTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, WITHOUT THE EXPRESS WRITTEN PERMISSION OF TOYOTA MOTOR SALES, U.S.A. IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., by the publication and/or dissemination of this publication does not create any warranties, either expressed or implied, as to Toyota products. The information contained herein was up-to-date at the time of publication, but may subsequently be changed or added to without notice and without incurring any obligation. Reliance on this information creates no liability for Toyota. This publication is produced for use as an information sales aid. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc., its employees, representatives, and/or agents shall not be held liable for any omission of data or inclusion of erroneous data even where said omission is alleged to have been relied upon by a buyer of Toyota Products. AD-12055-12 2013.3
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