Toyota Engine Oil Switching Advice You Must Follow Warning

Is it okay to switch the type of engine oil you use in your Toyota? Here’s the latest on a Toyota engine oil question one owner asked a Toyota expert if in fact whether they were ruining their engine by doing this. Plus, find out what is the maximum number of miles you really should wait before changing your oil and why manufacturers mislead owners about this point; and, why Toyota is now switching to SAE 0W-16 oil!

Engine Oil Questions

In previous articles we’ve covered many questions and problems when it comes to engine maintenance regarding the types of oils used, how to change your Toyota’s motor oil, why changing your engine oil is so important, and scams involving service centers paid to change your oil for you.

However, today we have a new topic that was asked of a popular Toyota mechanic from the Toyota Maintenance YouTube channel---the advisability of switching the type of motor oil you use apart from the manufacturer’s recommendations.

Related article: Why Toyotas Burn So Much Oil and What You Can Do About It

Video Warning of Common Practice

In this video posted below, you will hear about a Toyota Tacoma owner who bought a used Tacoma and decided to switch his oil type from the thinner factory-recommended 0W-20 to a thicker 5W-30 to stop or prevent oil leaking in his new older vehicle.

This is not an unusual practice and one that can be found repeated on several forums where some commenters recommend this practice. But is it really a good idea?!

Follow along with the host---Peter---as he answers the Tacoma owner’s question and explains and warns viewers why you should not deviate from the manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to the oil type used---especially in vehicles like the Tacoma that relies on specific oil pressure to control its intake variable timing and other engine-related problem possibilities.

Importance of Engine Oil

And finally…

For additional articles about oil and your engine, here are a few for your consideration:

• Fake Oil Filter Caused Toyota Engine Damage

• Four Levels of Pennzoil Motor Oil Compared with Some Surprising Results and a Turbo Warning

• High Mileage Motor Oil Put to the Test. Is Your Car’s Engine Ready for Winter?

COMING UP NEXT: Most Fuel-Efficient Used Three-Row Midsized SUVs

Timothy Boyer is a Torque News automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites for daily new and used vehicle news.

Image Source: Pixabay