I saw on the gas cap the choice of 5W-20 or 0W-20 oil.
Which do you use? Or recommend??

 

I use 0W-20 Mobile 1 with a Mobile 1 oil filter...M103 I think.

I believe this was debated with little to no ultimate outcome. 5w-20 will be cheaper.

 

I believe it depends on your local climate. The colder the lower the number, right?

 

Yes, I would think that during the cold, winter months, 0w-20 would be the choice, and 5w-20 for the rest of the year.

Would someone please correct me if I am wrong.

 

Michael, do you change it yourself?
What is your cost?

 

You could but I don't think it is that big of a problem (unless in a really cold climate). 5w will handle down to something below -30 F (I think). I would think you could pick one and go with it. 0W will ALWAYS be synthetic.

Hopefully someone with real technical knowledge will chime in.

 

The first time I had it done at a Valvoline (spelling?) Instant Oil Change place since I could not get the darn filter off (Toyota cranks them on tight). I bought my own oil and filter. They charged me 20 bucks. The oil (five quarts) and filter was about 40. Totaling 66 USD. (BUT -- I had one quart left over.)

The second oil change (just last week) was done by myself. The oil and filter was about 35 USD (four quarts). Labor charge was free (although I did get myself a soda during the job).

Mike

 

I'm sure you deserved the soda.

 

First, I hope your TCH does not run on 0w20 or 5w20 gas. i hope you saw the markings on the oil cap.

Second, I run 0w20 for a few of reasons. 1. the thinner oil might help mileage a little. 2. the thinner oil is quicker to lubricate all the moving parts when cold. 3. the synthetic oil actually sticks to parts better when the engine is not running 4. synthetic oil is more stable than dino oil.

I know I am paying a bit more, but the cost is not that much greater. Since I got the hybrid partly to reduce my consumption of mid-east oil, I think anything I can do to increase mileage is good even if it means my out of pocket cost goes up a bit.

 

Thanks, I agree with your reasoning 100%!
(Sorry, I meant oil cap)