2008 Toyota Prius - GC ok?

[sp33dy_gr33n]

I have a 2008 Toyota Prius with 28k miles on it. I have been investigating an oil for the 30k service and have heard good things about the Syntec 0W30 from Germany. However, the oil is not labeled as "energy conserving" and is not "SM" rated. The owner's manual says to use an SM rated oil.

So, should I use the GC or not?

 

[Quattro Pete]

Expect a negative MPG impact.

Since the Prius is all about squeezing the best fuel economy, using an oil such as GC is kind of counter-intuitive.

 

[Audi Junkie]

It's already been done by someone here to the detriment of the mpg computer. Are there any other oils which interest you? Are you looking to extend changes or for value? There are a lot of options, do you have a specific brand in mind? Pennzoil Platinum is a good start.

 

[addyguy]

Don't use GC - use what the manual calls for - it's not hard!

 

[el_zorro]

Dont assume that GC will decrease mileage. I have seen my mileage go up with GC. There are plenty of high quality oils with loads of moly in them that arent listed as energy conserving. Moly is one of the main friction modifiers that is used to be listed as energy conserving. GC has higher quality base stocks than most other oils, therefore it does not rely on as many additives to protect your engine and reduce friction (additives break down more quickly than GRP IV stocks).

The only concern I would have would be emissions with GC (not being SM). This might shorten the life of the catalytic converter or something else in the emissions system. I think this only a slight risk since it is not over loaded with ZDDP anymore. If you are worried about the warranty, save some receipts for other SM oil. The bottom line is that you are giving your engine the one of the best oils available that is how you get 300K+ miles out of an engine. If the mileage is worse, quick using it but like I say mine has gone up significantly. PP is another good alternative. If you use PP you can feel safe about warranty, staying with an SM oil, etc.

 

[deven]

I would use Mobil 1 0w20 in the Prius.

 

[ekpolk]

Originally Posted By: addyguy
Don't use GC - use what the manual calls for - it's not hard!


Originally Posted By: deven
I would use Mobil 1 0w20 in the Prius.


First, the engine was the same from 2004 (first year of the last hatchback) through 2009, the 1NZ-FXE (the redesigned 2010s have a different, larger engine). My 04 called for the then-current SL oil, in 5w30 grade, NOT 20 wt. In fact, when Toyota released the controversial 2006 TSB back-specing many previously 30 wt engines to 20 wt, it specifically excluded the Prius from the list of 20 wt engines.

I have run GC in our Prius (now being driven by my son) with outstanding results. Mpgs always hover in the mid-to-high 40s. A very thin, near-20 EC SM 30 wt might do slightly better, but I'm still very happy with the results.

 

[nthach]

I'd stick to a good 5w30 for the Prius. That said, I like PP or Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy for them.

 

[sp33dy_gr33n]

Thanks for all the info. I will probably go the Pennzoil Platinum 5w30 route.