And the "guidance" in the case of Toyota is not to use the antiquated 20W-50 but it's inclusion in the manual is show under what conditions it can be used. Big difference.
20W50 oil OK in Prius?
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5w20, 20w50... what the heck, they're all the same numerals, right? Should be just fine either way.
Originally Posted By: CATERHAM
If you need a litre of oil in Alice Springs and the local garage has nothing lighter than 20W-50 at least the owner and the garage knows it can be used.
Nearly every drop of lubricating oil base-stock in the country is imported, so why on Earth would the yokels in backwater Alice Springs have 20W-50 manufactured especially so that it was the only oil available in backwater Alice Springs ?
We're not used to having to add a quart in a trip, let alone an OCI in a new vehicle, so it shouldn't be even considered in the manual as a requirement in Alice Springs, assuming you got there.
As to the "economy oil" statement
Pretty clear that economy is on the agenda.
And that's fine, as long as bearing surface design is along for the ride, and it's not back-specced to other untis of different design.
A Prius in the states is operated differently to a Prius in US
If you need a litre of oil in Alice Springs and the local garage has nothing lighter than 20W-50 at least the owner and the garage knows it can be used.
Nearly every drop of lubricating oil base-stock in the country is imported, so why on Earth would the yokels in backwater Alice Springs have 20W-50 manufactured especially so that it was the only oil available in backwater Alice Springs ?
We're not used to having to add a quart in a trip, let alone an OCI in a new vehicle, so it shouldn't be even considered in the manual as a requirement in Alice Springs, assuming you got there.
As to the "economy oil" statement
Pretty clear that economy is on the agenda.
And that's fine, as long as bearing surface design is along for the ride, and it's not back-specced to other untis of different design.
A Prius in the states is operated differently to a Prius in US
Originally Posted By: Shannow
A Prius in the states is operated differently to a Prius in US
Did you mean Prius in australia? I always thought prius was a perfect city car. But, not perfect for long distance high speed hwy driving.
A Prius in the states is operated differently to a Prius in US
Did you mean Prius in australia? I always thought prius was a perfect city car. But, not perfect for long distance high speed hwy driving.
Originally Posted By: JOD
. . . . I continue to be mystified as to why people obsess about the viscosity recommendations in other countries in which they don't live . . . .
There are many reasons for the divergence of recommendations, from laws [edit: laws?]regarding minimum HTHS to availability. It's not necessarily about "dumbing things down".
You don't live in Australia. Why is this a concern?
I think the take away is that the current emphasis on 0W-20 weight oils leads some to believe that it's crucial that one use only 0W-20 weight oil in "x" engine, or that automobile manufacturers are manufacturing engines with different bearing clearances in other countries or hemispheres, when neither is the case.
Not to put words in your mouth, but I agree with your point that it makes better sense to determine what a particular manufacturer recommends for the country or climate in which the vehicle is going to be driven rather than speculate on what one might be able to get away with because the Aussies use or specify something different.
. . . . I continue to be mystified as to why people obsess about the viscosity recommendations in other countries in which they don't live . . . .
There are many reasons for the divergence of recommendations, from laws [edit: laws?]regarding minimum HTHS to availability. It's not necessarily about "dumbing things down".
You don't live in Australia. Why is this a concern?
I think the take away is that the current emphasis on 0W-20 weight oils leads some to believe that it's crucial that one use only 0W-20 weight oil in "x" engine, or that automobile manufacturers are manufacturing engines with different bearing clearances in other countries or hemispheres, when neither is the case.
Not to put words in your mouth, but I agree with your point that it makes better sense to determine what a particular manufacturer recommends for the country or climate in which the vehicle is going to be driven rather than speculate on what one might be able to get away with because the Aussies use or specify something different.
Well if someone who owns a Prius believes that thicker is better maybe they should run it 100K miles on 20W50, tear it down and report back. My bet is the Prius running the US spec 20 grade oil will do better.
My only issue with a generic recommendation for the US is that there are very different climates. No way the optimal oil is the same for the guy that is city driving in Maine vs a long distance driver in TX in January. It is possible that it is so insignificant that they can put a blanket statement in the owners manual and feel confident the vehicles engine will still most likely outlast the vehicle itself. I just wish the manuals would open up a little and print more realistic oil recommendations. No reason a guy in Florida must have a 5w30 vs a 10w30. This i believe is due to fuel economy reasons.
In the US, they can't make really make alternative recommendations. CAFE regulations require that the manufacturer recommend only the grade oil that was used for CAFE certification. This includes verbage in the owner's manual and to place that grade on the oil cap.
Ed
Ed
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
My bet is the Prius running the US spec 20 grade oil will do better.
Obviously Toyota don't take that bet...they don't sell, or service with 0W-20, nor recommend.
Come on, they can bring a whole car into the country, why not some 0W-20 to run in it if it gives lower lifecycle costs to the consumer ?
My bet is the Prius running the US spec 20 grade oil will do better.
Obviously Toyota don't take that bet...they don't sell, or service with 0W-20, nor recommend.
Come on, they can bring a whole car into the country, why not some 0W-20 to run in it if it gives lower lifecycle costs to the consumer ?
Originally Posted By: Shannow
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
My bet is the Prius running the US spec 20 grade oil will do better.
Obviously Toyota don't take that bet...they don't sell, or service with 0W-20, nor recommend.
Come on, they can bring a whole car into the country, why not some 0W-20 to run in it if it gives lower lifecycle costs to the consumer ?
My point is the 20 grade will do better than the 50 grade in that engine. When it comes to oil choices on the other side of the world I have no control over it. But I'm sure they have options other than 20W50. 5W30 or 10W30 would be a better choice in that engine than 20W50, they do have one of those grades don't they?
Originally Posted By: demarpaint
My bet is the Prius running the US spec 20 grade oil will do better.
Obviously Toyota don't take that bet...they don't sell, or service with 0W-20, nor recommend.
Come on, they can bring a whole car into the country, why not some 0W-20 to run in it if it gives lower lifecycle costs to the consumer ?
My point is the 20 grade will do better than the 50 grade in that engine. When it comes to oil choices on the other side of the world I have no control over it. But I'm sure they have options other than 20W50. 5W30 or 10W30 would be a better choice in that engine than 20W50, they do have one of those grades don't they?
You can buy 0w-20 in NZ so why not in Aussie? It's probably hard to find in retail packs but I know Fuchs do it http://www.fuchs.com.au/categories.asp?cID=9
Most OE spec oils are only available in bulk for workshops this end of the world. I work at a Toyota dealer & we just use Castrol Professional 5w-30 in them, I imagine it'd be the same over there.
Most OE spec oils are only available in bulk for workshops this end of the world. I work at a Toyota dealer & we just use Castrol Professional 5w-30 in them, I imagine it'd be the same over there.
Use the thinest for the best fuel economy and easy starting in cold weather.
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