Originally Posted By: bepperb
The difference isn't between America and the rest of the world. It's between Australia and the rest of the world. The Honda Insight gets sold with a 20 weight both here and Japan. Same for the Prius. When they arrive in the EU, they start with a factory fill of 5w-20, but I'm not sure the recommendation. Why anyone would pay the premium for an Insight/Prius and run a 40 weight in it.....
An argument could be made that recommendations for 5w-20 are pretty rare outside of NA and Japan, but that's due to two easily explainable factors. First, our government run fuel efficiency ratings mandate the use of the same oil during the tests that is recommended to end users. So manufacturers are forced to recommend 5w-20 here, which creates the demand that wouldn't be seen if they could run the tests with any oil they wanted and still recommend 5w-30. Second, we have a lot of demand for all petroleum products, and a very large refining capacity... so we have the supply to meet the demand.
As for the Hilux, that's a truck. And truck people loves them some thick oil. That's true here too. I'm sure there's Tacomas all over running 5/10w-40.
Understood. I'm a Tacoma Owner that tows a boat 3 times a week. It gets to triple digits in my part of Maryland in July and August and the traffic is some of the worst int he country. I really don't see a reason to NOT run Rotella 15-40 during those months since it's SM rated. On the other hand, I would never run a 40w in Jan or Feb due to the cold temps. I would probably just stick to a 5w30. I think we need to start matching the oil to our own climate changes and not be a slave to the GENERAL, BROAD label of oil weight on the cap. Lets face it, what is printed on the cap is meant for a HUGE range of climates all over the States. Lets just be smart and make the best choices for us.