Hi Guys,
I’m trying to determine the best combination of oil/OCI approach given the circumstances of my current vehicle:
2004 Toyota Camry SE, 2AZ-FE Engine 4cyl engine. 5-Speed manual transmission
Approx 210,000 km
Was previously driven between 5000-6000 km/month. Oil changes were monthly affair @ a quick lube place with either conventional dino or high mileage 5W-30 ( brand was possibly Quaker State as it was serviced At Jiffy Lube)
Since I took ownership in August 2008 I typically do between 500-800 km month, with majority of it short-trip city driving to work and back. I’ve only had two oil changes on the car (approx 6 months apart), both at the dealership. Engine oil was Toyota 5W-30 conventional and OEM filter.
I have not had to top off the engine at all (except when I first got it when it was 2/3rds of a quart low for some reason). I have not had any UOA’s done.
I’m following the Toyota recommendation of 8000 km or 6 months between OCI’s for now.
In order to ensure the engine is adequately protected from the frequent cold starts in the winter I’m giving consideration to the following:
Block heater, Oil Pan Heater, Synthetic Oil
The last point I’m not sure the best approach to go and I’ve narrowed it down to the following four oils (mainly because I can get these relatively easily):
GC 0W-30 (available at local Walmart, and yes it says Made In Germany on the back)
PP 5W-30
Supertech Synthetic 5W-30 or 0W-30
Amsoil Signature 0W-30
I’m hoping to get some sort of either consensus or suitable alternatives to ensure I’m taking maximum care of this engine.
Also, I cannot seem to find anything but FRAM filters everywhere I go (Walmart, Canadian Tire, Part Source) as I was looking into possible alternates to the OEM filter.
Cheers,
P.S. Thanks in advance.
I’m trying to determine the best combination of oil/OCI approach given the circumstances of my current vehicle:
2004 Toyota Camry SE, 2AZ-FE Engine 4cyl engine. 5-Speed manual transmission
Approx 210,000 km
Was previously driven between 5000-6000 km/month. Oil changes were monthly affair @ a quick lube place with either conventional dino or high mileage 5W-30 ( brand was possibly Quaker State as it was serviced At Jiffy Lube)
Since I took ownership in August 2008 I typically do between 500-800 km month, with majority of it short-trip city driving to work and back. I’ve only had two oil changes on the car (approx 6 months apart), both at the dealership. Engine oil was Toyota 5W-30 conventional and OEM filter.
I have not had to top off the engine at all (except when I first got it when it was 2/3rds of a quart low for some reason). I have not had any UOA’s done.
I’m following the Toyota recommendation of 8000 km or 6 months between OCI’s for now.
In order to ensure the engine is adequately protected from the frequent cold starts in the winter I’m giving consideration to the following:
Block heater, Oil Pan Heater, Synthetic Oil
The last point I’m not sure the best approach to go and I’ve narrowed it down to the following four oils (mainly because I can get these relatively easily):
GC 0W-30 (available at local Walmart, and yes it says Made In Germany on the back)
PP 5W-30
Supertech Synthetic 5W-30 or 0W-30
Amsoil Signature 0W-30
I’m hoping to get some sort of either consensus or suitable alternatives to ensure I’m taking maximum care of this engine.
Also, I cannot seem to find anything but FRAM filters everywhere I go (Walmart, Canadian Tire, Part Source) as I was looking into possible alternates to the OEM filter.
Cheers,
P.S. Thanks in advance.
