My MPG on 0w20

[Sienna dude]

2021 Sienna. Stay tuned for a huge sample as it should get better.

 

[kschachn]

Actually in a chaotic system a large sample size can contribute to inaccuracy.

So what are you showing? Are you correlating an observed fuel economy to some particular variable?

You have a good start with one sample. Hopefully your tenure here will enable a much larger sample.

 

[Sienna dude]

Actually in a chaotic system a large sample size can contribute to inaccuracy.

So what are you showing? Are you correlating an observed fuel economy to some particular variable?

You have a good start with one sample. Hopefully your tenure here will enable a much larger sample.

I was nervous that 0w20 would affect my MPG, but so far I haven't noticed a thing. And this is a thick 0w20, 8.8 cSt

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Must be a 4 banger hybrid. I am not a minivan follower. I would have thought they were still V6 powered.

 

[Sienna dude]

Must be a 4 banger hybrid. I am not a minivan follower. I would have thought they were still V6 powered.

Yeah, 2.5L hybrid now speced for 0w16. It beats the V6 in a drag race though lol.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

If you can, please post engine drivetrain typical GVW, typical drive cycle. Was this a 0W16 or 0W8 oil cap.

 

[ARCOgraphite]

Ya beat me to the punch!

 

[Sienna dude]

If you can, please post engine drivetrain typical GVW, typical drive cycle. Was this a 0W16 or 0W8 oil cap.

0w16

 

[Sienna dude]

Just filled the tank

 

[Zee09]

If you can, please post engine drivetrain typical GVW, typical drive cycle. Was this a 0W16 or 0W8 oil cap.

What brand of oil and filter too

 

[Sienna dude]

What brand of oil and filter too

Pennzoil Ultra 0w20 and Toyota filter

 

[kschachn]

I was nervous that 0w20 would affect my MPG, but so far I haven't noticed a thing. And this is a thick 0w20, 8.8 cSt

You will never, ever be able to tease the oil grade difference out of everyday driving. It is deep in the noise. Way too many equally or more significant variables that drown out the relatively small change due to oil. Gasoline itself varies in energy density more than a couple of grade changes. Add in the seasonal gasoline formulation changes and you're out of the ballpark completely.

Didn't we have this discussion before?

 

[IndyIan]

For extended run times with few cold starts, and the lower rpms that most vehicles run at, oil viscosity isn't as important for mileage.
If you are cold starting often with a 1.6l 4 banger and then driving at 3500rpm at 65mph for 20 minutes twice a day, then a jump from 0W20 to 15W40 would be pretty noticeable for mileage.
I think the extra drag of going from 0W16 to 0W20, in your usage will be undetectable. For Toyota, a 0.5% difference in lab testing is significant, but I think the test cycle they have to use isn't representative of your usage pattern.

 

[kschachn]

I think the extra drag of going from 0W16 to 0W20, in your usage will be undetectable. For Toyota, a 0.5% difference in lab testing is significant, but I think the test cycle they have to use isn't representative of your usage pattern.

I'd say ASTM D8114 is a bit more controlled.

 

[Sienna dude]

You will never, ever be able to tease the oil grade difference out of everyday driving. It is deep in the noise. Way too many equally or more significant variables that drown out the relatively small change due to oil. Gasoline itself varies in energy density more than a couple of grade changes. Add in the seasonal gasoline formulation changes and you're out of the ballpark completely.

Didn't we have this discussion before?

At least I'm getting an idea, that whatever the difference is, it is pretty insignificant. Maybe it would be significant if I had a fleet of 50,000 vans lol. If these companies get a credit or penalty then it is significant in their case as they sell millions of these things. In 2024 Toyota sold half a million Rav4s alone with this motor. And the mpg tests that they do must be way more accurate.

 

[kschachn]

At least I'm getting an idea, that whatever the difference is, it is pretty insignificant. Maybe it would be significant if I had a fleet of 50,000 vans lol. If these companies get a credit or penalty then it is significant in their case as they sell millions of these things. In 2024 Toyota sold half a million Rav4s alone with this motor. And the mpg tests that they do must be way more accurate.

That’s what I meant earlier. Everyday driving is chaotic, so minor variables get less distinguishable with increased sample size. Yes it is still there and a standardized test can see it but you’re not going to isolate it.

Accuracy of the test is part of it. The greater part is isolation.

 

[Sienna dude]

This morning it was 50° when I started the van. My numbers will keep getting better as the weather keeps getting warmer until the AC season, then the gas mileage will drop slightly

 

[kschachn]

Exactly. Air temperature and density are also contributors.

 

[MurkyAsparagus]

There’s an app called Fuelly that does all the calculations for you, then uploads to a huge database of other users.

 

[The Critic]

This morning it was 50° when I started the van. My numbers will keep getting better as the weather keeps getting warmer until the AC season, then the gas mileage will drop slightly

So you're one of those rideshare drivers who doesn't keep a/c on year round?