SM?, SL?, Help!

[Ls_Dx]

Ok so my 06 scion xB, no where in the owners manual stated what API code to use, so low and behold, I found out on the oil cap, it says to use a SL 5w30 energy conserving. I have been using all SM's... is that OK? Does a SM exceed all previous letters?

 

[JayhawkRoy]

SM is fine. SM is backwards compatible with SL, so you are good. The chemists here can discuss the esoteric differences between the two, but for the vast majority of us, either works well.

 

[RTexasF]

Yes, you are just fine.

 

[pickled]

Don't panic...you will be fine. SM is the newest specification and it is backwards compatible with the SL variants it superceded. It is actually a significantly improved oil from SL in several areas for minimum API requirements.

 

[Ls_Dx]

awesome, thanks guys!

I still have yet to go over 3000 miles on an oil change on this thing

I am sending my 1st UOA out to blackstone and then I will decide if i should take this thing up to the factory recommended 5,000 mi *eek*

 

[ThirdeYe]

5,000 should be perfectly fine, don't worry!

I've gone almost 5,000 before and it came back with low wear and plenty of TBN left, and that was on conventional! Check out some of Bill in Utah's used oil analysis, I think the engine in your xB is the same as the engine in his Corolla (1ZZFE) and he has gotten stellar results well over 5,000 miles.

 

[Dave Hess]

It's getting harder and harder to find SL rated 5w30 oils

 

[Ls_Dx]

so 5k it is !