Toyota Tacoma 3.4 --can I use

[2003TRD]

Can I run a thinner oil and get any better gas mileage without effecting wear? Toyota calls for 5w30 can I run a 0w30 or does that only help with cold starts? I am definately not using a 20 wt oil.

 

[SteveD2]

Changing the first number only helps with cold starts. Changing the second number doesn't have very much effect on mileage either.

 

[Steve S]

Go for the protection!!! There will not be a measureable difference. Drive slower. I drive alot on I5 ,if I go 80 to 90 mph my mileage is around 15 , 65 to 75 ,18 mpg. , under 65 ,20.5 mpg. at 55 its close to 22 mpg. This is a 1992 toy v6 4 wd stick shift extra cab. Petro or syn in the engine makes no noticeable difference. I have used Redline ,Amsoil, Mobil 1,and Chevron delo400 in various viscosities.except 20w/50 the ,engine has a factory oil cooler.

 

[7TFord]

I agree. Driving slower will have the greatest affect on your mileage. I started using Castrol 0/30 in my 98 Taco 3.4 and although I've not checked the mileage I doubt it has increased. I guess now I know not to expect any better mileage if I deal on a new truck!

 

[jsharp]

quote:

---

Originally posted by 7TFord:
I agree. Driving slower will have the greatest affect on your mileage. I started using Castrol 0/30 in my 98 Taco 3.4 and although I've not checked the mileage I doubt it has increased. I guess now I know not to expect any better mileage if I deal on a new truck!

---

I'm convinced mine has gone down in my 3.4L 4Runner after switching from M1 5W-30 to GC 0W-30. I don't think it's surprising really given the different viscosities of the two. M1 may be more highly friction modified too...

 

[haley10]

Some 0W-30 are actually "thicker" and do not have the energy conserving starburst symbol. Nothing to be gained if your already running a 5-30 synthetic.

On my SUV, I see no difference between 5-30 and 5-20 Motorcraft. A reasonably clean air filter and correct tire pressure has a big impact.

 

[Grossomotto]

Mobil 1 5W30 is a very thin 30 weight. It'll give you the best MPG from what you're looking for.

In my Tacoma V6 3.4L, I've run M1 5W30, Delvac 5W40 and now GC 0W30 since I can't find M1 TSUV5W40 anywhere. The GC is a heavy 30 weight, and will most likely give you worse MPG. And Delvac 5W40 is a heavy 40 weight, so you'll get the least MPG. But, I shot that theory all to **** when I towed a 3500lb trailer to Denver. I averaged 16.5 MPG at 65-70MPH the entire way with Delvac 5W40, which is off the charts. Go figure!

I'll see how the GC 0W30 goes.

 

[FL-400S]

I use Castrol GTX in my 3.4L tundra automatic and get 14-16 in town and around 18-19 highway. One time I took it real easy on a 200 mile interstate trip and averaged the speed limit, 65-67 mph and got 22.5 mpg. If you are worried about an extra 1-2 mpg, drive slower or save your money by running dino and change it a bit more often.