Toyota’s stance on using a heavier weight oil

[PWMDMD]

According to Toyota, using a heavier weight than specified won’t blow up an engine.

PS - I never thought it would but hard to argue it’s going to affect warranty if you do.

 

[Urshurak776]

I'm more concerned they named their newsletter PANT. Just weird.

 

[BobsArmory]

I saw that yesterday. Toyota Dealers Running Low on 0W-8 Oil for RAV4, Highlander and Hybrid SUVs

I'm suprised that they are blending instead of just allowing different weights to be used.

 

[User_19876]

I have a feeling any supply issues we may see are going to put paid to many misconceptions people have regarding crankcase oil.

 

[DCDG]

Yup I don't see Toyota green lighting the use of 5W-30 or higher. They're still be conservative

 

[edyvw]

So when there is an oil shortage, clearances are larger, but when things go back to normal, clearances will shrink?

 

[4wd]

So when there is an oil shortage, clearances are larger, but when things go back to normal, clearances will shrink?

Yes, they are transitory …

 

[edyvw]

Yes, they are transitory …

If Toyota says so, it must be that.

 

[Hall]

So odd that they say to substitute these (each) only one day per week.

 

[Lawnman23]

I'm more concerned they named their newsletter PANT. Just weird.

About as comical as the TRD acronym...

 

[DCDG]

About as comical as the TRD acronym...

Don’t forget GR

 

[bullwinkle]

About as comical as the TRD acronym...

Beat me to it-one vowel away! Especially fitting on a new twin turbo Tundra!

 

[wsar10]

So when there is an oil shortage, clearances are larger, but when things go back to normal, clearances will shrink?

Yeah... Just more evidence of what we all have known for almost 2 decades. Its all about MPG and MPG only, robust protection is a slight second...

 

[robbobster]

Yeah... Just more evidence of what we all have known for almost 2 decades. Its all about MPG and MPG only, robust protection is a slight second...

…and based on the newsletter posted, in third place we evidently have “what oil do you currently have in inventory? Just use that”

 

[kschachn]

I think this is the third thread on this topic. Here’s one with a link to another mention.

M

Thread 'Potential Motor Oil Shortage For Lighter Weight Oils'

May 13, 2026

Toyota just issued a TSB to their dealers stating that 0W-8 and 0W-16 may be lighter on the ground in the coming weeks.

They were recommended to use heavier weight oils.

In other news, if you look at the viscosity recommendations for vehicles located in foreign countries that have climates similar to your own, you'll likely wind up with an oil viscosity more focuesd on longevity instead of federally driven CAFE regulations.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/alleged-toyota-dealer-bulletin-warns-of-looming-motor-oil-shortage

• macarose
• Replies: 52
• Forum: Oil Industry and Related News

• 
• 
• 

 

[KrisZ]

Those tight clearances must not be that tight after all

 

[SureshR]

I saw that yesterday. Toyota Dealers Running Low on 0W-8 Oil for RAV4, Highlander and Hybrid SUVs

I'm suprised that they are blending instead of just allowing different weights to be used.

Ain't blending. They just say to go ahead and use a heavier weight oil one or two days a week for oil fills.

 

[mt23]

Just think of all the oil pumps that will have to be recalibrated

 

[edyvw]

Yeah... Just more evidence of what we all have known for almost 2 decades. Its all about MPG and MPG only, robust protection is a slight second...

I wonder what the "tight clearance" crowd thinks about this?

 

[OS4A]

So when there is an oil shortage, clearances are larger, but when things go back to normal, clearances will shrink?

Shocker I say I say Shocker

Actually surprised they put it in writing.