Originally Posted By: skaughtz
I have been juggling with the idea of finally moving away from the 0W-20 recommendation for my 2007 Camry LE 2.4L daily driver. She has 86,000 miles on her and like all of the 2AZ-FE engines, she burns some oil. Not enough to qualify for the Toyota rebuild, but enough that I keep a spare jug of oil in the trunk and check every 1,000 miles.
I got the car with 60,000 miles on her two years ago with a Jiffy Lube sticker in the corner stating it had conventional in it. My guess is because it was a grandma car before I got it (nothing against conventional). I immediately dumped it and have put in PP 0W-20 every 4,000 to 6,000 miles since then (I like synthetic oils, I like PP's spiffy bottle and natural gas base stock, and I like consistency in my buying habits). After doing some research on the oil consumption issue with those engines (if I recall correctly, it is that the oil return holes in the piston rings are milled too small and get clogged up over time), I figured a low viscosity oil would be the best way to maintain flow and decrease consumption. It is difficult to tell if the consumption has increased at all in the last 25,000+ miles, but I don't think that it has.
Anyhoo, now the car is approaching 100,000 miles and I am thinking it might be time to step up to 5W-30, as I plan on keeping it for a while. I realize the 0W-20 standard is basically due to CAFE, but if moving up a viscosity grade is merely a band-aid for the consumption issue, I would prefer to wait until further down the road to apply it, if/when consumption truly becomes an issue. But, the car is technically "high-mileage" (a designation that I am skeptical is just arbitrary), so I am also considering that.
Any thoughts on this? Is 86,000k too old to be running 0W-20? Is the increase in viscosity just a band-aid for consumption issues? Is high mileage recommended once a certain age hits or is it to more intended to counter specific issues like leaky seals, etc., that are already occurring?
Hi there! Toyota calls for an API SL rated oil in a 5w-20 or 0w-20 for your engine and we always recommend using an engine oil that meets the OEM requirements. Pennzoil has two high mileage engine oils designed for older cars or those that have more than 75,000 miles. Pennzoil Platinum High Mileage full synthetic motor oil is made from natural gas and will clean your engine up to 40% better than the industry standards. We also offer a conventional high mileage motor oil - Pennzoil High Mileage which will clean your engine, prevent sludge build up and give you enhanced wear protection. Both products have seal conditioners designed to specifically reduce leaks and oil consumption and both meet your OEM recommendation.
Increasing the viscosity of a motor oil may put more strain on your engine reducing fuel economy and more importantly, the higher viscosity may not lubricate vital engine parts effectively. Switching to a high mileage formula is the better choice for an engine over 75,000 miles or experiencing leaks.
-The Pennzoil Team
