A Toyota dealer using only 5W-20 oil for 2010 Prius

That policy could get them a whole lot of long term warranty trouble. Toyota Corporate should be made aware of this dealers policy concerning the use of 5W30 in the 2010 Prius.

Being that they were as a dealer not following Toyota's own policy on maintenance I would feel they could be held liable for any engine damage that occurs even after the 3 yr 36 month warranty runs out.

 

Dumb question; how would one know if a dealer claims they changed your oil with 0W-20, when in fact they used 5W-20 and charged you the 0W price?

 

I had my oil/filter service today--see post here:
http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-iii...leshooting/62662-oil-change-3.html#post921494

When I called the dealer to ask about 0W-20 synthetic and pricing vs. their coupon, I was told that they use quart containers (not bulk) of 0W-20 on the 2010 Prius, and that their system would ensure that's what the tech used. The service person confirmed this when I arrived.

The invoice also said 0W-20.

 

My dealer also said they did not have 0 W 20 in buld, so they told me they used quart containers. Also, the service rep told me that he had no direction to charge more than the regular (and then-discounted0 price, because the oil wasn't offered in bulk. Further, because he didn't have a way to price it at the then-offered discount, he simply priced it with conventional 5 W 20, though written on my receipt is: "used 0 W 20 for actual oil change" -- or some such wording.

I do trust the guy. We talked about it for a long time, and he made every effort to see what the up-charge would be for synthetic. There even was a bit of an argument with the tech guy who did the work, because he thought it was wrong for the dealer to take a hit on the oil ($7 to $8 per quart, apparently). The entire service (tire rotation and other checks and fills included) was $42.99, so the oil & filter retail for more than the cost of the whole job.

Next time I'm going to ask to see the quart containers!

Mine had the handwritten notation described above, though the typing said 5W20.

There probably will be enough service appointments before I hit 10,000 miles for the dealer to have worked out a higher price for my next oil change!

 

I am in a hot climate, which in the old days, calls for a heavier weight oil. I put 20-50 in my old RV. But a hybrid engine starts and stops all the time, which may call for a light weight oil for all that quick starting. Still, it seems like zero weight is kind of low, and what would be needed in frozen climates.

 

I have had those same concerns. I don't think this is something Toyota engineering came up with because they thought it would be better for our engines.

Toyota and other manufacturers are going to lighter oils because lighter oils give them a slightly higher number on the EPA mileage tests. It may be only a couple of tenths higher but when they do a bunch of other things that give them a couple of tenths it adds up. This gives them a higher fuel mileage number and increases the CAFE (Cooperate Average Fuel Efficiency) by a little, this is important because Toyota sells a lot of SUVs and Trucks.

So in my opinion it was probably a management decision but engineering must have approved. Which means they think the engines will run OK on the lighter oils. I have been told that some of the newer designs (perhaps ours) have closer tolerances and are designed for 0W20 or 5W20 oils.

I have considered using 0W30 for summer but I don't want a warranty hassle in the unlikely event something goes wrong with the engine. So I'll be using 0W20 Mobil 1 when it's 105 degrees out this summer, just as most new Prius owners will, and we shall see how it works out, my guess is everything will be OK.

 

T, do you plan to do a UOA over the summer months? It would be interesting to see if the higher temps and lighter oil produce more wear.

 

Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing anything. If they don't change the oil filter, how would you know? If they use cheap oil, how would you know? I wish Toyota used throw away filters.

I think the dealers are possibly more honest since they charge you more but now I see that some dealers cannot be trusted.

 

I'm afraid I disagree. I would stick with Toyotas recommendation. Most high performance and super cars, Lamborghini's and Ferraris use full synthetics and it's not because they want or even care about fuel efficiency. It's because synthetics offer superior lubrication and viscosity. Especially on start up. Synthetics are a different deal than Dino Oils. Lighter weights will help protect The Prius on start ups, in both cold and heat by getting to all areas of the parts quicker and easier.

Ultimately also who should know their own engine better than Toyota? Even if it did take them a month to figure out what grade fuel to use. (joke) If they are recommending 0w-5w full synthetic then that's what I'm using.

 

That's a good idea Spider, I hadn't even thought about it. I think I'll do one in April or May for a baseline and another in October. Is Blackstone OK or is there a better lab?

 

I have never sent one in so I don't know. Jayman or others could suggest.
I don't have to worry about the hot temps up here but it would be nice to see how the 0W-20 in the Prius stands up to your high temps. Dispite the thin weight, I bet it will do well (only because it is in the Prius/HSD). Only one way to tell though...

 

I have used Blackstone for 10 years for my Cessna 177. I am very pleased with their service. Whoever does the analysis takes the time to write comments about their findings. I feel that they truly care about their customers.

 

There are 8 Toyota dealerships within 30 miles of Camas WA. I would use one that uses 0w-20 for the 2010 Prius.

 

OK thanks Cardinal, Blackstone it is then.

 

fyi:

0W-20 and 0W-30 oil at Walmart - GreenHybrid - Hybrid Cars

 

Um, yes, there is a way you can know. And it's called torque paint ... or security paint ... or anti tamper paint ... or torque stripe.



I call 'em blue boogers. It's on my oil filter ... oil drain plug, etc. If/when it's broken, then I know they did their job. It comes in yellow, green, etc.

Call me Mr. suspicious, but it's paid of more than once.
.

 

Great idea. You hear companies taking shortcuts all the time from bad food . . . etc. The easiest thing for a mechanic to do to a car with a rebuildable filter is to not rebuild the filter. It is extremely difficult to spot. And if the customer is looking, just take it off, play with it, put it back. Suddenly, you are $5 ahead.

You can't catch everything but some antitamper paint is better than nothing.

 

No, when it is broken all you know is that they noticed the tell tale and broke it. While it is an indicator, it is hardly dispositive. Sneaky is as sneaky does (or whatever that saying is!)

 

I hate to say this, but I think I agree with Electric Me.

Unlike conventional/non-hybrid gas engines, the hybrid is constantly coming on and off. 0 weight will give the engine the added lubrication protection needed for an engine that could be turning on 100's of times per day....conventional gas engine, maybe 2-4 times per day. Big difference in duty cycle. I also don't believe that the small gas engine needs heavy weight, that would protect the enginbe better under high demand and heat loads...I don't think the Prius falls into this category at all, or infrequently.

To those that are concerned that the dealership is , in fact, using the correct, 0-20W synthetic oild...I would suggest (if concerned) that you buy a case at your automotive store, and bring 5 quarts with you to the dealership. I do that all the time with my BMW, because i want them to use a specific synthetic that they do not carry. And yes, I do trust the dealerships to use the oil that i provide.