Oil change (0w20 or 5w20) in tropical regions

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Care, Maintenance & Troubleshooting' started by fopoku2k2, Oct 18, 2015.

  1. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

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    I live in Ghana, West Africa which gets around 88F during the day most part of the year.

    My 2010 Toyota Prius is up for oil change soon. Unfortunately the type of oil required by the manual i.e 0w20 is not available here in Ghana. The only ones available are the 5w20 and 5w30.

    I've was told by the service shops here that 0w20 is only used in the cold regions. I've read on priuschat that it's good for hybrid engines due to their multiple on and shut downs.

    My question is. Due to cost and availability, can I stick to 5w20 oil?

    Thank you



     
    #1 fopoku2k2, Oct 18, 2015
  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    You'll be ok. In North America Toyota says to use 0W20 at all temperatures, but around the world it varies. Australian Owners Manual for example, shows a traditional, wide range of oil weights.

    Page 480 of the 2010 Australian Owner's Manual:

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    #2 Mendel Leisk, Oct 18, 2015
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  3. CR94

    CR94 Senior Member

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    If it's available in Ghana, synthetic 5W-20 might be better than regular mineral 5W-20. One reason they insisted on 0W-20 in even warm parts of North America may be to ensure it's synthetic.
     
    #3 CR94, Oct 19, 2015
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  4. zebekias

    zebekias Member

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    I bought Mobil 1 0w20 and had the dealer use that during my 35k km service. They advised against it saying 0w30 is what Toyota Greece recommends. I told them to use what I gave them :) Granted this was done in early September when the high temps have subsided. Ghana temps are definitely going to be sky high year round, if I were in your shoes I'd use Mobile 1 5w30.
     
    #4 zebekias, Oct 20, 2015
  5. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

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    actually, checking around the gas stations that mostly sells these oils. I noticed that they mostly stock 5w40 . . . . . am I screwed???
     
    #5 fopoku2k2, Oct 20, 2015
  6. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Hopefully there are some specialty stores or automotive supply shops with better selection?
     
    #6 Mendel Leisk, Oct 20, 2015
  7. fopoku2k2

    fopoku2k2 Member

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    I doubt, but i am still looking
     
    #7 fopoku2k2, Oct 21, 2015
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