I have a 2011 Toyota Yaris that takes 5-30 Synthetic oil and a 1986 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme that takes regular 5-30 oil. What I want to know from you guys is what do you think is the best oil out there? Synthetic and regular, I want the best I can get for my engines. Also is the oil provided by Toyota any better than what's out there as well? Let me know from you guys past experiences!
I'm a big fan of Liqui Moly 😀. But before Liqui Moly, I used to use different name brands like Pennzoil, Mobil 1, Valvoline. At the end of the day, oil is oil...you will not notice any difference between the big name brands. As long as it's the correct viscosity, you'll be good to go. Just don't be using 99 cent store oil 😆, I don't trust those at all.
The oil provided by Toyota is basically rebranded oil from one of the major name brands. For example, BMW branded oil bottles are filled with Pennzoil (it all depends on their partnerships).
Any brand oil eg. Toyota, honda, benz, bmw oils are all just rebranded from other companies. Vw for example is castrol partnership (idk if this still be the case been a while since I checked) so marked up is not worth for me lol. For the oldsmobile I'd go with valvoline or mobil one. For the toyota, I'd actually go with amazon basics. They are certified by the SAE and API for not a whole lot of cash and prime delivery lol. I've had good experience with em for some of my side jobs and people are always surprised. Project Farm also did a youtube video of the chemical analysis of it and seems solid proof enough to give it a shot.
It's essentially the same oil as the Costco Kirkland brand. Both Amazon Basics and Kirkland come from Warren Oil Company. And the Costco Kirkland brand is even less expensive, provided that you're a member of Costco (or know someone who is, and can pick it up there). BruceRee's general point is correct. I concur.
OOOOOO good to know. Thanks for the heads up man!
After you watch Scotty's video, you should understand these points (and some more):
1. If all oils meets the API SN Plus of GF6 specs, they are more than sufficient;
2. Oils have different additive packages, and they may not play nice together, chemically-speaking, creating unwanted excessive oil consumption. Find a brand that you like, and stick with it.
3. More expensive is not necessarily better;
4. With the above understood as constant, more frequent oil changes, especially as the engine ages, the better for the longevity and performance of that engine, given that you've picked a satisfactory oil.
5. Toyota does NOT make their own oil. According to Toyota Master Diagnostician AMD (on YouTube), Toyota oil is essentially Mobil 1.
1. Make sure its the recommended weight, (5w30, 0w20 etc) pay attention if you live in an extreme hot or cold climate as this may require a more or less viscous oil. Check your owners manual for this
2. Be sure the oil meets the necessary API or ACEA (Europe) standards as required in the owners manual
3. Finally check for any manufacturer specific standards. For example, my 2007 Ford Focus requires oil that meets a Ford WSS-M2C913-C standard, which turns out to be most 5W30 ACEA A5/B5 oils.
Find an oil that meets the required standards above for you vehicle, and that's wallet friendly.
I can pay 24.99€ for a gallon of "off-brand" oil or close to 80€ for Castrol/Mobil/Valvoline at the motor factors, both meeting the same specs I need.
Your owners manual should give you those details but generally synthetic is better than regular oils.
