Suppose the recommendation for an engine suggests three different oil viscosities: 5W30, 5W20, 0W20. Which one is the best to choose? All will allegedly work for the engine, but is there one that is better in the long run that the others?
I will say that it seems I burn less oil with 0W20 than 5W30. I haven’t really used 5W20. But that is just anecdotal evidence.
please post your vehicle info. This question is meaningless without context.
The owner's manual for your vehicle (OM47482U) says 5w30
It doesn't really matter. Those oils are so close in their performance, that I doubt you'll notice any difference.
In order of increasing viscosity, they are:
0w20
5w20
5w30
If you live in a very cold climate, use the 0w20
If you live in a hot climate, use the 5w30.
The thinner oil will also give you an imperceptibly small increase in economy, but you're really splitting hairs.
Yes, the owners manual says 5W30. At the same time updated recommendations from Toyota suggest any of the three viscosities can be used. So I gather weather would play a role, like you suggested, in choosing the best viscosity.
if you live in Siberia, then yes it could play a role.
https://mechanicbase.com/engine-oil/0w20-vs-5w20-vs-5w30-difference/
Less friction means also better fuel economy.
very true and i rather check it engine manufacture on what oil they prefer use in it to keep warranty
They recommend all three!
if they recommend all 3 then look at the temp chart
https://carfromjapan.com/article/car-maintenance/0w20-vs-5w20-synthetic-motor-oil/
The specific car is a 2004 Toyota Prius. The car can take three oil weights according to the a Toyota Oil Chart: 5W30, 5W20, 0W20.