The vehicle is a Toyota Highlander, 6 cylinder, the engine is a 2GR-FE, 2009. No special trim. As far as I'm aware. It has the tow package from my observation and Vin check. My mechanic however inspected it and told me it DID NOT have the tow package. He's a really trusty guy who does great work but I always like to verify things. I got it serviced by someone else due to the terrible weather and he put 5w20 oil in it. (Graded for the engine with out the tow package.) The manual has 5w30 for the tow package vehicle. My cap also has 5w30 printed on it.
As far as my questions goes.
- In the short term is this fine for the engine until next service cycle?
- What exactly determines what IS in the tow package? Is there nuance in engine components? Or are the engines in both variants of the vehicle identical, while other drive train components are different?
- What driving conditions can exasperate engine wear with thinner operating temp oil Viscosity?
My driving conditions is a ton of express way driving, daily mild city driving, Amazon delivery packages on occasion. I do not tow typically but I cruise at fast speeds for 2 hrs minimum daily with moderate suburban driving as well. Engine idling is more prominent in the cold months but I try not to have it idle for too long before driving off. I practically live on the road sometimes. so I want to make sure, I'm making the right steps to maintaining my vehicle.
In the short term is this fine for the engine until next service cycle?Yes
What exactly determines what IS in the tow package? Is there nuance in engineEnter you VIN on a decoder website will reveal if your Highlander had a factory installed towing package. Bigger radiators and transmission coolers are obvious towing package components you can check for.. The engine wasn't altered. (Some towing packages can include beefier brakes)
The manual has 5w30 for the tow package vehicle. My cap also has 5w30 printed on it.The 2GR-FE is a solid, reliable engine. Page 442 of your owners manual states 5W-20 and 5W-30 are both recommended for use in your engine. You can safely use either viscosity but the 20W might give you better gas mileage.
In the short term is this fine for the engine until next service cycle?
Most likely if you are not actually towing. Consult your owner's manual to confirm.
What exactly determines what IS in the tow package?
Consult your owner's manual, Toyota service department, or Toyota's published specifications online.
What driving conditions can exasperate engine wear with thinner operating temp oil Viscosity?
You don't know that the 5W20 oil is too thin. Many engines today specify even thinner oils. Check out the "Motor Oil Geek" youtube channel for in-depth technical information on engine oil viscosity issues.
@chucktobias the manual states 5w20 for cars without tow package.
5w30 with. It doesn't say if an alternative is used what actions to take, like other manuals.
Manual has no information on what MAKES a town package. All I know is one has an oil cooler pipe that was recalled and the other does not have an engine oil cooler. But that's about it. What kind of Toyota sites can I find publications?
Also I'll check it.
What kind of Toyota sites can I find publications?
toyota.com
Toyota forums (find with an internet search)
Possibly youtube channels specializing in Toyota such as "Car Care Nut".