Author Topic: Oil....which one?! (Read 710 times)

erinb86 · « **on:** January 02, 2012, 11:08:25 pm »

So, I've been told now by 3 different people that I should be using 10W 30 but I've been told by 2 other people that I should be using 5W 30 mostly in the winder (can be used year round though). I just got a 2001 Toyota Echo and mainly want to get the oil to keep as a spare in the car, but I don't know which kin would be best to keep around 'just in case'. Help!

Also, the oil is fine now according to the technician who inspected it, but I am hoping to get it in for an oil change within the next month or two anyways.

Thanks!

rrocket · « **Reply #1 on:** January 02, 2012, 11:15:48 pm »

What does it say in the manual?

I ran 5W30 in my Echo. Then went to 0W30 synthetic.

Sir Osis of Liver · « **Reply #2 on:** January 02, 2012, 11:18:34 pm »

Use the oil weight specified in your owner's manual and you'll be fine.

erinb86 · « **Reply #3 on:** January 03, 2012, 12:07:57 am »

Unfortunately it didn't come with a manual, amd I am not able to call a dealership and order one until tomorrow since it was a holiday long weekend.

rrocket · « **Reply #4 on:** January 03, 2012, 12:41:54 am »

Toyota recommend 5W30 for your Echo.

Here's a pic from the owners manual

tpl · « **Reply #5 on:** January 03, 2012, 05:39:20 am »

If you go out to buy a litre then do not worry about the "SJ" or "SL" in that Picture RR posted. You'll find that the oils are now labelled "SM" with a few at "SN"

So a 5w30 SM of a reputable brand will do you. Don't bother with oils that are advertised as being good for older engines and stuff like that. That Echo engine is as near indestructible as engines can be as long as it has the right amount of oil in it! But DO get into the habit of checking your oil once a month...that is YOU doing it for yourself not entrusting the 1 minute job to a gas station guy.

erinb86 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 03, 2012, 07:19:01 am »

Quote from: tpl on January 03, 2012, 05:39:20 am

If you go out to buy a litre then do not worry about the "SJ" or "SL" in that Picture RR posted. You'll find that the oils are now labelled "SM" with a few at "SN"

So a 5w30 SM of a reputable brand will do you. Don't bother with oils that are advertised as being good for older engines and stuff like that. That Echo engine is as near indestructible as engines can be as long as it has the right amount of oil in it! But DO get into the habit of checking your oil once a month...that is YOU doing it for yourself not entrusting the 1 minute job to a gas station guy.

Wow, thank you guys so much! I appreciate the thoroughness with each answer. I guess I will be picking up a 5W 30 litre. My mom had told me 10W 30 before, but it's good to know what's actually recommended for my specific vehicle. And I have a friend coming over later that's going to show me how to properly check my oil (he used to be a mechanic) so thankfully I will be able to get into the habit of checking my own oil.

Thanks again everyone!

airbalancer · « **Reply #7 on:** January 03, 2012, 07:47:50 am »

try here http://torrentz.eu/to/toyota+echo+parts+manual-q

safristi · « **Reply #8 on:** January 03, 2012, 11:18:10 am »

S&M Oil ratings...I bet they'll take a Beating...........

richink · « **Reply #9 on:** January 03, 2012, 11:26:53 am »

Yep Toyota calls for 5w30, stick with a name brand such as Castrol, Penzoil, Mobil, etc will do the trick. I've followed manufacturer recommendations for oil type, weight & change frequency and knock on wood I have never had an internal engine issue with any of my cars.

Avoid quick oil changers such as Mr. Lube & others like the plague. There's a recent thread here on an experience where a posters g/f was hosed by one. If you don't have a trusted mechanic to look after all your beastie's needs, find one.

erinb86 · « **Reply #10 on:** January 03, 2012, 12:53:07 pm »

Quote from: richink on January 03, 2012, 11:26:53 am

Yep Toyota calls for 5w30, stick with a name brand such as Castrol, Penzoil, Mobil, etc will do the trick. I've followed manufacturer recommendations for oil type, weight & change frequency and knock on wood I have never had an internal engine issue with any of my cars.

Avoid quick oil changers such as Mr. Lube & others like the plague. There's a recent thread here on an experience where a posters g/f was hosed by one. If you don't have a trusted mechanic to look after all your beastie's needs, find one.

Sounds like great advice thanks. I've got a mechanic that my sister goes to at a chain called Tire Warehouse here in Canada. She loves them because they often undercharge if they even charge her at all. They treat her good and they seem quite reliable so yay.
I'll also probably be getting Quaker State Oil just because that's the brand my mom trusts.

KailynLaw · « **Reply #11 on:** January 03, 2012, 02:30:01 pm »

5 W 30 Mobil 1 all the way!

erinb86 · « **Reply #12 on:** January 03, 2012, 02:40:15 pm »

Quote from: KailynLaw on January 03, 2012, 02:30:01 pm

5 W 30 Mobil 1 all the way!

Is that what you use? Can I ask what you like/prefer about the Mobil 1?

mrthompson · « **Reply #13 on:** January 03, 2012, 02:46:54 pm »

Mobil 1 is a synthetic oil. As your Echo only has 125k kms, you could consider switching to synthetic oil. Some vehicles develop leaks when switched to synthetic later in life, but 125k kms is still rather low. Synthetic oil has numerous advantages over conventional oil.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil

articsteve · « **Reply #14 on:** January 03, 2012, 03:04:31 pm »

Mobil 1 is a synthetic oil

Actually it isn't. It's a "severe hydrocracked" oil.

Waste of money if you're getting it at a tire chain repair centre.

With this car I'd adhere to the KISS principle. Keep it simple stupid.

Same your money for future repairs. Change oil every 5000 kms or 6 months.

mrthompson · « **Reply #15 on:** January 03, 2012, 03:14:09 pm »

I didn't want to confuse the issue by getting severely technical.

airbalancer · « **Reply #16 on:** January 03, 2012, 03:53:06 pm »

Quote from: mrthompson on January 03, 2012, 02:46:54 pm

Mobil 1 is a synthetic oil. As your Echo only has 125k kms, you could consider switching to synthetic oil. Some vehicles develop leaks when switched to synthetic later in life, but 125k kms is still rather low. Synthetic oil has numerous advantages over conventional oil.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Synthetic_oil

It will also start easier in cold weather

Fobroader · « **Reply #17 on:** January 03, 2012, 05:34:06 pm »

As a resident of the surounding area of Edmonton who has to park outside, Id also reccomend a good synthetic oil. Better for your engine and the car will also start easier when it gets down to below -30C.

rrocket · « **Reply #18 on:** January 03, 2012, 05:35:15 pm »

^^If its that cold, best to go with a 0 weight oil. 0W20, 0W30 etc..

erinb86 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 03, 2012, 06:17:26 pm »

Oh wow, there seems to be a lot of different opinions. My question though is, really if I am getting my oil changed twice a year (not even every 5000km) would I really need to be monitoring the oil dependant upon the exact weather conditions? I mean, what if it is minus 30 for a few days but I already had an oil change (let's say they used 5W 30) and my oil is fine? I'm not sure I really understand using an oil for those type of conditions when there's some times in winter where we only have -30 for a day or two. Not to mention if my car doesn't if need oil when those times hit.

For example, it's going to be plus 7 tomorrow, but what if a few months ago I put in 0W 30 oil thinking that it would be a cold winter. How can you monitor stuff like that when our prairie winters have been so bipolar lately?

I hope this makes sense! lol