Hey, I got a two year old car, took it to the mechanic. They used semi synthetic 10w30 oil. The service book recommends full synthetic 0w20 oil. The service book says it can go as high as 10w30.
I just assumed they would use the recommended oil. Should I go all Karen on them?
Yeah true. But this it a 2 year old car with 60k on it.
Oils ain’t oils
Do you understand the principles behind why oils are recommended and what the differences actually equate to?
Legitimate questions, not having a dig.
Not really . But i asked toyata and they were like the non synthetic will cause carbon build up. So just annoyed me they tried to save $10 on me. Would think they would ask me first
What model is it? Unless it's a Supra, then I wouldn't worry.
Buy your own oil and give it to the mechanic next time; what are they charging for it?
Thats what i wanted to do but they always get shitty at you when you try it. I go to the mechanic expecting to pay for labor. But there consumables are always like 100% mark up. They charged me $80 for 4 litres on semi synthetic. Thats like $40 max at supercheap.
Its not ideal to use a semi synthetic for a fully synthetic car, but one service interval won’t kill it. (Assuming its a Corolla or similar)
If you’re worried, get a oil swap a little earlier then your 10k or 6/12 month interval.
But it’s seriously not a huge issue.
Should of just spent the extra 100 buks and got it serviced at toyota. Dealer stooged me when i got it . Didnt tell me it was a ex retal car that doesnt include capped price servicing cause it was brought in some fleet deal. Liars told me it was a private trade in. Should of known when a 1 year old car had 50k on it
@OzBozo: And the dealer will also just use the cheapest oil they can get their hands on …
Dealer service does not equate to "quality" …
Machanic
I'd use a mechanic next time then.
10w30 probably more suited to Aussie conditions.
Semi synthetic, with consistent oil changes, should not be an big issue.
The service book says it can go as high as 10w30.
So the problem is ???
They used semi synthetic 10 w 30 oil.
The service book says it can go as high as 10 30.
Should u go all Karen in them?
For what? Using something the service book says you can use? Yeah nah…..
If you want 0/20, then next time ask for that.
What's the car, make model engine etc….
You do know there is WAY more to oil that just the viscosity.
just make sure it's the right one next time or even next couple oil changes. newer toyotas rav 4 etc, specifically went "lower" in weight. Someone on here who had problems getting it done at Toyota: https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/710152 From what I read elsewhere, just means increased startup wear, warming up and going easy should help. Theory is that the real cause of failures is "driving style" + thicker oil over years. Full synth is something like 30% more mileage.
You are fine. But make sure you change oil at 10,000 km, not 15,000 km normal interval. Semi-synthetic oil normally lasts only 10,000 km. The long polymers in semi-synthetic oil get broken due to heat over time. It's nothing to worry about, it's fine once. Once the engine is worn, the piston rings will have slightly higher clearance, that's when 10w30 does the job. Thicker oil will fill the seal piston rings better.
Why didn't you go to a Toyota dealer for a car that is only 2 years old? your services are capped.
If you want to buy OEM oil, many Australian Toyota dealers are on eBay now. Ryde Toyota, Sydney Toyota, Phil Gilbert Toyota and Nunawading Toyota (that's all I can remember).
Oh didn't see that :)
Oils are just oils.
They are as different to each other as brands of petrol are.
As long as you use about the same rating oil, and the right octane petrol, it makes damn all difference.
Are you saying the Semi v Full Synthetic is the same Rating, or referring only to the 5W or 10W/30, as per the OPSs question?
The mechanic knows what they are doing. They may have saved your intake manifold, turbo, and intercooler from being coated in oily soot that will need full disassembly and cleaning in 100k km time. Using such a thin oil increases oil blow-by and recirculation.
HHmmmmmm
Auto engineer vs grease monkey
I know whose opinion / expertise I prefer
An auto engineer whose directive is to pass strict economy and emissions regulations, not considering long-term reliability beyond warranty periods? I've always used the thickest oil that is specified for my vehicles. I've got 280000 km on my X5 using the thickest in spec oil (LL-04 5W40).
I think this is a common Corolla (not a GR), there is no turbo or intercooler. I'm sure this car has a Toyota Dynamic Force engine, so uses both port and direct injection. Less deposit in the intake manifold, compared to direct injection engines.
https://global.toyota/en/mobility/tnga/powertrain2018/engine…
I think the OP should clarify his main issue; Semi Synthetic v recommend Full Synthetic oil used, or the Viscosity as the issue or both.
Then look for and read the fine print. The maker may recommend a type/grade of oil, but what are the minimum requirements allowed?
More information required please.
From memory cars can take a variety. My audi was on 175,000k's and I had a Polish mechanic use a slightly more viscous oil other than the 5W-30 that was recommended from factory as it decreases the likelihood of oil pushing past the rings as the pistons/cylinder walls age and wear.
There is logic to it.