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Different opinions about engine oil

Have just acquired a 2002 Toyota Corolla with 75K miles on the clock. I need to make this car engine last, and since i'm told the vvT-i is a 'complicated' engine and needs frequent oil changes; I want to get the most suitable oil for it. Its a 1.6 petrol.

I rang Toyota dealership and was told that since the engine had 75K miles on it already, they would put in the thicker stuff 10w40 semi-synthetic. Castrol advised me their fully synthetic Magnatec 5W-30A1. Mobil advised me to go for fully synthetic Mobil 1 Esp formula 5w-30.

So as a novice I'm a bit confused with all this information. Would be grateful to hear of any advice from those with experience of these things. Thanks.

Reply to
john east
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What does the handbook advise ??

Has it had regular oil changes thus far?

Use the oil the book suggests in terms of grade and spec, and change it every 6 months or at about 2/3 the distance whichever comes first.

Tim.

Reply to
Tim..

If you really want it to last, go for a high quality fully synthetic oil rather than semi-synthetic. Fully synthetic oil performs better at extreme temperatures and breaks down (becomes less viscous) more slowly than mineral or part-mineral oils. I've just put some Fuchs Titan Race Pro 5W-40 fully synthetic in my Mitsubishi FTO and the difference is noticeable over the semi-synth that was in there before from Mr Previous Owner. It was expensive (around £50 for 5 litres) but frankly what difference does it really make whether your oil costs £20 or £50. It's a very small part of the cost of motoring when spread over the 6000 miles that it will be in the car for.

The only thing I would say is that the Toyota VVT-i engines are known for using oil, so check the level regularly and make sure you have a spare can of whatever you decide to put in.

Reply to
Andrew

My brother's '87 BMW 520 has just topped 250,000 miles. Hard miles too - much of it towing. The engine still performs as new. Oil changes have been when the service indicator says to - using the oil as originally specified. Definitely not fully synthetic. The engine has already outlasted the body. ;-)

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

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