If you’re like most people, you probably think that all lubrication oils are pretty much the same product. But as it turns out, there are many different types of oil, and each one has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks. So, which one should you use in your Toyota Tacoma?
Toyota recommends the 0W-20 for Tacoma. This oil is designed to provide excellent fuel economy and low emissions while still providing the necessary protection for your engine. However, you can settle for 5W-20 in a pinch.
This article will guide you through the process of choosing the best oil for your Tacoma. I will also provide a few tips on how to get the most out of your oil change.
Choosing the Right Oil for Your Tacoma
Here’s the thing:
Your Tacoma’s engine was designed to run on a specific type of oil. This oil needs to have the perfect balance of viscosity and additives to keep your motor running smoothly and efficiently. This is why it’s essential to choose one that meets the specifications set forth by Toyota.
The easiest way to confirm this is to go into Toyota forums and post a question asking what type of oil other Tacoma drivers use. You’re likely to get many different answers, but the vast majority will probably favor 0W-20.
That’s because 0W-20 offers exceptional efficiency and protects car engines against wear and tear. It’s also great at preventing viscosity breakdown, a phenomenon that can be significantly damaging to the engine and other parts.
If you can’t access 0W-20 oil, 5W-20 can be an alternative. However, keep in mind that the latter is a thinker and less stable oil than 0W-20, especially at low temperatures. Still, it can be an option when you’re in a pinch, especially if you drive in temperatures in the -22°F(-30°C) to 68°F(20°C) range.
If you are not satisfied with the answers you get from forums, you can always consult your Tacoma’s owner’s manual or mechanic. This will give you a dependable answer on the specific oil type recommended for your vehicle.
Read: Why Car Blowing White Smoke After Oil Change?
How Often Should You Change Your Oil?
Most car professionals will tell you to change the oil every 5,000 miles (8046.72 km) or every three months 一whichever comes first. However, this can change if you use a lower quality oil or run into engine problems.
Of course, you should still consult your owner’s manual to get the specific oil change interval for your vehicle. But in general, you can go a lot longer between oil changes with 0W-20 in Tacoma than with most other oils.
Getting the Most Out of Your Oil Change
If you want to get the most out of your oil change, there are a few things you can do:
- Use the recommended oil type for your Tacoma. This will ensure that your engine is getting the best possible protection against corrosion.
- Try to find an oil change service that offers a synthetic oil blend. This oil mixes traditional and synthetic oils to give you the best of both worlds.
- Be sure to have your oil changed at a reputable service station. That will ensure your oil is properly filtered and that the correct amount of oil is added to your engine.
- Change the filters at the same time as the oil. This will help to ensure that your engine is getting the cleanest possible oil.
By following these tips, you can be sure that you’re getting the most out of your oil change. And as a result, you’ll be able to keep your Tacoma engine running smoothly and efficiently for many miles to come.
Read: Why Is There Oil On My Spark Plug Threads?
The Benefits of Using Synthetic Oil in Your Tacoma
I have seen this question a lot lately:
“Should I use synthetic oil in my Tacoma?”
The answer is yes. You should definitely use synthetic oil because it offers many benefits. They include:
- Synthetic oil is much better for your engine. It provides better protection and helps to keep your engine running smoother and more efficiently.
- Less engine wear and tear when using synthetic oil. Your engine will last longer. It even performs better at low temperatures than when you have traditional oil in it.
Overall, there are a lot of benefits to using synthetic oil in your Tacoma. If you’re not already using it, I highly recommend switching to a synthetic oil blend. Your Tacoma will thank you for it!
Why You Should Always Use OEM Parts When Servicing Your Tacoma?
While the Toyota Tacoma has a reputation for being bulletproof, it’s important to keep it well-maintained. This includes regularly servicing your vehicle and using only OEM parts.
OEM parts are made by the same company that manufactured your vehicle. They are specifically designed to fit your Tacoma, and they meet the high standards set forth by Toyota. I learned this the hard way.
I bought a Tacoma a few years ago, and I didn’t service it much. I figured it would be fine as long as the oil was changed regularly. But eventually, I started to notice some problems. The engine wasn’t running as smoothly as it used to, and I was starting to hear strange noises.
After a lot of guesswork, I eventually realized that I needed to replace the spark plugs. I went to my local auto parts store and bought some cheap aftermarket spark plugs. But after I installed them, the Tacoma developed a hard start as an additional problem.
I then took it to my mechanic, and he told me that the aftermarket spark plugs were causing the issue. He said they weren’t the right size and were fouling the engine. He also advised me to use OEM parts when servicing my Tacoma.
I listened to his advice, and I had the aftermarket spark plugs removed. I then replaced them with OEM Toyota spark plugs and the problems disappeared immediately. My Tacoma was running smoothly again.
Read: What Happens If You Put Too Much Oil In Your Car
What Could Happen if You Run Low on Oil in Your Tacoma?
Running low on oil is one of the worst things you can do to your Tacoma. It can cause a lot of damage to your engine, and it can be costly to fix.
When you run low on oil, your engine isn’t being lubricated properly. That can cause the parts to rub against each other and create friction. Friction creates heat, and too much heat can cause the parts to warp or melt.
Running low on oil can also cause your engine to seize up. This happens when the parts get so hot that they expand and get stuck together. When this happens, your engine will no longer be able to run.
If you think you might be low on oil, it’s important to check the level right away. If it’s low, add more oil. And if it’s empty, you’ll need to add a quart or two. It’s also good to get your oil changed as soon as possible.
Read: Can I Use 5W30 Motor Oil Instead of 5W20?
The Difference Between Synthetic Blend Oil and Full Synthetic Oil
There are two main types of oil that you can use in your Tacoma: synthetic blend oil and full synthetic oil.
Synthetic blend oil is a mix of traditional oil and synthetic oil. It’s designed to provide some of the benefits of synthetic oil while still being affordable. The ratio of conventional oil to synthetic oil varies, but it’s usually around 50/50. This information should be listed on the bottle.
Full synthetic oil, on the other hand, is 100% synthetic. It’s more expensive than synthetic blend oil, but it provides better protection and performance. Synthetic oil also doesn’t break down as quickly as traditional oil, so you can go longer between changes.
So, which one should you use in your Tacoma?
I recommend using the synthetic blend to get the benefits of both options. It may be more expensive than a traditional oil, but it’s worth every penny. When you use this oil and replace the appropriate filters, your engine runs smoothly. That trickles down to a host of other benefits like improved reliability and better gas mileage.
Read: Is Driving With a Bad Oil Pressure Sensor a Good Idea?
Final Thoughts
Toyota Tacomas are reliable vehicles, but they require regular maintenance to stay in good shape. And when it comes time to service your Tacoma, make sure to use the 0W-20 oil. This is the recommended oil by Toyota, and it will help keep your Tacoma running smoothly.
Also, be sure to use OEM parts when servicing your Tacoma. Aftermarket parts may be cheaper, but they’re not always the best choice. OEM parts are specifically designed to fit your Tacoma, and they meet the high standards set forth by Toyota.
