Recently, Toyota 0W20 motor oil has been the subject of much discussion due to a Reddit post sparked by a Project Farm YouTube video. The video claims that, compared to other brands, this OEM motor oil performs poorly in tests for anti-wear additives, detergents, or total base number (TBN). However, some voices began to question: Is this oil a subpar product, or are we overlooking something? I delved into the related discussions, combining professional insights with my personal perspective.
The Focus of the Debate
The Reddit post began with a simple question: “How bad is the original equipment oil?” The poster watched the Project Farm video, where the test results for Toyota 0W20 engine oil were not ideal. Less anti-wear additives? Lower TBN value? Weaker detergent performance? Comments began pouring in, and the discussion grew heated. Some argued that the test results were incomplete—laboratory data does not always align with real-world driving conditions. Others pointed out that Toyota 0W20 oil is produced by Mobil and may have been specifically optimized for Toyota engines.
Toyota 0W20 Motor Oil
Toyota 0W20 engine oil is a fully synthetic oil custom-produced by Mobil according to Toyota’s exact specifications. It is not just any off-the-shelf 0W20 Toyota synthetic oil—it is specifically designed to reduce viscosity and improve fuel efficiency in newer Toyota models. This is beneficial for 燃油經濟性, but the Project Farm video suggests it may compromise engine protection. No one wants to hear that their oil could put their engine at risk. But the key point is: Toyota isn’t foolish. They have always been committed to producing reliable vehicles and would never brand a product that could potentially damage an engine.
Those tests. Anti-wear additives protect metal components from wear, detergents prevent carbon buildup, and total base number (TBN) measures the oil’s ability to neutralize acidic substances. If Toyota’s oil scores lower on these metrics, does that mean it’s inferior? Don’t jump to conclusions. Reddit users make a valid point—these tests may not accurately simulate how 0W20 Toyota oil performs in actual vehicles like the Camry or RAV4. Perhaps Toyota reduced the amount of certain additives because its engines don’t require as much.
Compared to other oils
You have General Motors Dexos 0W20 oil, Honda 0W20 oil以及 TERZO 0W20 oil. They are all 0W20 synthetic oil, but they are not identical. Each is formulated for specific engines. Toyota 0W20 oil is tailored to the materials and tolerances of Toyota engines, but can you use Honda 0W20 oil in your Corolla? Of course, it might work. But that’s not what Toyota engineers had in mind.
I have spoken with many car enthusiasts who firmly believe that there are many 0W20 機油 on the market that are better than Toyota original oil, and their engines run quite smoothly. If you are looking for the best 0W20 oil for a Toyota vehicle, choosing another brand with a good price-to-performance ratio is a good option. However, you must ensure that the selected oil meets the API SN 或 API SP standards.
TERZO 0W20 Supersynth series is a fuel-efficient SAE 0W20 motor oil developed using the latest technology. It is based on specially selected synthetic base oils and advanced additives, forming a safe lubricating oil film at extremely high temperatures, with high cleaning and dispersing power, and a high and stable viscosity index. excellent shear stability, strong protection against wear, corrosion, and foaming, and very rapid cold starts at low temperatures. It is suitable for passenger car where the manufacturer specifies compliance with the 0W20 specification for gasoline and diesel engines.
From a price perspective
This is where everyone’s attention is focused. Toyota 0W20 4L is priced at approximately $70 or higher at dealerships. In contrast, TERZO 0W20 or other brands of motor oil, which contain more titanium molybdenum and PAO base oil, are only half the price. If your Toyota vehicle is still under warranty, using OEM motor oil is acceptable. If any issues arise, the dealership cannot hold you responsible for not choosing OEM motor oil. Additionally, there is a sense of reassurance for those who strictly follow the manual.
But what if your warranty has expired? You have some leeway. I have seen people use Valvoline or even Costco 0W20 synthetic oil without any issues. However, do not compromise on quality—cheap oil is not worth the risk. Every TERZO oil guarantees high-quality base oils 和 additives and provides traceability of raw materials. If your Toyota has accumulated significant mileage, you might consider switching to 5W30 for extra protection, especially in hot climates.
Should you stick with OEM oil?
After reviewing discussions on Reddit and careful consideration, my view is: Toyota 0W20 oil is by no means “substandard.” It is a reliable choice, especially within the warranty period or when following Toyota’s official recommendations. The Project Farm video did spark some controversy, but the real-world results—millions of Toyota vehicles running flawlessly tell a more complete story.
OEM oil is not your only option. There are many other 0W20 Toyota synthetic oils available on the market that can keep your engine running smoothly. The best 0W20 oil for Toyota? It’s the one that fits your budget, meets the specifications, and keeps your beloved vehicle running smoothly. TERZO, a new oil brand from Turin, Italy, is dedicated to extending engine oil change intervals, reducing fuel consumption, and minimizing mechanical wear through its proprietary TERZO Liquid Titanium-Molybdenum Oil Film Adsorption Technology, thereby extending the engine’s lifespan. TERZO rejects inferior and cheap products, ensuring base oils with standardized PAO content, and supports traceability and factory visits for quality verification.
Will you continue using Toyota’s oil or try other brands? Share your thoughts below!
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2 Responses
Let’s get down to the nitty gritty… The US government’s cafe segment has put manufacturers in a corner, demanding better fuel economy from a percentage of their fleet. As a manufacturer, you need to make your best-selling vehicles in compliance or suffer fines. You have an engine that performs well, and in one vehicle reaches the cafe requirements without issue, but that same engine is used in a truck that doesn’t meet the requirements…. Using thin oil reduces drag, and increases performance while also lowering fuel usage… This same engine outside the US calls for a different oil (5w30) What!? Wait! WHY? Toyota knows that using the thinner oil reduces the longevity of the motor, but the US restrictions force Toyota and other manufacturers to do what they have to do to meet the requirements. If you look in the owner’s manual, it states that if 0w20 is not available, you can use 5w30 until the next oil change… It’s ok, but not? READ BETWEEN THE LINES, FOLKS! USE 5W30 SYNTHETIC AND BE DONE WITH IT!
Your insights make sense, and we have to learn more so we can make better choices for our engines.