Is it safe to use 5W-20 or 0W-20 in a Lexus ES250?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Andrew Allison Adams
  • Start date Start date
A

Andrew Allison Adams

Guest
I have a 1991 Lexus ES250
It has the same 2VZ-FE 2.5L V6 engine as the V6 Camry of the time

The book recommends
5W-30 for up to 50 F
10W-30 or 10W-40 above 0 F

I know that Toyota recommends 5W-20 for newer cars
Ford not only switched to 5W-20, but they even retroactively recommended the switch for cars as far back as 1991!

The controversy is that some people don't believe that the 20 is enough to protect the engine.

I was interested in using Mobil-1 0W-20 Advanced Fuel Economy to save gas. Currently, I'm using Mobil-1 High Mileage 10W-40. Temperature around me almost never gets below zero, but does often go above 50.

I need something for all year round since I only change my oil once a year. I don't drive 15000 per year, and yes I know I don't have to change it every 3000 miles!
my engine is running fine

not leaking or burning any oil
my engine is NOT consuming any oil
 
the 20 is recommended by several companies so do not worry about that but the 020 i have only seen used in a hybrid engine for a honda. if you were using 1040, then 020 is not the direction that you want to go to slow oil consumption. 1040 should do it or 2050 if you have severe issues.
 
oil starts at W5 when cold start
when it gets hotter go's to W6 and up
W5 - W20 stops going up at W20
what if you need W21
W10-40 it starts W10 ends at W40 when hot
go with 10W-30
alaska 5W for cold cold starts
hope this makes senses to you
 
Personally in that age of a car I would use Mobil 1 5W-30 extended drain interval, it has a better additive package than the regular 5-30. But if the engine is basically sound you are safe to try the 0-20 Mobil 1.
 
Personally in that age of a car I would use Mobil 1 5W-30 extended drain interval, it has a better additive package than the regular 5-30. But if the engine is basically sound you are safe to try the 0-20 Mobil 1.
 
Back
Top