Most car owners continue to habitually pour the so-called “universal” engine oil with the 10w40 index into cars, sometimes without even thinking: why such a wide range of oils is actually produced. After all, if you start thinking about it, you can sooner or later come to the conclusion that 0w20 oil, or with another indicator that differs from the “ordinary”, is perhaps exactly what the engine needs, especially if the manufacturer writes about it in the car's passport.
But what do these numbers mean in practice, where did they come from, and why 60 is good for the Gazelle, and death for Toyota - let's try to get an answer to all these questions.
A bit of history
At the beginning of the last century, an association was created in America, which included automotive engineers of that time. The automotive market was just in its infancy, as was the entire oil age. It was necessary to create uniform world standards from which manufacturers of lubricants could build. Depending on the SAE index compiled by the organization, the viscosity and fluidity of a particular manufactured motor oil were deciphered.
The characteristics of the oil are of key importance, depending on the region of its application, even the so-called summer and winter lubricants are separated. But this approach is not entirely correct, because it does not take into account the very structure of the engine in which fuel and lubricants (fuel and lubricants) operate, starting only from external climatic conditions.
It is this nuance that has led today to the fact that confusion has arisen in the minds of car owners, everyone understands what these numbers mean, but not everyone understands what kind of oil is needed for their car.
First digit of the index
Fluidity testing of lubricants at sub-zero temperatures is a key definition of the term product viscosity. Here is a table of changes in the maximum allowable operating temperatures, depending on the first digit of the index:
As you can see from the table, everything is quite simple. But this is only when it comes to viscosity, everything looks completely different when it comes to the issue of fluidity.
Oil flow, second digit
The second indicator, after w, which, by the way, indicates the all-weather lubricants, is designed to indicate its fluidity inside the motor. It is also called the summer index, but this is not entirely true. In addition to the external temperature at which the oil retains its properties, it also determines its consistency and ability to effectively adhere to the surface.
You can't say much about the ambient temperature, on all indexes it is 40 degrees Celsius and higher. But fluidity is a very important parameter.
The fact is that engine oil with a second index above 30 is enriched with polymer additives, which are designed to help increase its density at elevated temperatures. And this seems to be good, but not always.
Pros and cons of 0w20 oil
Strictly speaking, the specified engine oil, during various checks, confirmed the declared properties. The test of oils for fluidity and viscosity under different conditions gives an absolutely definite answer to this. But what does this mean for the end car owner?
There is no special need for such an oil for the owners of the domestic auto industry, as well as for the owners of trucks and European cars. For them, it is just important that the second indicator is higher, in this case the engine oil will be thicker, which means that it will be able to effectively fill all the necessary places with itself, increasing compression, and thereby raising the efficiency (efficiency) of the engine.
0w20 oils have their own, very clear circle in which they can be used. In an average car, they will show themselves well in the winter period of operation. Indeed, at this time, when the ambient temperature is below plus 15 degrees Celsius, the specified oil will work perfectly in the average engine of any foreign car, providing optimal lubrication, including at the time of starting the engine, preventing the parts from coming into direct contact.
But as soon as the temperature rises, there will inevitably be a need for oil, with a second index of at least 30, and preferably even 40. Otherwise, it will simply drain from the parts. Not providing reliable lubrication. After all, its viscosity at temperatures above 20 degrees Celsius is comparable to water.
But still, if this lubricant is produced, then he finds his buyer. And the answer is pretty simple. It's all about modern technology.
Japanese quality
This is how the appearance of this lubricant on the market can be explained. The thing is that recently, Japanese manufacturers have begun to make almost all cars for this brand of oil. This is due to its high environmental friendliness, consumer qualities and efficiency. But all this is true when it comes to Japanese, as well as some American manufacturers. The motors themselves, made for the specified oil, have small oil-conducting channels designed for oil with increased fluidity.
In these cars, in principle, it is impossible to use another oil, the maximum of the second index for such engines is 30. But even it is already considered extremely undesirable.
But 0w20 oils are the best option for them. With a wide range of temperature applications, high fluidity and consumer properties, such lubricants allow you to keep the engine perfectly clean throughout this service life, which is up to ten thousand kilometers.
Conclusion
It is highly undesirable to use fuels and lubricants with the indicated characteristics in old cars, it will begin to actively “leave” the engine, in addition, such a lubricant will not plug those “holes” that the oil is designed to plug in the old engine. It will not bring any benefit at all, its consumption will be amazing.
At the same time, for many sports cars, hybrids, and modern cars from Japan, this is sometimes the only option. After all, the supply system to the main units is not at all adapted to the thick polymer broth, which oil with an index of 40 boasts.
On the contrary, she needs the most fluid lubricant, which will be pumped through the system with ease and in a split second. Of course, such a lubricant will also go away in sports engines, but this is part of the work of the entire engine engineering system, which cannot be dispensed with.
So it is important to know one thing - if the manufacturer indicated this particular oil - you should not experiment, you must follow the instructions exactly, and the motor will run like clockwork. Conversely, you should not experiment by pouring such ultra-fast oil into a worn-out European engine. Unless in the conditions of a fierce Russian winter.
Low-viscosity 0W20 oil was created primarily for Japanese-made cars. It can also be used on Korean and American cars. Today, many of them use a similar product with a viscosity of 5W-20, which differs from 0W-20 in slightly weaker cold starts in cold weather.
0W20 oil is always synthetic, i.e. Formulated with Group 3 or 3+ base oils. It is extremely rare to find oils with such a viscosity in the 4th or even 5th API groups.
In Japanese cars with gasoline engines, except for forced sports cars, manufacturers have been recommending 0W20 oil since the early 2000s. Today, any gasoline car from the Land of the Rising Sun is refueled from the factory and subsequently serviced with oil with a viscosity of exactly 0W-20.
Let's take a look at the notation. The letter "W" is from the English word WINTER, i.e. winter, and the number 0 indicates the viscosity of the oil in a cold state. Subtracting the number 40 from 0, we will see that the oil at -40⁰С will absolutely be pumped by the oil pump through the engine, and subtracting 35 from 0, we will find out that at -35⁰С, a thin oil film will definitely turn in the liners without harm to the engine.
The viscosity of 0W20 oil when heated is about 8 cSt (centistokes) at 100⁰C, that is, it is 8 times thicker than water. This is a very important indicator, since engines designed for low viscosity oils, running on 0W20 oil, will save fuel without compromising such an important indicator as engine wear. On the contrary, a motor not designed for such a low oil viscosity runs the risk of serious damage, up to turning the liners. This applies in particular to older vehicles of all makes and to all vehicles from German manufacturers.
Therefore, if you are looking at an oil with a viscosity of 0W-20, be sure to check on the data sheet that it is approved for use by your car manufacturer. Good luck on the roads!
Motor fluid manufacturers have released low-viscosity oils to save fuel up to 6% and reduce harmful emissions of exhaust gases into the atmosphere. What is the advantage of such products, we suggest you figure it out by reading the review of oils 0w - 20.
A change in the viscosity of the mixture, depending on the temperature regime outside the car, affects the operation of the motor. This fact must be taken into account when choosing a car oil. For convenience, marking according to SAE 0w - 20 is adopted, it indicates the maximum allowable temperatures at which the liquid will perform its functions, and its viscosity will not reach a critical value. 0w - low-temperature fluidity index of the mixture, is -35 0 С, the number 20 is a high-temperature parameter, indicates that the oil can be used at temperatures up to +15 0 С.
In the specified temperature range, the engine fluid provides a cold start of the engine in winter and pumping the mixture through the lubrication system, protects the engine from overheating in summer. At the same time, during the operation of the drive, a low viscosity fluid provides less resistance, greater heat dissipation, high transmission of torque to the wheels from the drive, all this leads to fuel economy.
Motor mixtures 0w - 20 have a number of advantages, thanks to the additives used in them, plus their base can be:
- synthetic;
- semi-synthetic.
In addition, the parts of modern engines do not have roughness on their surface, they are perfectly smooth, under such operating conditions, low-viscosity oils provide better engine protection against wear.
You can familiarize yourself with the properties of low-viscosity motor mixtures in detail by watching the video:
Which brand to choose?
Manufacturers call products with low viscosity energy-saving. Under actual operating conditions, these fluids should be treated with caution, since the composition of their additives is very concentrated. We offer you an overview of well-known brands of oils 0w - 20.
Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy
Synthetics, characterized by stable viscosity throughout the entire service life. It is characterized by excellent anti-corrosion properties.
RAVENOL ECS
Synthetics, allows you to reduce emissions of harmful substances. Provides fuel economy and low consumption of the engine mixture.
MOTUL 8100 ECO-LITE
Synthetic fluid, has excellent tribological properties, is resistant to oxidation, reduces hydrodynamic friction.
Liqui Moly Special Tec AA
Synthetics, has good anti-wear characteristics, reduces fuel consumption, protects the engine from slagging.
BMW 0W-20 TwinPower Turbo Longlife
Possesses stability of viscosity characteristics when used in a wide range of temperatures. For its manufacture, additives with a reduced composition of substances that form ash are used.
Toyota
Synthetics, characterized by good anti-corrosion, antioxidant properties, the liquid practically does not go to waste.
Opinions of motorists
Manufacturers claim that energy-saving fluids have proven themselves in work. We studied consumer reviews posted on various sites to supplement the review of 0w - 20 oils with information on the performance of mixtures in real operating conditions. We invite you to read the opinions of consumers who used the Toyota brand.
Review 1
I had to buy engine oil, I chose Toyota because it met the tolerances. I bought it in a tin can, I read on the Internet that this product is all-weather, I drove 8 thousand km on it. and decided to make a change. I was very pleased that the mixture practically did not decrease in volume, nothing went to waste. The cost could have been cheaper.
Review 2
A week ago, in a car shop, I was offered Toyota motor fluid, to tell the truth, I don’t know what the concept of low viscosity means, but after pouring such a fluid into the engine, I immediately felt the difference, the engine began to work very quietly, I drove several hundred kilometers and noticed fuel consumption greatly decreased.
Toyota 0w-20 engine oil, which is available for Japanese cars and is also suitable for many other cars of various brands, is one of the best products in its viscosity segment. This is not to say that 0w-20 is widely popular in Russia, since more successful marketing campaigns have managed to push Japanese oil. But from this, the composition does not cease to be of high quality and relevant for many cars.
You should study in detail the characteristics of Toyota 0w-20 oil and consider its purpose. This will allow you to understand in what situations it is worth using such a motor fluid, and how relevant it is for certain regions of our country.
A little about the manufacturer
An impressive part of motorists are sure that it is the Japanese company that produces oils under the Toyota brand. This is not entirely true.
The Japanese automaker is working closely with a leading petrochemical manufacturer. By agreement, the entire line of motor oils is produced by this company.
We are talking about Exxon Mobil. This is a world famous brand that positions itself as a manufacturer of high quality automotive products. They proved their words in practice.
Exxon specializes in the production of original oils for leading Japanese brands, including:
Therefore, identifying Toyota 0w-20 engine oil with the automaker itself is not entirely correct. But the main thing here is that the composition has excellent quality and excellent technical characteristics. This allows you to use grease for refueling engines of various modern cars and. It all depends on the correspondence between the requirements of the vehicle and the properties of the engine oil.
Properties, tolerances and characteristics
This composition has its own important features. Some call the composition synthetic. This is a little misleading. In fact, Toyota 0w-20 oil is made by deep catalytic hydrocracking.
This approach allows you to get a cheaper product compared to, but its technical characteristics are not at all inferior to synthetics. This is the closest oil in terms of parameters to synthetic fluids.
A special production technology and an additive package allowed the oil to obtain tolerances and full compliance with the requirements of Euro 5. This indicates excellent quality and unique technical characteristics of 0w-20
This composition has exceptional fluidity, which contributes to the creation of a high-strength thin film on the surface of rubbing parts in the engine. As you know, all motor oils, given their viscosity properties, are divided into three categories:
- winter;
- summer;
- all-weather.
Toyota 0w-20 oil is an all-weather oil, if you look at its description. It has a low-temperature and high-temperature fluidity level, due to which the oil behaves equally effectively in summer and winter.
American experts, testing engine fluid according to API specifications, assigned this product a high SN category. Also, Toyota 0w-20 fluid was tested by the Japanese classifier (ILSAC), in which the composition received the highest performance of the GF5 class.
All this suggests that the oil has the following technical characteristics and properties:
- the composition is used for the most advanced and modern modifications of power plants;
- suitable for multi-valve engines;
- perfectly shows itself in work;
- has a low content of components such as sulfate ash, phosphorus and sulfur;
- the lubricant interacts well with modern cleaning systems;
- suitable for vehicles with advanced exhaust aftertreatment systems installed.
Given all the specifications and tolerances presented, we can talk about Toyota 0w-20 as an oil with excellent capabilities.
Characterized by high heat resistance, the composition is relevant for all-weather use. The temperature range is from -35 to +20 degrees Celsius.
From this we conclude that for individual regions located closer to the south, 0w-20 is not entirely suitable as an all-season. An increase in air temperature above +25 degrees Celsius implies a transition to compositions more adapted to hot summers. Toyota has such solutions in its assortment.
Engine oil features
With regard to Toyota 0w-20 oils, several of their main properties are distinguished, which make it possible to consider such compositions as one of the best.
This is an objectively optimal solution for cars of a Japanese company, including Toyota and Lexus. But this composition is also suitable for other machines.
The following main properties of the oil are distinguished:
- Easy start of the power plant, regardless of weather conditions. Even the composition copes with its tasks, minimizing the damage caused to the engine due to cold start.
- Effective protection in extreme frosts. Oil is able to remove heat from engine elements, pump through the entire system and envelop engine parts.
- washing properties. This helps to keep the power unit clean. Such a lubricant from Toyota does not allow soot, soot and other formations to form on the internal surfaces of the engine. The oil helps in the removal of toxins and sludge.
- Energy saving additives. An important component in the composition of engine oil, due to which it is possible to increase the efficiency of combustion of the fuel mixture and improve fuel consumption.
- The presence of molybdenum disulfide. This is a significant additive in engine oil, which allows you to protect the power unit from premature wear. This extends the life of the engine, increases the service interval.
- Antioxidant properties. Another complex of additives allows the oil to remain resistant to oxidation. It also helps to increase the period between oil changes in the engine, retains the protective properties and maintains the physico-chemical characteristics of the fluid.
This is not a good marketing ploy from Toyota. All declared properties are true, which has been confirmed by numerous studies, tests and the experience of ordinary motorists.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's say right away that looking for obvious flaws in original Toyota oils, including Toyota 0w-20 engine oil, is a rather pointless exercise.
But there is such a nuance as the presence of counterfeit products on the market. Because of it, the reputation of the oils of the Japanese company deteriorates somewhat. Although in fact, if you can distinguish and buy real motor fluids, there will be no problems with the engine.
Therefore, the main focus is on the benefits. These include:
- protection against premature engine wear;
- adaptation of the oil to different operating conditions;
- ability to resist pollution;
- antioxidant and anticorrosive properties;
- the ability to operate in difficult conditions and under extreme loads;
- rich set of specialized high quality additives;
- fuel economy;
- ensuring uninterrupted operation of the engine under load;
- oil compliance with all international quality standards;
- high temperature resistance;
- damage protection;
- extension of the interval between lubricant changes in cars;
- the possibility of using the composition for cars of different brands;
- low viscosity;
- protection against the formation of foam even under the condition of a sharp temperature drop and pressure change;
- instant creation of a dense oil film on the surfaces of the internal elements of the engine;
- the ability to seep into the most inaccessible places of the motor that need lubrication;
- property to increase the efficiency of the power plant;
- anti-burning characteristics;
- effective protection against counterfeiting (concerns to a greater extent metallized packages from Japan).
All this allows you to fill the engine with a very high-quality composition that will provide multi-level protection for your engine.
Forms of release and articles
For consumers, there are several packaging options for Toyota 0w-20 branded engine oil:
The first positions are aimed at private customers who buy motor fluid specifically for their car. Larger containers are intended, rather, for commercial organizations such as service stations, dealerships, car services offering professional oil change services.
It is important to buy exclusively original packaging. This will avoid counterfeit products, the quality of which leaves much to be desired.
Use original part numbers to search. In the case of a liter metal canister, this is the code 08880-10506. If you need a capacity of 4 liters, then the article you are looking for has the designation 08880-10505.
Remember that real Toyota branded motor oil cannot be cheap. The average price for a package of 4 liters is currently about 3 thousand rubles. If you see that you are offered to buy a canister of the same volume for 2000 - 2500 rubles, there is a high probability that you have a fake in front of you.
Which cars are suitable for
Since this oil is produced under the Toyota brand, it is logical to assume that the lubricant is suitable for two brands of the Japanese company:
- Toyota;
In addition to these passenger cars, crossovers and SUVs, including turbocharged versions, oil can be used for:
Each of the presented automakers has its own original lubricants that they recommend to their customers. The only question is that some of them are more expensive compared to oils from Toyota (Exxon). Therefore, it is not so rare for car owners to switch to alternative solutions, trusting the products of a well-known Japanese company.
Manufacturers do not just advise using only original formulations for their machines. These are specially designed motor fluids that fully comply with all the characteristics and features of a particular vehicle. Using analogues, you always take a potential risk. Even if it's from a well-known brand.
Owners of Toyota and Lexus cars should only use Toyota 0w-20 engine oil or a composition with another suitable viscosity. The experience of motorists has clearly proven that only with these fluids do engines behave most well, do not provoke any problems over a long period of operation. But the final choice is yours.
Original versus fake
If you study the entire range of Toyota engine oils, you will easily notice one pattern. Some of the oil containers are made of metal, while others are made of plastic.
This allows you to determine exactly what kind of production a particular container is. If the canister is metal, then you have a full-fledged Japanese lubricant produced in factories in this country. 0w-20 from Japan is considered a more attractive choice in terms of its safety. The thing is that the Japanese provide five-level protection against fakes for metal cans and liter cans. When buying such oils, you can be almost 100% sure that you have the original motor fluid in front of you.
Plastic containers are used in European production. They are produced in Italy and France. The problem with the plastic canister is that it's pretty easy to fake. Therefore, the bulk of counterfeit products manufactured under the name Toyota 0w-20 is in plastic.
There are several characteristic signs with which you can independently identify a fake. Just show a little patience and care. Examine the canister and take a look at the main components of the container.
- Manufacturing material. If you have an original plastic container in your hands, you will feel the smoothness, absence of roughness and the high quality of each seam. If there are rough surfaces, teeth or burrs on the containers, put the canister in place and go to another store. Also remember that the original canisters cannot be transparent. Even minor defects that sellers attribute to an easy factory defect will become a potential signal for you about fake products. It's not worth the risk.
- Label. It is enough to know what the original sticker on the plastic container should be. It is made of high quality material, has a medium-sized font that is easy to read. Each letter and symbol is clearly visible, there are no traces of paint leakage. The picture is rich, bright and uniform. If you have a well-made plastic canister in front of you, but the label does not match the given characteristics, then this is a fake.
- Cork. All original plastic packages with oil are closed with branded stoppers. They are distinguished by the presence of embossing and an arrow that shows where to rotate the lid to open it. The plastic itself is homogeneous, without damage and roughness.
- Price. This is the easiest way to detect counterfeit products. Very often, scammers, trying to quickly sell the goods and get money, until the fact of a fake has been revealed, reduce the prices of products. It becomes noticeably lower than the average market indicators. This should be alarming, since such a motor lubricant as Toyota 0w-20 simply cannot be cheap.
If you doubt that you are buying oil in the original plastic canister, it is better to play it safe, look for other stores and ask experienced car owners for advice.
The best solution would be to buy Japanese-made oil, that is, in metal cans or cans. But the problem is that such oil is not available everywhere. It has to be ordered via the Internet, it takes a long time to wait for delivery. Although there is a possibility of counterfeiting a metal can, it is much lower than the plastic European version, and tends to almost zero.
The current difficult situation with the environment in the world made experts think about the production of motor oils with the lowest possible viscosity. 0w20 and 5w20. Since 2010, manufacturers of popular Japanese cars such as Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Acura began to successfully apply them to their models, recommending them as a non-alternative motor oil. Expectations were justified, and scientists stated the fact of a significant reduction in emissions of harmful substances into the atmosphere, as well as significant fuel savings!
The fact is that low-viscosity oil lubricates all engine components faster and easier, and when starting at low temperatures, this property of 0w20 oil turned out to be indispensable. After all, scientists have shown that up to 75% wear occurs at startup, and that's a lot!
And what about hybrids? Their device is such that there is a continuous switching from the battery to the motor, and this is the “difficult conditions for motor oils” that are written about so much. The heat-removing properties of such a liquid oil are also difficult to overestimate. The reason for this is good pumpability and, as a result, cooling of parts.
The thicker the oil you fill in, the more effort the engine needs to apply to transmit torque to the wheels. Engine oil gives SAE 0w20 up to 1.5% fuel savings, even when compared with the viscosity of 5w30!
The design feature of the new engines is such that the gaps between the rubbing surfaces are minimized, and porosity was removed from them and made smooth to the level of a mirror. That is how the need arose for the most liquid engine oil with a viscosity of SAE 0w20.
Arguments from Japanese manufacturers in favor of a motor 
oils 0w20:
- Every day there are more and more high-tech Japanese cars where low viscosity engine oils are needed.
- Early models of Toyota, Lexus, Honda and Acura, where 5w30 oils were prescribed, will be automatically converted to 0w20 oil viscosity
- Honda recommends 0w20 oils for its engines without additional requirements
Honda 0w20 
Honda 0w20 oil belongs to the original oils of the manufacturer of the car of the same name. Honda's specially formulated oil will provide maximum fuel economy and pumpability at different temperatures. Suitable for any vehicle where the viscosity of this class is indicated. The exception is sports cars. Honda 0w20 synthetic engine oil is bottled by Idemitsu at a plant located in Japan from group 3 base oil.
Designed for gasoline engines
Due to its fluidity, Honda 0w20 oil will provide reliable protection of the power unit from high temperatures. Excellent start in cold weather
Characteristics of engine oil 0w20:
ILSAC GF5
API SL SM SN 0w20 honda
Toyota 0w20 
Oil Toyota 0w20 refers to original engine oils. Created for modern engines of this automaker. When using oil 0w20 Toyota, the level of toxicity is reduced as much as possible, the level of fuel economy is significantly increased. The excellent washing properties of Toyota 0w20 oil will prevent carbon deposits and deposits from remaining on the walls of the engine cylinder.
