Can I run 5w-30 in my 2016 Tacoma?

Hey guys. I shipped my Tacoma from Houston Texas to over here in the Middle East (Beirut, Lebanon).

mechanics here recommend I switch from 0w-20 to 5w-30 because the weather is much hotter here.

I don’t care about warranty because that’s gone, but would I benefit from this switch? 5w30 is cheaper here. Thanks.

 

Manual should list acceptable viscosities for corresponding temperature ranges.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/engine-oil-in-extreme-hot-climate.727266/

 

Above 60 degrees you don’t need multi vis oil. I ran straight 30w (Castrol) with no troubles

 

Is it really hotter than Houston?

 

Thanks!

 

Oh yes lol

 

Per Google- the warmest average month in Beruit is Aug with 88 F as an average temp
Per Google- the warmest average month in Houston is Jul/Aug with 91 F as an average temp

I think you're fine with factory fill

 

hmmm weird. Feels way hotter here. But the summers last longer for sure. We go to the beach from may until October. Winters here are also mild.
And thanks. I’d rather stick to factory even if it’s more expensive

 

I have run full syn 5w-30 in my 3.5 since 15k miles (now at 68k) with a Blackstone report at every oil change. Every sample comes back well within spec and below for wear metals. It may be my imagination but my engine sounds quieter overall compared to my wife's Highlander with similar miles that has always had 0w-20 in it.

 

I always found the ambient temperature argument kind of funny. The engine is held at a constant temp by the thermostat, regardless of ambient. Especially if you have the tow package with oil cooler.

 

You can run maple syrup if you want, nothing stopping you.

 

No snark or attack - why haven't you moved the Highlander to the 5w-30? Just curious.

 

No snarkiness taken! I never moved the highlander over to 5w-30 simply because my wife drives a lot easier than I do. She just gets out there and goes with the flow whereas I drive a little harder and like to run through the gears combined with my truck used to spend about an hour and a half per day idling.

 

It's not when an engine is first started and wear is at its highest.

 

Sure, but even the hottest record setting day still isnt close to the full operating temp of the engine.

 

I agree but I was looking at it the opposite way. The cold... if you live in a cold environment you want a lower number on the W side for initial protection and ease of starting. If you live in a warmer environment that's not a concern.

 

You can run 5W-30 100% fine if desired. Though a ton of dudes here will get upset and berate you mercilessly for it because it defies the United States version of the Toyota Owner's manual.

 

I would run 5W-30 and never look back.

 

Do you have a copy of a non-US version for this engine? Considering this 2GR is mainly only used in the US and a couple models in China.

 

It's also used in Australia and there are owner's manuals floating around here and on the web showing it.