full synthetic or blend oil?

Hey guys, my first two oil changes in Washington were both full synthetic oil changes because the dealer told me that my truck takes synthetic oil. I didn't notice until today that both of the oil changes since moving to Michigan have been a synthetic blend oil. All oil changes have been done at a dealer. What do our trucks take? 2012 tacoma

 

That is pure personal preference. There is no one oil a vehicle takes. Educate yourself and then decide what you want to do.

I am starting my truck on pure synthetics because they don't breakdown as fast and thus it means I don't have to change it as often. Great for my wallet and the planet.

 

Thanks for the reply. I'm asking what Toyota recommends from the factory?

 

I have a '15 DCSB TRD OR. I spoke to my Michigan dealer about this exact question. I was told that the oil they use for the 4 cyl. is a full synthetic, and the oil for the 6 cyl. is a synthetic blend. At the first oil change - 5,000 miles I put in Mobil 1 full synthetic (of the proper viscosity), and will stay with that. I had to ask - and go through a couple of the service folks - as initially no one knew the answer. I finally got to a guy that was confident of their oil and what went in the different vehicles.

Hope this helps.

 

Check the owners manual.

I believe full synthetic wasn't recommended until the new 16'
Although, what is recommended may not be what is optimal.

 

Bought the truck used, no manual came with the truck

 

Where are you at in Michigan? I'm from Warren

 

Kalamazoo --

 

There seems to be so much confusing information out there about what type of oil is required by Toyota for these trucks. I am SURE that it varies by year/generation and engine. The following is DIRECTLY from the owners manual of my 2015 Toyota Tacoma. Hope this helps.

“Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” is used in your Toyota vehicle. Use Toyota approved “Toyota Genuine Motor Oil” or equivalent to satisfy the following grade and viscosity. Oil grade: ILSAC GF-5 multigrade engine oil Recommended viscosity:

2.7 L 4-cylinder (2TR-FE) engine SAE 0W-20 SAE 0W-20 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. If SAE 0W-20 is not available, SAE 5W-20 oil may be used. However, it must be replaced with SAE 0W-20 at the next oil change. Oil viscosity (0W-20 is explained here as an example): ● The 0W in 0W-20 indicates the characteristic of the oil which allows cold startability. Oils with a lower value before the W allow for easier starting of the engine in cold weather. ● The 20 in 0W-20 indicates the viscosity characteristic of the oil when the oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions.

4.0 L V6 (1GR-FE) engine SAE 5W-30 SAE 5W-30 is the best choice for good fuel economy and good starting in cold weather. If SAE 5W-30 is not available, SAE 10W-30 oil may be used. However, it should be replaced with SAE 5W-30 at the next oil change. Oil viscosity (5W-30 is explained here as an example): ● The 5W in 5W-30 indicates the characteristic of the oil which allows cold startability. Oils with a lower value before the W allow for easier starting of the engine in cold weather. ● The 30 in 5W-30 indicates the viscosity characteristic of the oil when the oil is at high temperature. An oil with a higher viscosity (one with a higher value) may be better suited if the vehicle is operated at high speeds, or under extreme load conditions. How to read oil container label: The International Lubricant Specification Advisory Committee (ILSAC) Certification Mark is added to some oil containers to help you select the oil you should use.

 

That fella named "Manual" seems to AWOL lately.

 

Little off topic, I just put synthetic oil, Mobile 1, into my '15 OR 4x4 DC. It sure feels like it revs more freely and also feels a little smoother. 16,500 miles on truck. Have had problems with dealership and free oil changes so I'll do them myself thank you. Would have had to pay extra for synthetic oil change anyhow. Wall Mart 5 quart jugs for $33 and have 10 filters on the shelf.
Better oil for the truck, satisfaction of job done right.

 

I just picked up 6 qts Mobil 1 at Costco. $26.99. $10 instant rebate.

 

paper or plastic?

whatever you want bro

 

What? No way!

 

In '12 the v6 got dino, the I4 got syn, from the factory.

 

Thanks TacoDan!

 

My '13 I4 came full synthetic From the factory. Go to Bobistheoilguy.com for a really good discussion on lubricants. See especially 'Motor Oil University'.

 

While that is correct, along with good advice, I'm not sure why you are quoting me?

 

Pure laziness. Didn't want to go all the way back to the beginning of the thread to quote him and give him an answer! You answered him on the '12's so I tacked on for the 2013 4 banger.