Which oil change interval? Amsoil 12k vs. Budget oil 5k

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Samuraidog, Feb 7, 2022.

  1. Samuraidog

    Samuraidog Junior Member

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    Which would you choose for your Gen 2 Prius? For the sake of argument, let's assume that cost is nearly identical.
    1. Oil change interval of 12,000 miles using Amsoil Signature Series 5W-30 + Toyota OEM filter.
    2. Oil change interval of 5,000 miles using budget brand oil 5W-30 (Supertech, Kirkland synthetic, etc.) + Toyota OEM filter
    I'm curious to know what the forum thinks is better for your engine.
     
    #1 Samuraidog, Feb 7, 2022
  2. JC91006

    JC91006 Senior Member

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    fresh oil always better, 5000 miles using budget
     
    #2 JC91006, Feb 7, 2022
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  3. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    Frequent oil changes are better than any long life oil that retains abrasive detritus and varnish.



    Cheap in spec synthetic oil from Walmart is better than any expensive oil at 5k full of abrasive particles circulating through the engine.
     
    #3 Georgina Rudkus, Feb 7, 2022
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  4. cyberpriusII

    cyberpriusII Prodigyplace says I'm Super Kris

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    I look at it a bit differently. I prefer quality parts.

    BUT     -- I also prefer taking a look around underneath the car regularly, which isn't going to happen unless I change the oil frequently,

    So, I use good parts at frequent intervals. As the radio and newspaper gurus "Click and Clack" used to say, "It's the cheapskate who spends the most."

    They also think today's "cheap" oil is pretty darn good.

    OPINION | CAR TALK: Lifetime oil-change deals sometimes come with cheap oil
     
    #4 cyberpriusII, Feb 7, 2022
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  5. Georgina Rudkus

    Georgina Rudkus Senior Member

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    The Grand Canyon was abraded and eroded by a liquid (water) bearing fine abrasive particles of sediment eroded from hills and mountains. Very little would have occurred, if rain (distilled) water was the only component running over the rocks.

    No abrasive detritus in new clean oil means almost no wear.
     
    #5 Georgina Rudkus, Feb 7, 2022
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  6. Samuraidog

    Samuraidog Junior Member

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    Thank you for this video. I've watched his videos before. At first, I didn't think this particular video was relevant, but at the end he mentioned (without specifically naming Amsoil) the long oil change intervals, so it is spot on for this discussion.

    My 2009 Prius at 183k miles on the odo burns about one quart every 5,000 miles. I realize this isn't bad, but I'd prefer it not to get worse. The last three oil changes, I changed to Amsoil and let it get to 10k miles. Now, I'm second-guessing that strategy.
    Thanks to all for the input.
     
    #6 Samuraidog, Feb 7, 2022
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  7. ColoradoBoo

    ColoradoBoo Senior Member

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    Yep, I don't know why Toyota owner's manuals suggest every 10,000 miles but they do point out extreme conditions, which is what many/most of us drive, at 5,000 miles.
    In our cars, 5,000 or 6-months. (I just changed my wife's 2017 Prius...has been 6-month and only had 2,400 miles) When I had an older Scion, over 100,000 miles, I changed it every 4-months or 3,000 miles. I'm always looking for sales when I go to parts stores and will stock up and our Toyota dealer sells 6-quart cases for a very good price (especially the 0W-16 which can be hard to find in the store.)
    Oil and an oil filter are much cheaper than having issues popping up.
     
    #7 ColoradoBoo, Feb 7, 2022
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