I just got my car back from service for 20,000 miles. According to my invoice they used S5W30 oil, i.e. Synthetic Oil. I've heard repeatedly that the Prius Gen II requires non-synthetic oil. Now, this is my first time using that auto shop and they claimed to be one of the regions' experts in hybrids (which I believe) - there are a lot of Priuses here. Do I have a problem? Should I go back? I am slightly worried...
The G2 Prius does not require non-synthetic oil. It does require use of 5W-30 viscosity oil which can be synthetic or not. Use of other viscosity oil is at your risk. Heavier weight oil may lead to no-start situations in cold weather. Lighter weight oil may result in oil consumption in very hot weather.
Thanks Patrick, I think you mean "does not require synthetic oil" though, right? I just thought I remembered hearing otherwise from the dealer when I bought the car...I dont know why...
You can use synthetic or non-syn oil, as long as it meets the viscosity and other requirements listed in the owners manual. I have been using syn oil (Mobil 1) since the second oil change (~ 10k miles) and many others use syn oil too.
My car's mileage increased by ~4mpg when I switched to Mobil 1. I have been using it since I got the car.
Mobil 1 for me too, since the first oil change. I have oil & filter changed with tire rotation every 5k miles, which is more often than Mobil 1 really needs, but what the heck.
"I have oil & filter changed with tire rotation every 5k miles, which is more often than Mobil 1 really needs, but what the heck." It never hurts to change the engine oil. Treat it as a "flush" especially after a long trip. What filter do you use?
According to Toyota the GEN2 can use any of the oils listed on this application chart. I have been using 0w20 Toyota oil or Mobil 1 from the first oil change in my 2008 now at 80,000miles and uses know measurable oil between oil changes at 10,000mile intervals
