Hello-- My car is less than a week old. My salesman told me that my 2010 Prius III has conventional oil in it. However, one of the sales managers said all 2010's come with synthetic from the factory. Is there a way to tell before I run up the miles on this newbie? The pamphlet with the owner's manual says it has synthetic oil as well. I don't know the advantages of going to synthetic, but I know you can't switch over later--right? Also, do the new Prius models need to be broken in before your MPG becomes stable? Thanks! Fred
stream gave the actual answer. All indications are that it is a synthetic from Nippon Oil. On my first Camry purchase, the salesman pointed to a fuel filter with the hood open and mentioned that they positioned the "oil filter" for easy replacement. You have the same salesman or a close relative. I do not know of a 0W-20 non-synthetic, but I have not looked hard. The big advantage of a good synthetic is longer intervals between oil changes. As long as it is a certified 0W-20, you will have no problem. Switching is not a problem as long as it 0W-20. No, I have a 2001, 2007, and 2010 (between 4 drivers) and the great mpg is good from the very first mile. However, there is a slow improvement as the driver learns how to drive to get max mpg. THAT's what takes breaking in.
the only oil you can use is synthetic. that's because the only oil you can use in the prius is 0W-20. The only 0W-20 sold anywhere are synthetic oils. yes synthetic oils are better than regular oil, so you can run to 10,000 miles no worries.
Thanks everyone. The service manager at my dealer said this is a very confusing issue that comes up all of the time with the sales staff. Now, I need to learn how to drive this car.
