It is time to take our 2021 toyota certified highlander in for a service. It only has about 12k miles on it. We got it about a year ago. So not many miles. I believe Toyota service uses a bulk synthetic oil, no? Is that sop for dealerships on newish rigs. What happened to Toyota's own oil?

Thanks guys.

Toyota’s branded oil sucks compared to many other synthetics.
https://youtu.be/k60C6WYyvtU?si=fd0YP_2-G72-571E

Your Highlander should call for 0w-20 full synthetic. Toyota’s Ow-20 full synthetic is made by Mobil. It is essentially Mobil 1 made to Toyota’s specs. In fact, Toyota’s spec has Mobil add more Molybdenum which is an anti-wear agent. Project Farm is not the be all end all.

Use the Toyota full synthetic with confidence.

We trade for a new 4 Runner every other year or so. Toyota does all of our maintenance and I’ve never had an issue with the oil they use.

As a matter of fact, they only change the oil every 10k and it always looks ok when I check it.

But, full disclosure, we don’t drive it hard.

Thanks guys. I do not think there is a standard across Toyota service on the oil they use. For some reason my Toyota dealer told me at one time iirc they used a generic brand. Cannot remember the name. But that seemed odd to me.

Most dealers use bulk oil the same as 10 minute oil change places.

As long as the oil meets Toyota's spec's and a quality filter is used there should be no issues.

The brand they use is likely what distributors are available in their area.

The Toyota dealer I used for many years uses bulk Pennzoil synthetic. They used Mobil 1 prior to that. Various grades for different vehicles, but I know the 0W20 were these two

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
As a matter of fact, they only change the oil every 10k and it always looks ok when I check it.

Do they change the oil filter at the 5,000 mile service interval?

quote:

a bulk synthetic oil,

What is your definition of, "...a bulk synthetic oil,..."?

If you mean anything in a 500 gal drum, that would not mean a decrease in quality.

If you mean anything not in single quart containers is inferior to the same product in a 500 gal drum, that is incorrect.

If you mean Mobile 1 in an unbranded 500 gal drum is inferior to any sort of Mobile 1 branded container, that is also incorrect.

"Bulk" container oil is not inferior as long as the product meets the procurement specification.

Bulk container oil means labor costs and waste are reduced.

quote:

Originally posted by Edmond:

quote:

Originally posted by jljones:
As a matter of fact, they only change the oil every 10k and it always looks ok when I check it.

Do they change the oil filter at the 5,000 mile service interval?

I don’t *think* so? I think they just rotate the tires and turn off the service light.

Yes, oil talk can become a ‘religion’. Look at how difficult it is to create a new refinery. Just like auto batteries, it’s a matter of ‘relabeling’. Often at the most it’s a few ‘additives’, added.

I don’t see where the Toyota, Honda, or whoever refinery is located? I see ‘Warren’ oil Co., and others.

I like to cross reference, get what makes sense, do the easy maintenance.

Just saying, that ‘Yamaha oil’ is not likely to be made by Yamaha.

I have no doubt that whatever oil a Dealer uses it has to meet the required specs .

quote:

Originally posted by selogic:
I have no doubt that whatever oil a Dealer uses it has to meet the required specs .

and is the most economical deal they can negotiate. I doubt dealers have the equipment and expertise to be able to verify that the oil they are delivered meets any kind of specification at all. The dealer is at the mercy of their supplier, if they even care.

Nor do you know that whatever source the utoobers use is the same as that of the dealer, or is what is on the shelf of the local Costco.

The one thing you can be sure of is that if someone can make a dime on a deal, they will try to do so.

quote:

Originally posted by LS1 GTO:


What is your definition of, "...a bulk synthetic oil,..."?

If you mean anything in a 500 gal drum, that would not mean a decrease in quality.

If you mean anything not in single quart containers is inferior to the same product in a 500 gal drum, that is incorrect.

If you mean Mobile 1 in an unbranded 500 gal drum is inferior to any sort of Mobile 1 branded container, that is also incorrect.

"Bulk" container oil is not inferior as long as the product meets the procurement specification.

Bulk container oil means labor costs and waste are reduced.

Absolutely right. They are buying oil in bulk. Oil trucks won't even deliver less than 150 gallons. A busy lube & oil department will go through that fairly quickly. If you buy ammunition in bulk (case or more at a time), is it of lesser quality than the same ammo packaged in individual 20- or 50-round boxes? No.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: egregore,

During the first 2 years of Toyota's prepaid services they change the oil at 10K mile intervals.

Once you go to "Customer Pay" oil changes then they go to a 5K mile recommendation.

Difference between "Normal" and "Severe" driving conditions. Some magical change depending on who is paying for it.

My Toyota dealership pays for all my oil changes at 5K.

The Toyota branded 0W-20 made by Exxon/Mobil has an excellent reputation on Bob Is The Oil Guy. It is rated for extended intervals of 10k miles. I ran it for 10k in my Tundra, then sent a sample to Blackstone for analysis. Paid extra specifically for a Total Base Number to check the additives remaining in the oil that offset the acids as byproducts of combustion. The number was 2.7 after 10k miles and Blackstone’s comments was that was a very good result and I could continue to use the oil if I chose to.

Toyota sells their branded oil in 55 gallon drums for bulk distribution. I’ve seen a few dealers use it, others that don’t and some that hide that fact. I have service receipts from the prior owner stating Toyota brand oil was used by their dealer, but who knows? I do it myself or supply the oil these days to make sure. I experienced the same issue with lubricants for the differential and transfer case. Dealers were not even using correct lubes for the application as specified by Toyota.

Thanks guys. Not great news to be honest. As it seems like a bit of a freeforall. Which owners deserve better.
Again, I appreciate all the feedback. You guys are the best there is when it comes to knowledge on so many topics. It is amazing.

ORC this is not an area that Toyota dictates for dealers. So your best strategy is to ask specifically what your dealer will be using for oil if you come in. If you don't like it just bring your own. This is not complicated.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Thanks guys. Not great news to be honest. As it seems like a bit of a freeforall. Which owners deserve better.
Again, I appreciate all the feedback. You guys are the best there is when it comes to knowledge on so many topics. It is amazing.

Which part is the bad news? You don’t know what they’re using other than its bulk and I can’t tell if you know what you want. What do owners deserve that’s better? Communication is key here, provide the dealership your expectations then, based on their response decide if their proposal meets them.