If changing your vehicle's oil yourself, you'll need to decide which oil to use. This can seem a bit overwhelming, as there are so many options to choose from. So, what is the best oil to use for a Toyota Tundra? For your convenience, we brought you the answer.
The Toyota Tundra's engine, like most passenger vehicles from Toyota, operates using fully synthetic motor oil. This post focuses on newer model Tundra trucks, featuring the five best oil brands and types for your Toyota Tundra:
- Genuine Toyota SAE 0w-20 motor oil
- Genuine Toyota SAE 5w-20 motor oil
- Valvoline SAE 0w-20 motor oil
- Castrol Edge SAE 0w-20 motor oil
- Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 0w-20 motor oil
Now that we know the best five motor oil brands for your Toyota Tundra, we'll take a closer look at each brand individually. You might also be wondering what brand Toyota recommends or how often you should change the oil in your Tundra. How much oil will your 5.7L engine take? Is full synthetic motor oil worth the cost? For the answers to these questions and more, just keep reading!
The best oils to put in your Tundra's engine
Here, we'll break down each motor oil brand that we recommend for your Toyota Tundra. These are all for newer model Tundras, and are all synthetic motor oils.
If you have an older model Tundra that still operates on standard motor oil, please consult your mechanic or dealership as to what brand and weight you should be using.
1. Genuine Toyota SAE 0w-20
Genuine Toyota is the brand that Toyota dealerships will use unless you specify a different one prior to the oil change. This brand is highly rated and has been engineered specifically for Toyota engines.
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2. Genuine Toyota SAE 5w-20
If you aren't able to find the Genuine Toyota 0w-20, your Toyota owner's manual will recommend using this weight as an alternative. The manual goes on to state, however, that you should change back to the 0w-20 weight upon the next oil change.
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3. Valvoline SAE 0w-20
This fully synthetic motor oil from Valvoline contains additives and detergents that will help remove up to fifty percent more sludge. This brand works well in extreme hot or cold temperatures. Valvoline also boasts of additives that prevent wear to your engine.
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4. Castrol Edge SAE 0w-20
From Castrol, we have a fully synthetic motor oil that is heat and cold-resistant. Additives not only help to prevent wear and sludge buildup but also work to help prevent oxidation inside your Tundra's engine. This brand meets all the requirements set forth by Toyota, Honda, and Hyundai.
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5. Valvoline Full Synthetic High Mileage with MaxLife Technology SAE 0w-20
This brand from Valvoline is specifically engineered to put into the crankcase of a higher mileage truck. Seal conditioners help to rejuvenate aging engine seals from wear and leaks.
Extra detergents have been added, which will stick to oil sludge and help to remove it. The extra wear protection will keep your engine running longer and cleaner for years to come.
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What oil brand does Toyota recommend?
Toyota recommends a certain brand of oil for all of its vehicles. This brand, manufactured by Mobil, is known as the Toyota Genuine Motor Oil. For engines using synthetic oil, the most common weights in this brand are 0w-20, 5w-30, 10w-30, and 5w-20.
The Toyota owner's manual states that the Toyota Tundra should be using SAE 0w-20, as this is the best weight for this vehicle. However, at times when this isn't available, you may use SAE 5w-20. But be sure to switch it back to the 0w-20 weight at the next oil change.
The weight of oil you use will depend on the age of your Tundra, how many miles you have driven it, and the climate where you drive it.
How often should you change the oil in a Toyota Tundra?
The frequency at which you should change the oil in your Tundra will vary depending on the oil you use. Toyota says that its vehicles using synthetic oil won't need a change that often.
In fact, if you are using synthetic oil, Toyota states that you will only need to have it drained and replaced every 10,000 miles, or every 12 months, whichever comes first.
If you are driving an older model Toyota Tundra or are using conventional motor oil, you won't be able to drive as long without an oil change. Every 3,000 to 4,000 miles is the standard, with higher mileage vehicles being closer to 3,000-mile intervals.
As with anything you are uncertain of, consult your owner's manual for more information. You can also speak to the maintenance department at your local Toyota dealership or with a trusted local mechanic.
How much oil does a 5.7 Tundra take?
A 2022 Toyota Tundra that is equipped with a 5.7 engine will hold 7.9 quarts of oil. Be certain that this oil, along with the filter, is changed regularly. Doing so will keep your Tundra on the road longer and with a lot fewer problems.
Is full synthetic oil worth it?
Some people get sticker shock at the cost of full synthetic oil. The average oil change for standard motor oil runs around $35.
The cost of it will vary greatly, however, depending on the brand of oil you use and the vehicle you are driving. Some vehicles use a lot more oil than others, which will substantially impact the price you will pay.
Keep in mind the above-average price is very low compared to how much you'll pay to have synthetic oil put into your engine. The average synthetic oil change will cost between $60 and $80. Again, this price depends on the brand and how much oil is needed to do the job.
Even though the price is lower for conventional oil, engines that run off it need to have it changed a lot more frequently. In fact, standard oil should be changed every 3,000 to 4,000 miles depending upon the model vehicle and motor oil brand.
Synthetic oil, while more expensive, only needs to be changed every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, with the majority of cases trending toward the latter.
Synthetic oil also burns a lot cleaner and is much better for the environment. Therefore, it is more cost-efficient than standard oil and a much more environmentally friendly option.
In closing
Being familiar with several brand names and their attributes helps make it easier to pick the oil you'll need for your maintenance job. Changing out this oil is a critical part of routine maintenance for any vehicle.
Be sure to follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the frequency of this change, and be sure to properly dispose of the used oil and filter.
If you found this post on the popular Toyota Tundra pickup truck to be informative, be sure to check out these others:
Taking Your Toyota Tundra Off Road? Here’s What You Need To Know
What Truck Models Come In Double Cab? [Full-Size And Midsize 2021]
What oil adittive I can use in my tundra?
Has more than 200000 miles
I use sintectic oil
Please
Thanks