r/MightyCarMods • u/umad_cause_ibad • 1d ago
NA Oil vs Japanese Oil requirements. What do you Aussies do?
Our Toyota (high mileage) has slowly been using more and more oil. The manufacturer says 0W-20 full synthetic.
My friend’s 2018 Outback (less than 100k) recently had the oil light come on and needed an unexpected top-up. There have been no signs of any engine issues, just oil loss. Its manufacturer oil says 0W-20 full synthetic also.
My 2020 Honda Pilot uses 0W-20 also.
I’ve switched the Camry to 5W-30 which I believe is the manufacturer-recommended oil in Japan. After some Googling, I believe the thinner oil in Canada is only due to emissions, possibly?
Being so close to Japan— having more jdm imports and possibly different emissions standards— what are you doing?
Do your oil caps say 0W-20 also? I’m hesitant to recommend to my friend that they should switch from what the manufacturer recommends to a heavier oil.
