0W-8 Motor Oil: Too THIN to Trust? Let's Find Out!

How thin is 0W-8 motor oil? Toyota now calls for 0W-8 motor oil, which was only recently approved for use by the API. Can it actually protect the engine? Do Toyota dealerships actually install 0W-8 when they do the "free" oil changes? In this video, we put used oil analysis to work to get the answers to those questions, and the results are quite shocking!

Speaking of thin oils, we also took a sample of the CVT fluid from the transmission as well, so check out those results at the end of the video.

At both oil changes, the Toyota recommended 0W-8 was not yet available because the American Petroleum Institute (API) had not yet approved the use of 0W-8 oils in the US.

Now that it is time for the first "free" oil change at the dealership, are they going to use the Toyota 0W-8 oil? By taking a sample of the oil from the engine AFTER the oil change with a vacuum extraction pump we find out!

Since we are talking about oil changes, here are some links to previous videos on oil filters and oil change procedures:

Should you pre-fill an oil filter?

For a deeper dive into the science of lubrication, check out my good friend Rafe Britton's channel @LubricationExplained

Who is the @themotoroilgeek? I'm a Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers Certified Lubrication Specialist and Oil Monitoring Analyst (I've maintained both of those for over a decade). I also worked for Joe Gibbs Racing for 12 years as their lubricant specialist. During that time, we worked with Wix Filters (one of our sponsors) to test and develop filters for our race engines. We also worked with Lubrizol and Chevron-Phillips Chemical to test and develop oils for our race cars. Following that, I was the head of R&D for Driven Racing Oil. During that time, I formulated and tested over 50 products. We also worked with Cummins, Comp Cams, Oak Ridge National Labs and General Motors on various R&D products. Those efforts are recorded in peer reviewed white papers published by SAE International and ACS Sustainable Chemistry journals. I also own and operate SPEEDiagnostix, which provides used oil analysis.

#oilchange #motoroil #syntheticoil #engine #0w8 #cvttransmission

[greggc]

Toyota tech seeing Lake come in with his daughter's car-"Oh man, we better use that 0W-8 on his because he is going to analyze it for sure". LOL

[arthursmith]

It’s always 10, 000 miles when the dealership pays. It’s 5, 000 miles when it’s on your dime.

[rodmorgan]

What a great dad you are, looking after your daughters car like this. 😊

[TheRichardF]

No speculation on this channel, all science. So many myths that have been engraved in our minds for decades regarding engine oil and you are dispelling them. Excellent work Lake.

[Nickrioblanco]

As far as I know the CVT Transmission fluid cannot be completely drained from the drain plug. Additionally from the evidence I've seen the transmission fluids only last about 60, 000 miles at most. They go from red to black so I don't believe the story about them never needing to be changed. I also believe there should be a law against making the fluid level so difficult to check it's almost impossible for the owner.

[nicholaspetre]

Mr. Lake Speed, Jr., please continue your measurements with this vehicle and this 0W8 oil. The whole world is looking at you and looking forward to the next video. This is super interesting.

[ryanb]

I have the same 0W-8 spec’d car that I took to the dealer for the free ‘Toyota Care’ service and I asked the service advisor what oil they put in it. She didn’t know and had to ask her colleague who said 0W-20. I said “Are you sure, because the sticker on the engine says 0W-8.” She said “We don’t have that but can use 0W-16 if you want” So I walked over to the dealer parts counter, who had 0W-8 sitting on the shelf. Thankfully he told the service advisor they could use it for my car.

I’m guessing the average customer gets whatever oil is most convenient for the dealer. When someone comes in and hands them an oil sample bottle to use I bet they call the boss, who tells them to make sure and use the good stuff on this one!

[LamNguyen-dyep]

I have the 2024 Corolla Hatch. The American manual states to use 0w-8 and 0w-16. However the Australian manual says that you can use 0w-16, 0w-20, 5w-20, 5w-30 and 10w-30. From what I read, the lighter oil slightly increases fuel efficiency which is required by US law

[fredygump]

I appreciate the confirmation that the manufacturers know what they're doing. I hear so many people accuse manufacturers of giving bad advice to make you ruin your engine so you have to buy a new car. I bet what is actually happening is that people use cheap oil and then run it for 10k+ miles...

[TrollinCrazyRussian]

*clutched my heart and winced after reading "-so it's time for the first free oil change at the-" and not reading "i did first oil change super early due to engine break in shavings" edited: thank god right after i continue playing the video i found out you changed it twice already.

[tomtom]

It's truly a breathe of fresh air to see someone with a channel that has actual scientific data to explain what is happening instead of speculation and conjecture. Would you ever do an episode or maybe even a series on engine oil additives? Specifically Liqui-moly Ceratec. Thank you : )

[meeder]

In the Netherlands the Toyota dealerships do not use 0W20 in the RAV4 Hybrid (2015-2018). They all fill them up with 5W30. 5W30 is also approved by Toyota but for the lowest fuel consumption the factory advises 0W20...

[PeterHernandez-lgeh]

Just watched you on Dave's engine shop in utah. Great advice

[tomwagner]

One of your early subs. I love your videos. We bought a 2024 Corolla Cross and followed your advice. First oil change at 1, 000, second at 3500. Going for our first dealer service and we will do an oil analysis and CVT analysis. Thank you so much!

[thedefenestrator]

Toyota tech here; The transmission has a special process to checking the fluid level at a specific temperature range after fill up. It’s VERY specific, so they don’t include where to find the plug because they don’t want the owner to mess it up, which would be very easy.

[chrisbarnes]

I still remember using W20-50 Duckhams Q in early Minis in the 60’s, the oil was green in colour.

[EnthusiastsGarage]

Lake is doing a great job bring many oil myths to light. I threw him a shout-out on my channel and I’m in the process of doing the same mileage test on Costco oil.

[CavGT]

My 2022 Ram with the HEMI is specced to run 0w20. After 30, 000 miles of 5, 000 mile OCI, it developed a tick at cold start. No. I swapped it out to 5w30 and started doing all of my own oil changes. The cold start tick disappeared and I have not seen any measurable drop in fuel economy(average 21-23 mpg on the highway, hand calculated). I’m convinced that, for this vehicle, 0w20 is just for that slightly improved fuel economy for EPA ratings.

[joe]

It would be very interesting to get your take on the new Valvoline restore and protect. It claims to be the only oil that actually removes deposits. If it does what it claims, it would be great to clean coking from oil control rings on DI engines.

[genehart]

Way back when, I used 20w50 oil in everything and it seemed to work great. Over the years it has been hard to adapt to the ever-thinning viscosities. I am struggling with the 0w20 requirement in my newly-purchased 20011 FJ Cruiser and now they come along with ow8! Your extensive testing is helping this aging gear head adapt to a new reality.