12 best motor oils for Toyota Corolla

Updated: 04/22/2021 15:11:12

Expert: Boris Evgenievich Kononov

*Review of the best according to the editors of expertology.ru. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective in nature, does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before purchasing, consultation with a specialist is required.

Back in 1966, the Japanese automaker Toyota introduced the automotive elite to a compact two-door sedan called Corolla. The model has undergone 12 modernizations and updates. Looking at the luxurious 12th generation Toyota Corolla, it is difficult to find anything in common with its unsightly rear-wheel drive relative. The high popularity of the model is confirmed by the Guinness Book of Records, where the car is noted as the best-selling. In order for the car to serve its owner for many years, it is necessary to change the engine oil in a timely manner. Since the automotive market offers a huge range of lubricants, it’s easy for a novice Corolla owner to get confused. Our experts will help you choose an effective oil.

Recommendations for choosing engine oil for Toyota Korola

Automaker recommendations

Toyota 0W20: characteristics, composition analysis

Oddly enough, this modification of the lubricant composition is not very popular among Russians. Most people prefer 5W30 viscosity. This lubricant can also be poured into new engines, but the Japanese manufacturer rightly claims that the best viscosity characteristics are 0W20.

By analyzing laboratory test reports, it is possible to characterize the main properties of the lubricating mixture and determine which components are included in it. IR spectral analysis provides information that the base oil is a mixture of HC synthetics obtained using VHVI technology with esters. Quite a decent cocktail!

The product has a significant drawback - it does not meet SAE tolerances for dynamic viscosity during cold cranking (-30°C). That is, in such frost the lubricant already thickens. This conclusion is confirmed by the pour point of -40°C.

The flash point is 225°C - average. This means that the lubricant still burns out in small quantities, since there are light fractions. The evaporation level of 13.2%, measured using the Noack method, only confirms the above. Sulfated ash contains 0.87% - the motor oil is low ash (Low SAPS). Recommended for the latest engines with multi-channel catalysts and soot filters. ACEA has not rated this product. But the American-Asian classifier ILSAC rated the product as GF5. The API has defined the SN category.

The sulfur level is 0.3%, which gives information about the detergent metal additive package based on calcium sulfonates. The presence of organic molybdenum (111 mg/kg) tells us about the presence of the friction modifier MoDTS, which does not occur in all lubricant compositions. Traditionally high content of phosphorus compounds (757) and zinc (851). This means that ZDDP anti-wear compounds have been added. Here, the “architects” of the oil made a compromise, forcing them, according to Euro IV and Euro V standards, to minimize the amount of phosphorus in the liquid composition. But anti-wear additives will not work effectively without this element.

Quite a lot of calcium (2246) characterizes detergent and neutralizing additives that clean the engine of unnecessary deposits. The base number (7.92) is not at a high level, so the lubricant ages faster than Long Life, so it is advisable to change it after 7–8 thousand km.

To summarize, we can say that this is a good lubricant product. What is characteristic is that oil mixtures of American and Japanese origin have very similar compositions, according to independent testing conducted at different times. But Toyota brand oils with a viscosity of 0W20 can only be used in areas with a temperate climate. Northerners will be disappointed by these lineups.

Rating of the best motor oils for Toyota Corolla

Nomination	place	Name of product	price per liter
The best synthetic oil for Toyota Corolla engine	1	TOYOTA Fuel Economy 5W-30	550 ₽
2	SHELL Helix Ultra Pro AM-L 5W-30	492 ₽
3	IDEMITSU Zepro Eco Medalist 0W-20	630 ₽
4	Castrol Magnatec Stop-Start E 5W-20	580 ₽
5	LIQUI MOLY Top Tec 4200 5W-30 HC	783 ₽
6	ZIC X9 5W-3	550 ₽
7	MOBIL 1 FUEL ECONOMY 0W-30	1 422 ₽
8	Castrol Magnatec 5W-30 A5	576 ₽
The best semi-synthetic oil for Toyota Corolla engine	1	TOYOTA SN 0W-20	570 ₽
2	LIQUI MOLY Top Tec 4200 5W-30	783 ₽
3	SHELL Helix HX7 5W-30	360 ₽
4	MOBIS SUPER EXTRA GASOLINE 5W-30	392 ₽

Original Toyota SAE 5W-40 engine oil

stable quality and preservation of properties throughout service intervals
regardless of operating conditions - maintaining functional abilities
excellent low temperature properties
Viscosity: 5W-40
Classes (API: SL/CF, SN/SM, ACEA: A3, B3, B4)

No matter how it sounds, that’s all about the tolerances for Toyota motor oils.

What conclusion can be drawn based on all of the above? Personally, I have no complaints about this brand. The marketing guys did a great job targeting driver phobias and offered them a product that would have the same name as their car. After this, someone will still have doubts about whether to fill it or not? This is how the brand flourishes...

As a result, I would like to once again draw your attention, dear subscribers, to an annoying pattern. I give 100:1, what if at the service you were offered oil from a little-known manufacturer and the same parameters were indicated as on any canister of Toyota oils. Your ears would hear a lot of shortcomings in the operation of the engine, and the service station employees would be the first sellers of Christ and liars.

Approvals: Toyota motor oils

The quality and composition of Toyota synthetic oil are subject to the automaker's rules. The film provides anti-wear properties, simultaneously performing the function of an anti-corrosion effect on engine parts during operation and during breaks. Basically, European brands adhere to this order. Automotive markets are focused more on competing for consumers by developing advanced, high-tech engines. Significant differences in design affect the composition of the engine oil.

Today this question is very relevant when choosing a quality product. The lubrication system of a vehicle is designed in such a way that various processes always occur there, affecting the engine and affecting the operation of the entire vehicle. Toyota engine oil is a primary structural element of the “heart” of the car. Its use is reflected in the engine's functions through the duration and reliability of its operation. Engine life is ensured by properly selected oil.

Oil 10w30

10w30 from the famous Toyota brand is premium motor oil. It was developed by Toyota engineers. 10w30 was created for cars of the same brand. The work was carried out with specialists from a well-known Japanese oil company. 10w30 oil has excellent antioxidant characteristics, which are accompanied by viscosity-temperature characteristics.

Toyota 10w30 oil developed for Toyota car engines

Excellent for use in gasoline and diesel engines. Therefore, it is rightfully considered a universal product. 10w30 oil ensures high-quality engine operation. The 10w30 product is available only in Japan. Its API class category is SN/CF. Packaged by the manufacturer in 4 liter or 20 liter containers.

To achieve high performance characteristics, special additives are selected in 10w30, so that even intense driving has a positive effect on its structure. The manufacturer guarantees engine lubrication even in cold weather. The 10w30 product meets international standards.

Oil 5w40

5w40 - original engine oil. Its characteristics meet modern requirements. It has excellent viscosity and excellent lubricating properties. Fluidity in the system is maintained at temperatures below zero. According to ACEA its class is A3, B3, B4. By API category: SL/CF. The product is packaged in containers of 1 l, 5 l, 208 l. It is tested by Toyota under conditions that are as close to real as possible. The tests involve “native” Toyota engines, so the lubricants of this brand have a good reputation. The product was manufactured in Europe.

Oil 5w20

Oil of the latest generation, with high quality energy saving. 5w20 is a special oil formula developed by engineers of the brand in question directly for Toyota cars. The manufacturer has calculated the correct composition of the future 5w20 oil to protect the engine in the most severe climatic conditions.

Toyota engineers have developed a special technology for oil purification. High-quality raw materials help the engine last longer without wear and corrosion. The declared Toyota product meets the requirements of the international standard. Produced in Japan. For sale, synthetic oil is presented in its original packaging - a metal container with the appropriate logo.

The role of Toyota oil cannot be overestimated. No one will refuse the additional guarantee and reliable functionality of their vehicle's engine. Toyota automobile oils are the result of a serious scientific process, thanks to which the ideal synthetic products for our cars are obtained.

Practical advice on choosing oil in a Toyota automatic transmission

The performance and service life of a Toyota automatic transmission depends on the quality of the fluid. Wanting to save money, drivers buy products from unofficial sellers and end up with fakes. Before purchasing a specific liquid, it is advisable to study the materials “How to distinguish a fake” by cap, neck, label, batch code, etc.

Read

Do-it-yourself complete and partial oil change in the Polo Sedan automatic transmission

Original oil

Until 2005, the oil in Toyota automatic transmissions was mineral Type T-IV with high viscosity at 100℃ - 7.21 cSt. The liquid is sold in plastic and tin containers:

vendor code	Volume, container
00279-000Т4	1 l, plastic
08886-81016	1 l, tin
08886-81015	4 l, tin
08886-01705	4 l, tin

Since 2005, Toyota has followed the fashion for dynamic automatic transmissions, and automatic transmissions have switched to “non-replaceable” Type WS synthetics with low viscosity at 100℃ - 5.36 cSt. The operating oil temperature increased to 130℃. If you follow the operating rules of a Toyota Type WS car, it will last 100,000 km before replacement.

Read

Complete and partial do-it-yourself oil change in the Kia Rio 3 automatic transmission

vendor code	Volume, container
08886-81210	1 l, plastic
08886-80807	1 l, tin
08886-02305	4 l, tin

The cost of original Toyota oil for a volume of 4 liters exceeds 3,200 rubles, so drivers switch to analogues. But you need to remember that you cannot mix different liquids, and change only by complete replacement.

Analogs

The following are suitable analogues for Type T-IV:

GToil GT ATF Type IV;
Idemitsu ATF Type-TLS;
Lukoil ATF Synth Asia;
Shell Spirax S5 ATF X;
Mobil 3309.

Toyota Type WS automatic transmission oil analogues:

Idemitsu ATF Type-TLS-LV;
ZIC ATF Multi LF;
Lukoil ATF Synth VI.;
Wolf Ecotech Multivehicle ATF FE.

Generation E120 (2000 - 2006)

Engine Toyota 4ZZ-FE 1.4 l. 97 hp

What kind of engine oil is filled from the factory (original): Synthetic 5W30
Oil types (by viscosity): 5W-30, 10W-30
How many liters of oil in the engine (total volume): 3.7 liters.
Oil consumption per 1000 km: up to 1000 ml.
When to change oil: 5000-10000

Engine Toyota 1NZ-FE/FXE 1.5 l. 105, 110 hp

What kind of engine oil is filled from the factory (original): Synthetic 5W30
Oil types (by viscosity): 5W-30, 10W-30
How many liters of oil in the engine (total volume): 3.7 liters.
Oil consumption per 1000 km: up to 1000 ml.
When to change oil: 5000-10000

Engine Toyota 3ZZ-FE 1.6 l. 110 hp

What kind of engine oil is filled from the factory (original): Synthetic 5W30
Oil types (by viscosity): 5W-30, 10W-30
How many liters of oil in the engine (total volume): 3.7 liters.
Oil consumption per 1000 km: up to 1000 ml.
When to change oil: 5000-10000

Engine Toyota 1ZZ-FE/FED/FBE 1.8 l. 125, 130, 132, 136 hp

What kind of engine oil is filled from the factory (original): Synthetic 5W30
Oil types (by viscosity): 5W-30, 10W-30
How many liters of oil in the engine (total volume): 3.7 liters.
Oil consumption per 1000 km: up to 1000 ml.
When to change oil: 5000-10000

What oil is needed for Toyota Camry 7 (XV50, 55)

Let's consider the suitable characteristics of motor oil for seventh generation Toyota Camry engines.

Generation 7 (XV50, 2011-2017)

SAE classification for 2.0 148 hp engine. With. (gasoline, automatic, model year – 2012-2014) – 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30.
SAE classification for 2.0 150 hp engine. With. (gasoline, automatic, model year – 2014-2017) – 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30.
SAE classification for 2.5 181 hp engine. With. (gasoline, automatic, model year – 2011-2017) – 0W-20, 5W-20, 5W-30.
SAE classification for 3.5 249 hp engine. With. (gasoline, automatic, model year – 2012-2017) – 5W-30, 10W-30.
SAE classification for 3.5 277 hp engine. With. (gasoline, automatic, model year – 2011-2012) – 5W-30, 10W-30.

Recommended manufacturers of motor oils for Toyota Camry 7 XV50, 55: Toyota and analogues.

When to change the oil

In Toyota cars, the oil should be changed regularly to prevent internal damage or damage to the engine, gearbox, and power steering. Depending on the intensity of use and loads, the frequency and duration are different.

To maintain engine performance and extend its service life, it is recommended to replace it every 5000-7500 km, but at least once a year.

It is worth separately noting the importance of engine hours in the timing of oil changes. So, 250 engine hours is the best indicator for replacement if the car is used mainly in city traffic (but keep in mind that the traffic intensity in each city is individual, so in some cases an oil change is acceptable a little earlier, for example, after 200 engine hours). 300 engine hours is the optimal value for a motor used without any load (mostly on the highway).

Using the form below, you have the opportunity to calculate the number of operating hours of your engine; to do this, simply enter the mileage from the last oil change and the average speed for this period:

Engine hours: ...

It is possible to change the engine oil after 10,000 km, but subject to moderate loads on the engine. As a rule, replacement at such an interval is acceptable when traveling mostly outside the city, and if your city/highway ratio is not 90/10 or 80/20, like most.

If for some reason you are not able to calculate the number of engine hours, we recommend using the form below, with which you can determine the optimal interval for your car’s engine. But, it is worth noting that if in your case the car is used in difficult conditions, then it is recommended to reduce the interval.

Main varieties and explanation of oil

Gf5 is a norm according to standardized ILSAC parameters, which has a special index at the end from one to five. (In this case, a five). The number five indicates a high and advanced category of products from Toyota.
SAE is a specialized standard that divides motor oils into several types. There are 17 such species in total.
S.N. According to current API standards, such an abbreviation directly indicates that the lubricant belongs to any category. The SN category is distinguished by new, several-fold improved characteristics that other oil models do not have. One of the most important and best innovations that have affected this oil is its interaction with oil seals. It should be noted that before this there was no such standard and no such norm that could be applied to both lubricants and engines.
5w. This indicator is responsible for viscosity at very low temperatures. In other words, the presence of this parameter guarantees that the engine can start in conditions not lower than -35 degrees Celsius. The letter W, which this parameter has, stands for the word winter, which literally means the term “winter”. As for viscosity at high temperatures, it will work optimally at temperatures no higher than +30 degrees.