98 Corolla Oil type ?

dnme

I am sorry to ask this again.

Here's the question.....What type of oil should I put into my 1998 Toyota Corolla during a service oil change? It's a 1998, 4EFE 1.3L Tiltback

The reason I ask is because I am getting conflicting information everywhere. The manual says 5w/30, Halfords say 10w/40. Haynes manual says 10w/30 and you good folks have said 10w/40 here in the past.

Which one should I go for? and why are there variances in the recomendations? Would it be a big deal if I got it wrong?

I'm very grateful for all the help you folks give here. Many thanks for any help you can give me on this matter.

woody33

A quick google found this from "Corolland"
Toyota recommends 5W30 for its four cylinder engines in most temperatures - see your owner's manual for details on when to use different oils. We found that 5W30 reduces engine noise during the winter.

irelandspurs

Guessing 98 with high mileage,so i'd stick 10w/40 in, 5w/30 to thin for high mileage cars

biko

For any 10+ car I'd use 10/40 but that's me.

dnme

dnme wrote: »

The manual says 5w/30, ............Which one should I go for? .

I'd go with the manufacturers recommendation unless it's currently burning oil or something in which case I'd go for the 10w40.

dnme

OK so even in the replies here, there are variances. The car has 130k miles on it. It's not burning oil, runs a treat etc. It was in a shed for three years before I bought it last year. In that time I have had it serviced twice just to make sure the oil was thoroughly refreshed. (I never thought to ask the garage what oil they were using).

So how do I decide which oil?
Maybe if I had a little knowledge I could make an informed decision. So tell me what do the numbers mean?

5w or 10w - what' does this mean?
/30 or /40 - what does this mean ?

Again many thanks to you all. I just wanna start servicing the car myself and don't want to do it any injustices.

irelandspurs

I think the first number is the thickness of the oil when cold which helps when starting the car and the second number is the thickness when hot,or something like that.
I'd stick with the 5w/30 if thats what manual says.Just check if it needs part or fully synthetic
http://www.ehow.com/about_5240799_10w40-stand-oil-containers_.html

dnme

That's another thing, I was wondering if I can put in semi-synthetic ? I have no idea what is in it now.

irelandspurs

Best bet would be to ring toyota dealer and ask them you'll know for sure then

USE THE OIL THAT IS RECOMMENDED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL

dnme

RoverJames wrote: »

USE THE OIL THAT IS RECOMMENDED IN THE OWNERS MANUAL

Jesus that's just so dam offensive !!!

It's the right answer though
Simple answer to a simple question.

dnme

Like I said, it was a HUGELY offensive response. Here's an idea, just stay away from my thread if all you can do is scream at me.

sure work away so and throw whatever you want into it

robtri

i am with rover james on this....

if the car running fine, then use the the manufacturers spec oil......
it really is that simple...
they made the engine, they know whats best for it....

not halfrauds

dnme

The manual says

10w/30 or 5w/30 depending on temperature. I just visited my local autoparts and they say 10w/40. So I rang a Toyota garage and they also say 10w/40.

So, there is ambiguity. It's not just a simple case of RTFM. I'm going for 10w/40.

To those that helped me, many thanks as always.

irelandspurs

where are you based

Alanstrainor

dnme wrote: »

Jesus that's just so dam offensive !!!

Easily offended much?

I'd agree with RoverJames tbh.

dnme

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Easily offended much?

I'd agree with RoverJames tbh.

You think I over reacted to someone screaming at me? Janey, I am fairly easy going or at least I thought. Just that when someone shouts at me, I tell him that it's offensive. I did not retaliate. And bear in mind that Toyota themselves disagree with him anyway.

No I'm not easily offended much. I just like to treat people with basic respect and expect the same back. Bu hey - thanks for your input.

dnme

irelandspurs wrote: »

where are you based

Co. Sligo, irelandspurs

irelandspurs

dnme wrote: »

Co. Sligo, irelandspurs

I would of give you a hand if near me.

dnme

irelandspurs wrote: »

I would of give you a hand if near me.

Extremely grateful for the offer. I'm gonna wait til after the Christmas anyway until all the snow etc is away. I'm also gonna do pollen filter and rear brake shoes. I'm near Ballinafad so if you ever wanna drop in for a cup of coffee feel free.

Thanks again