Lol, yup! Best was people's reactions when they found out this happens...regularly.

Redline has always been my favourite, but I need to check if it passes latest 4 runner oil specs.

If I remember correctly Redline recommends 5w20 for 5th gen engines.

The 4Runner doesn't show up in their database.

and that would be the wrong oil...

You can’t find the 4Runner in their oil selector and you know more than Redline about what specs their oil meets. Ok.

5w-20 is fine. In Puerto Rico you can run 10-30! Valvoline makes a nice Synth 5w-20 in a 5 qt jug at Wallyworld if you don't like Mo1.

I rechecked the manual and yep, in Puerto Rico it states 0w20, 5w20, 5w30, or 10w30 are fine.

...and they all typically follow the same flow...

Yep, that stood out like a sore thumb the first time I read my manual. And I have no doubt they get the same engine we get in the states.

I think the manual states they can use up to a 15W-40 there. Pretty interesting.

Actually I do. From the 4R manual:

If SAE 0W-20 is not available,SAE 5W-20 oil may be used. However, it must be replacedwith SAE 0W-20 at the next oilchange.

Sure. If you are in Puerto Rico. There is probably a different recommendation if you are in Siberia.

NC is in Puerto Rico?

The bottom line is that the automobile manufacturer sets the requirements and it would be foolish to follow the recommendation of a boutique oil company when it differs from those requirements.

The problem with boutique oils like Redline is that they haven't been certified to any standard. They say "our oil is recommended for use in XYZ that requires the ABC standard" but they fail to point out that it isn't certified.

It is immaterial if the oil actually meets the specs because if you do have a lubrication issue, then Toyota won't say "let's analyze the oil to see if it meets the specs", they will say "it isn't certified to meet our specs. Here's your bill for a new engine."

Will 5w20 oil (outside of PR) make your engine blow up? I'm 99.21% sure that it won't, but why? It isn't as if the correct 0w20 is hard to find or expensive (probably cheaper than redline). In these engines you could probably run maple syrup and all would be well, but your warranty won't be happy.

Or, I guess if your engine does blow up with 5w20, then you could always ship your car to PR to a dealer there for a warranty repair.

I won't get sucked into another oil thread so y'all can just carry on in this thread without me.

I was doing 10k mile oci's with M1 0-20 EP. It will definitely go 10k in a 4 runner without a hitch. Don't sweat it. Castrol is good too, pennzoil etc. No need for boutique oil, it's a Toyota!

I just picked up a 2019. My debate is whether to change out the oil at 1000miles or not...

I recently placed an online order for 2 boxes of Havoline 0W-20 Pro DS in the 6 quart box from Walmart. They call it "smart oil change" i.e. no plastic. 12 quarts of a full synthetic 0W-20 delivered to my front door for $41.07. Aside from what appears to be an unbeatable everyday low price, the best part is I didn't have to set one foot inside the local zoo.

Based on this, I can pencil out a complete DIY oil change, which includes an OEM oil filter and OEM drain plug crush washer for $28.54. Havoline is supposedly a quality oil according to BITOG. I will soon find out.

First change will be at 6k miles, second at 13k, third at 21k, fourth at 30k, and then the rest will be every 10k after that. This comes to one additional oil change over the first 30k miles. Ordinarily I would just stick with the factory recommended 10k oci from day 1, but it's hard to resist that new car oil change tinfoil hat paranoia when it only costs an extra $28.54.

Looks like some errors here. The Redline seems to be GL 5 approved as per the link.

Red Line Synthetic Oil. Professional-Series 0W20 Motor Oil

It looks like GL 5 is the new API SN Plus rating. Some of this has more to do with CAFE standards than wear issues.

Yes, EPA and MPG concerns are the driver behind the 0w-20 and why you can run 10-30 in other markets.....NOT the engine's inability to run the heavier oil. Some people don't get that many forces are at work beside the engine's actual requirements. You don't want to run a 10-30 if you are in a cold climate obviously, though 2 more minutes in the driveway would be all you needed to be fine. I am in a 125 degree climate and 5w-20 makes more sense than 0w-20 to me......my coldest morning all year was 39 degrees!

Oh! Thanks for the info! Now that makes sense. Appreciate the help!