2008 T4R Limited V8 4x4 - How much difference in gas mileage from 5w30 to 5w20?

[bigwebb83]

So I just got a 2008 T4R v8 and I love it. I'm a little disappointed in the gas mileage numbers I'm seeing right now though, given what I'm reading from other users on this board. The computer is showing me at about 17.5 mpg with 85% highway driving (60-75mph) and from what I understand that should be about 15.5-16mpg real world. I've read that toyota has recommended using 5w20 in some of their newer vehicles and that there is some marginal gas mileage improvement to be seen from this switch. So my question is what is marginal? Could I see an 8-10% improvement by switching?

 

[galactic_04]

It won't be enough to notice

 

[NCSCOTT]

It won't be enough to notice

:iagree:

I changed from 5w30 to 5w20 and have seen no noticeable difference. I have stuck with it since only because the TSB said I could.

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

Definitely not 8-10%. More like 1-2%.
If better mileage is what you're after try staying away from 75 mph. Probably 10-15% difference between 75mph and 65 mph.

 

[webby]

Definitely not 8-10%. More like 1-2%.
If better mileage is what you're after try staying away from 75 mph. Probably 10-15% difference between 75mph and 65 mph.

Do you think that would apply to V6 4WD runners also?

 

[OrdnanceMarine]

Do you think that would apply to V6 4WD runners also?

Should apply just the same.

I have a big stash of Pennzoil Platinum in 5w20 from my Honda CR-V that I plan to use in my 4Runner (got 5w30 too but my Si understandibly needs that with time being spent at 8000+ RPM) and will track the difference in both MPG and in engine wear via used oil analysis. It will probably take over a year to have results from used oil analyses and MPG. I suspect there are too many differences that come from driving conditions, weather conditions, seasons, fuel, etc. to tell quickly. Plans are to change the current oil (either Mobil1 5w30 or Valvoline Synthetic 5w30, need to check the previous owner's dealer service receipts) once temps start to warm up this spring and then go from there.

 

[bigwebb83]

what about the luggage rack? I saw that mentioned in a previous thread. Any noticeable difference there?

I guess I will try to slow it down. It's just tough because on my way to work I hit about a 10 mile stretch of road where the speed limit is 70 and I feel like people hate it if you are actually going SLOWER than the speed limit.

 

[bigwebb83]

I think part of my problem could also be that it's been < 10 degrees outside 100% of the time since I purchased my 4runner. Hopefully when temps warm up I will see an increase in MPG

 

[Koz]

You will not see any gas mileage difference. If you are going to use 5w-20, I recommend using 0w-20 synthetic (Amsoil or Toyota). I also recommend changing all the diffs and transfer case to 75/90 synthetic gear oil (Amsoil or Mobil 1).

The biggest gas savings you have control over is by maintaining tire pressure. Also use the high range of the rated pressure. The minimum pressure I use is 40 psi and the ride is still fine.

Koz

 

[scottm]

Not likely you'll be able to detect any mileage difference from changing oil viscosity, especially that small a change. Higher pressure tires will definitely make a difference in rolling resistance, but simply adding pressure without going to skinnier tires will likely cost you in tire wear. Low pressure is bad for mileage, tire wear, performance, hydroplaning speed, and safety. Lowering the truck will reduce drag, but would be expensive and get you flamed here. I might consider it if I could do it cheaply, my truck is a highway cruiser.

Slowing down will make the biggest difference, as drag and fuel requirements go up exponentially with speed. Around town, gentle starts and coasting down before stops makes a big difference.

 

[bigwebb83]

I'll check my tire pressure when the snow melts. I've ordered 5 quarts of redline 75w-90 for the diffs and transfer case that will go in next weekend and I'm going to put castrol edge 5w30 or 5w20 in as well just because I prefer longer drain intervals and feel that synthetic oil pays for itself long term and short term. I've also ordered a K&N filter. I know there are mixed feelings about these filters on this board but I have run them in my past two infiniti and nissan vq35's with no problems and had oil analysis done that show nothing abnormal.

Hopefully all of that combined will net me 1-2 extra mpg's

 

[NCSCOTT]

I guess I will try to slow it down. It's just tough because on my way to work I hit about a 10 mile stretch of road where the speed limit is 70 and I feel like people hate it if you are actually going SLOWER than the speed limit

Please don't drive under the speed limit on any road unless current road conditions call for it. There is nothing more frustrating than someone going under the limit with wide open road in front of them. Just because the person driving 10 under on the 2 lane road has no where to be at a certain time, does not mean the 10 cars lined up behind them don't.....

IMHO Someone driving under the limit on an interstate where the speed limit is 65 or greater is a Hazard. Don't get me started on the people who feel they have the RIGHT to go the speed limit in the PASSING lane!!!

A speed limit works both ways. You can be ticketed for driving too much above or below it. If you are driving slow enough to impede traffic, you are in violation.

I am not saying you are one of the "Slow" driver, Just venting about them in general.... Ill get off my soapbox now....

 

[NCSCOTT]

I've ordered 5 quarts of redline 75w-90 for the diffs and transfer case

You will need 7-8 quarts total for all 3.

 

[Ridger]

Like stated above, the biggest difference you can make to the vehicle to help increase MPG is likely tire pressures.... with the next biggest difference being how you drive. If you are tramping hard on the gas peddle or (as indicated above) highway driving over 70mph, it'll hurt your gas mileage.

I've heard many on here say that they do not let the RPM's get over 2K when driving, and to do that you are slowly picking up speed not kicking it down to get up top speed as fast as possible.

The trick I heard years back now and have started applying it to my driving style since buying my V8 in October, is to pretend I have a cup of coffee sitting on my dash, and then I accelerate or decelerate in a manner to prevent the cup of coffee from spilling.

Also keep in mind that coasting helps so I also keep lots of space between myself and the car in front of me, partly for safety and partly because it prevents me from constantly hitting the brakes and then gas to keep from hitting them when they are up and down in speeds. It allows me to ease off the gas and ease back in without much peddle movement.

FYI - I had all of fluids changed over to synthetics on Decd 23rd which seemed to have improved my fuel mileage 1 mpg on the next tank , but its been hard to tell lately due to driving in snow conditions.

 

[Nuke]

Driving habits have the biggest impact on fuel consumption. Hand calculated, I typically get 24 MPG tank-to-tank if I cruise at 55-60 MPH. Make that 70 MPH and it drops to 19-20 MPG. Good timimg skills and coasting improves fuel mileage. Don't use cruise control in hilly terrain.

Proper tire pressure is the next item followed by ensuring your brakes aren't dragging and you don't ride the brakes.

Aerodynamics have a minor role which become more an issue at much higher speeds; say over 100 MPH.

I wouldn't waste my time on different oil that what the OM calls for.

 

[bigwebb83]

Driving habits have the biggest impact on fuel consumption. Hand calculated, I typically get 24 MPG tank-to-tank if I cruise at 55-60 MPH. Make that 70 MPH and it drops to 19-20 MPG. Good timimg skills and coasting improves fuel mileage. Don't use cruise control in hilly terrain.

Proper tire pressure is the next item followed by ensuring your brakes aren't dragging and you don't ride the brakes.

Aerodynamics have a minor role which become more an issue at much higher speeds; say over 100 MPH.

I wouldn't waste my time on different oil that what the OM calls for.

but didn't toyota start recommending 5w20 back when gas prices went through the roof?

 

[JB.]

So I just got a 2008 T4R v8 and I love it. I'm a little disappointed in the gas mileage numbers

Seems a shame to have just bought one of the smoothest, most capable power trains ever put in an SUV and then get distracted by the prospect of saving a few tens of pennies per day.

Put 36-38lbs of pressue in the tires if there's a P preceeding the tire size. If LT, 40-45psi.

For the next 6 months when filling up, record the gas used and distance information as well as the mpg readout and average mph readout. Don't calculate the actual mileage. After filling up, reset both and turn off the mpg display and leave it off until the next fill. Down the road you can tally up all the info, have some good, solid numbers to go on, and then decide whether it's worth it to sweat the mileage or not.

In the meantime, enjoy the drive. :bigok:

 

[bigwebb83]

Seems a shame to have just bought one of the smoothest, most capable power trains ever put in an SUV and then get distracted by the prospect of saving a few tens of pennies per day.

Put 36-38lbs of pressue in the tires if there's a P preceeding the tire size. If LT, 40-45psi.

For the next 6 months when filling up, record the gas used and distance information as well as the mpg readout and average mph readout. Don't calculate the actual mileage. After filling up, reset both and turn off the mpg display and leave it off until the next fill. Down the road you can tally up all the info, have some good, solid numbers to go on, and then decide whether it's worth it to sweat the mileage or not.

In the meantime, enjoy the drive. :bigok:

There is neither a p nor an LT from what I can tell preceeding the tire size. The tires are Hankook Ventus AS. I'm thinking the dealership may have let a bit of air out since there was snow everywhere and I'm sure they new most people coming to test drive that truck were doing so because of the snow.

 

[JB.]

There is neither a p nor an LT from what I can tell preceeding the tire size. The tires are Hankook Ventus AS. I'm thinking the dealership may have let a bit of air out since there was snow everywhere and I'm sure they new most people coming to test drive that truck were doing so because of the snow.

No P or LT, 36-38psi.

They could have done that but it would reduce snow and wet traction.

 

[bigwebb83]

I always was under the impression that if you let air out of the tires you get better traction? I'm actually pretty sure of this.

Less air in the tire = more surface area contacting the ground.