What’s The Best Oil For A Toyota Highlander?

To keep your Toyota Highlander running smoothly, use the recommended oil. But what is the best oil to use in your beloved family car? We’ve looked into what makes an oil suitable for your Highlander and what to look for when shopping.

Toyota Genuine full synthetic 0w-20 oil is the best oil for new Toyota Highlanders. Toyota Genuine full synthetic 5w-30 is recommended for older models.

For optimal performance, the Toyota Highlander’s full synthetic oil and oil filter should be changed every 7,500-10,000 miles.

The engine is the heart of your vehicle, and by using the proper oil, you can extend its life and performance. This article will go over the best oil for the Toyota Highlander as well as how it differs from other oils on the market. Read on for answers to other frequently asked questions about oil and the Toyota Highlander maintenance schedule.

What Oil Does A Toyota Highlander Take?

Oil is essential in keeping your engine clean and cool, whether it’s a Toyota Highlander or any other vehicle. It lubricates the engine’s moving parts and helps to prevent wear and tear.

The oil in your car is cold and thick when you start it. As the engine warms up, the oil thins and flows more quickly. This enables it to more effectively lubricate the engine components.

Toyota recommends using full synthetic oil in the Highlander for optimal performance and engine protection. But how do you choose the best viscosity?

Toyota Genuine full synthetic 0w-20 oil is the best oil viscosity to use in newer Toyota Highlander models. However, if you have an older model with high mileage, you should use full synthetic 5w-30 oil.

However, depending on the year and mileage, a Toyota mechanic may recommend using a full synthetic 5w-20.

Not only will full synthetic oil keep your engine running smoothly, but it will also allow you to go 7,500-10,000 miles between oil changes.

That is not to say that conventional oil cannot be used, but it must be changed every 3,500-5,000 miles. Furthermore, if you drive frequently, conventional oil will not be able to protect your engine, whereas synthetic oil will.

Check your owner’s manual or with a Toyota-certified mechanic to see what oil is best for your Highlander model. Your car may require different oil depending on the year and mileage.

What’s The Difference Between Conventional And Synthetic Oil?

The primary distinction between conventional and synthetic oil is how they are produced. Conventional oil is created by blending refined crude oil with other oils.

Synthetic oil, on the other hand, is man-made. It is intended to have specific properties that benefit your engine.

Synthetic oil, for example, is designed to flow better at low temperatures. This means it can more effectively lubricate your engine when starting it from cold.

Synthetic oils are also more resistant to degradation than traditional oils. This means they can protect your engine for longer periods of time between oil changes.

Synthetic oil is also less likely to cause sludge buildup in your engine.

The price difference is one factor that may sway vehicle owners toward conventional oil. Synthetic oil is usually more expensive than regular oil.

However, synthetic oil does not need to be changed as frequently as conventional oil. In the long run, synthetic oil may be less expensive than conventional oil.

What’s The Best Way To Change A Highlander’s Oil?

The best way to change the oil in your Highlander is to take it to a Toyota dealership and have it done by a certified mechanic. They will have the necessary tools and equipment, as well as the necessary experience and knowledge to change your oil properly.

However, there are some advantages to changing your own oil. First and foremost, it will save you money.

A dealership or certified mechanic can charge more than $100 for an oil change. If you do it yourself, however, it will only cost you about $50. That means you paid twice as much for the convenience.

Furthermore, if you perform the oil change yourself, you can be certain that it was done correctly. When you take your car to a mechanic who is not Toyota certified, there is always the possibility that they will not complete the job correctly.

For example, they might not put in enough oil or forget to tighten the drain plug. Unfortunately, both of these are common errors that can lead to problems in the future.

Before performing an oil change on your own, consult with your Toyota dealer. If your vehicle is still under warranty, failing to have the oil changed at a dealership or certified mechanic may void the warranty.

How Do You Change The Oil In A Toyota Highlander?

If your Toyota Highlander is no longer under warranty, you may choose to change the oil yourself. But first, you’ll need the following materials:

• Six quarts of synthetic oil for 3.5L V6 (5.8 quarts until full) and 5 quarts of oil for 2.7L four-cylinder engine (4.6 quarts until full).
• An OEM oil filter
• A wrench to remove the oil drain plug
• Vehicle jack
• A catch pan
• A funnel (optional)