To get the answer quickly, you should check the owner’s manual for recommendations from the manufacturer. If you don’t have this with you, that leads you to look online.
I’ve compiled all the essential information regarding the oil types that you can use for your Corolla and some of the best options under each type.
When it comes to the viscosity of the oil, the Toyota Corolla can handle both 5W-20 and 0W-20 grade engine oils. The former should last double the duration and perform better at lower temperatures, but it also costs higher. 5W-20 can be both conventional and synthetic while 0W-20 is always synthetic.
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Here’s what I recommend for the 2009 (and later) Toyota Corolla models:
- This 0W-20 Fully Synthetic Oil from Motul – if you want the best oil possible / live in a relatively colder climate.
- This 5W-20 Fully Synthetic Oil from Valvoline – if you want a good balance between price and performance and are less exposed to extremely cold temperatures.
In most cases, if you follow the manufacturer’s recommendations, if you don’t want to experience any issues. However, if you want to take an extra step to protect your vehicle, then it may be worth it to invest in synthetic motor oil.
In general, synthetic motor oils are engineered to last longer and work in a wider range of temperatures than conventional oils.
They also perform better when they’re dirty because they are designed not to break down quickly. This makes them great options for older vehicles or cars that are used in extreme conditions like racing.
Conventional vs. Synthetic Oil – Key Differences
There are two main types of motor oil: regular (conventional) oil, and synthetic oil.
Regular oil is made from crude oil, while synthetic oil is a chemically engineered lubricant specifically designed to provide superior protection and performance under more extreme conditions.
Synthetic Motor Oil
Synthetic motor oils can provide improved fuel economy and reduced engine wear than conventional oils. Synthetics also have a lower pour point than conventional oils, which means that they can be used in colder weather climates.
Just like conventional engine oil, there are several different grades of synthetic motor oil available.
Conventional Mineral Motor Oil
Mineral-based oils are made from crude oil that’s refined, purified, and then mixed with additives to improve its performance.
While mineral-based oils are great for your car, they don’t last as long as synthetic oils. Conventional minerals oils can cause wear on a vehicle’s engine if left in too long or driven in extreme conditions.
Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
Synthetic blends are a mixture of synthetic and conventional mineral-based motor oils. These types of motor oils are good for everyday driving but not as effective in extremely hot or cold weather conditions as pure synthetic motor oils.
The Best Oil for the Toyota Corolla
Most people should use the 5W-20 oil on their Corollas as it meets the engine requirements perfectly. The only exception is when you’re living in an area where there are extreme weather conditions (for example, freezing temperatures). In that situation, you can use 0W-20 instead.
0W-20 is more expensive than other oils, but it’s less likely to cause damage. Using cheaper oil may end up costing you more money in the long run because of all the damage it can do to your engine.
When using conventional oil, it’s best to change your oil every 5,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. This will prevent sludge from building up inside the engine and causing damage over time.
For fully synthetic oil, you can usually go twice as long before needing an oil change.
It’s also important not to mix different types of oil together; this will dilute their effectiveness and increase wear on various components in your car.
