TGMO or bulk 0w20?

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First post. Love the forum so far. Thanks to all who participate.

Went in for my camry hybrid's free 20kmi service today. Afterward I asked if they used TGMO, just curious. I was initially told the 0w20 was bulk valvoline synthetic that "met toyotas specs." I wast surprised, you get what you pay for. Figured I'd change it after 5km, not go the whole 10k on this OCI. Then I checked the invoice. I was "charged" for 5 quarts 00279-0wqte...the good stuff! I didn't get what I paid for at all. The service manager swears the service rep was mistaken and they can't run any 0w20 besides TGMO (which is delivered in bulk), and that's what they put in my car, not valvoline.

At this point I'm incredibly skeptical of everything they say. Anyone know if this is true - Toyota service centers (dealer) can only use TGMO for 0w20 for warrantied service?

Let's assume it was some bulk 0w20 and it meets SN, should I go the whole 10000 miles? I'm not goin to shell out money for a UOA at 5k when a DIY change is $30.
 
First welcome to BITOG!
It should be easy enough to confirm that the bulk 0W-20 oil being supplied to your dealer is TGMO as it will be on the oil drums
(I think that is how Toyota supplies it to their dealers?).
Or you could ask the service mgr to show you their bulk oil billing notice from Toyota.

BTW any name brand 0W-20 should be good for 10,000 miles.
 
Ask to be escorted to the service area and see the TGMO 55-gallon drums with your own eyes -- the only way to be sure.
wink.gif
 
Our local dealer uses bulk QS for everything. I wouldn't worry and run it as long as the OM says.

Dealers can use any oil as long as they meet spec.
 
Since you paid nothing, you did get what you paid for.
TGMO is probably the better oil, but any 0W-20 is a pretty good oil and if you really got Synpower 0W-20, you got a perfectly capable oil.
I know that you don't want to spend money on an analysis, but the amount of sodium would confirm that the oil either was or wasn't VSP.
Relax and enjoy the spring.
Whatever 0W-20 the service folks used should be perfectly okay for the recommended OCI.
 
The dealers can use whatever they want, providing it meets the specs. Which is why I would change the oil myself =)
 
I went to a different dealer today since I'm out of town. Now I'm wondering if I got QSUD at my local dealer in NC - they use a QS reminder sticker but invoice for TGMO in a similar way. Guess it doesn't really matter though. Now that they're not free, it's DIY from here out. I was almost hoping this gave me an excuse to get my hands dirty. Oh well another 10000 miles it is.
 
When I bought my 2010 Camry, Toyota's recommended change interval was still 5000 miles.

Even though 0W-20 was specified and TGMO 0W-20 was available, I am certain the dealer was using 5W-20 bulk dino.

Those guys can't get past the service department profit center concept.

With better availability now, the barrel out back is likely 0W-20.

But you can bet it's Warren or some other capable second tier oil.
 
Originally Posted By: gregk24
The dealers can use whatever they want, providing it meets the specs. Which is why I would change the oil myself =)

What is wrong with an oil that meets specs ?
 
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: gregk24
The dealers can use whatever they want, providing it meets the specs. Which is why I would change the oil myself =)

What is wrong with an oil that meets specs?

The whole point of getting service at the dealer is that you get OEM parts and OEM fluids, as well as OEM-trained techs. If you will get cheap generic fluids and cheap aftermarket parts (yet still pay the dealer premium), why not go to Kwik-E-Lube?
 
It might be your expectation that the dealer uses OEM oils, but it's hardly a requirement.

Would make thr Toyota/Holden dealer at one end of town, and the Mitsubish/Ford/Kia bloke at the other have some difficulty.
 
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Originally Posted By: gregk24
The dealers can use whatever they want, providing it meets the specs. Which is why I would change the oil myself =)

What is wrong with an oil that meets specs ?


Because they can use WHATEVER they want that meets specs. Just like Gokhan said, the point of getting dealer oil / fluid changes is to get OEM oil / filters / fluid. Same goes for any shop, you dont know for sure whats going in unless you watch them with your own eyes. Thats why I do my own OCI's
 
Originally Posted By: Gokhan
The whole point of getting service at the dealer is that you get OEM parts and OEM fluids, as well as OEM-trained techs. If you will get cheap generic fluids and cheap aftermarket parts (yet still pay the dealer premium), why not go to Kwik-E-Lube?

Ironically, at least in this city, it's the dealers that have the best oil change deal (aside from Infiniti/Nissan, they're insane). It's the quick lubes that charge through the nose, but at least some of them do use some reputable stuff.
 
Same here Garak, dealerships offering the much better deals with their bulk over quick lube's.
 
The place that supplies me with free Hastings uses mostly Valvoline products, many from the bottle. They're not cheap, but for those who want it done for them, good oil with a good filter is a big plus.
 
Originally Posted By: Shannow
It might be your expectation that the dealer uses OEM oils, but it's hardly a requirement.


Around here, I would expect the stealers to NOT use the OEM oils/fluids.

I would almost guarantee you that the Toy dealers around here DO NOT have the TGMO in their bulk 0W-20 tanks/drums, and if they have a 0W-20 on the parts dept. shelf, it will be M1 AFE.
wink.gif
 
I have been running QSUD for the last 3 years in my Tundra that calls for 0w20.. I have had zero issues and I have zero worries..
 
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