Did I commit big mistake by using wrong engine oil ?

Asked by SDP May 29, 2013 at 01:19 PM about the Toyota Camry

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

By mistake I put engine oil 20w-50 in my 2003 Toyota Camry 4 cylinder car. What could happen to engine damage now ? i live in maryland and my car has over 150 K

4 Answers

12,195

No. No big deal. I wouldn't worry about it. However, I would drain the oil out and add the proper type of oil but your engine will be fine!

1 people found this helpful.
3,915

You should be using 5w-30 synthetic in that car. You run the risk of damaging the oil pump in various ways due to the extra thick oil it has to try and pump.

3 people found this helpful.
2,705

Drain it immediately, it could blow your seals.

2 people found this helpful.
20

Manufacturer's recommendation. But these, surprisingly (or is it?) vary by model year and country for the same engine. My 2001 Camry says 5w-30 on the oil cap, but 10W-30 is optional according to the manufacturer. Oil recommendation for the same engine some years past was 10W-40, and in another country 20W-50. I plan to check and see if the bearing clearances were different in earlier models before I conclude I can use a heavier oil. In the United States manufacturers recommend thinner oils to help them meet fleet economy standards. But these may not be best for the engine. If anything, it is probably better to use the heavier weight oil but not beyond the manufacturer recommendation. The newer the production, the more sensitive the engine might be. You have to do your research. A major function of oil is the protect canshafts from wear. Even though it is the same engine, the manufacturer could change the alloy the camshaft is made from or use a different surface treatment, and that could determine what oil is recommended. Particularly, 10W-40 is different from a 5W- or 10W- 30 oil. 10W-40 contains less base oil and more additives and vicosity improvers. It is made for American cast iron engines of the pre-1980's era. You can use just about any oil in these consistent with the temperature where you are, including straight 30 weight or even straight 20 weight in a very cold climate. Not with later alloy and bimetal overhead cam engines.

2 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

Camry

Looking for a Used Camry in your area?

CarGurus has 37,491 nationwide Camry listings starting at $575.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    Reelin68
    Reputation
    34,280
  • #2
    Tony Ciccotelli
    Reputation
    19,180
  • #3
    Tony Ciccotelli
    Reputation
    5,530
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Honda Accord
1,537 Great Deals out of 29,298 listings starting at $600
Used Toyota Corolla
1,634 Great Deals out of 24,668 listings starting at $975
Used Honda Civic
1,339 Great Deals out of 28,695 listings starting at $600
Used Toyota RAV4
1,871 Great Deals out of 29,208 listings starting at $1,450
Used Toyota Camry Hybrid
173 Great Deals out of 2,796 listings starting at $1,100
Used Toyota Avalon
182 Great Deals out of 2,037 listings starting at $900
Used Nissan Altima
1,292 Great Deals out of 37,708 listings starting at $918
Used Toyota Tacoma
1,909 Great Deals out of 31,213 listings starting at $3,500
Used Lexus IS
284 Great Deals out of 5,300 listings starting at $1,000
Used Toyota 4Runner
1,099 Great Deals out of 18,982 listings starting at $2,000
Used Lexus ES
466 Great Deals out of 8,598 listings starting at $1,100
Used Honda CR-V
2,063 Great Deals out of 41,498 listings starting at $500
Used Toyota Highlander
1,219 Great Deals out of 18,051 listings starting at $675
Used Dodge Charger
747 Great Deals out of 29,945 listings starting at $1,500
Used Acura TLX
260 Great Deals out of 4,007 listings starting at $7,900

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.