You can think it's nuts all you want. Engines are not built like they used to be anymore. Tolerances are WAY different, the oil is asked to do many more things than it used to. Same with cooling systems. The days of slapping any old liquid you cared to drop in are gone. Even modern diesels are now requiring (not recommending) but requiring specific oils and coolants to work properly (if at all).
Two things regarding your RAV4. First: Most dealer's oil comes from bulk storage containers and most don't stock 0W-16. Odds are you are getting some no-name bulk semi-synthetic blend and not TGMO 0W-16. Second: As long as you keep receipts of the purchased oil and filters, Toyota will not hassle you for an engine warranty problem by doing DIY oil changes. They'd have to prove in court that your lack of oil maintenance caused the problem and your receipts will disprove their claim. You are probably getting sub-par oil and having some Bubba goon up your oil changes by going to a dealer. The oil change "techs" are entry level and most are hacks.
And (at least in my case) I know for a fact you're wrong. I have actually seen what my dealer sticks in my engine. Also if they were using something not meant for it, I would be having trouble and I am not.
Actually you are wrong. I said MOST not ALL. If you know for a fact they are using TGMO 0W-16, then more power to you. BTW, the A25A-FKS is certified for higher viscosity oils in other markets of the world.
Yep...there it was! Guess it didn't register as I didn't know...until now...that oil had classifications! Learn something every day. Thanks for teaching me today.
Good to know, Mr. 85Hokie. Hope my little BX will forgive me if I promise to do better in the future.
