Why All Synthetic Oil In New Toyotas?

[raelorance]

My wife owns a 2009 RAV4.She recently had her first oil change preformed and was told that she had to use synthetic oil per Toyota guidelines..Which raises the cost of the oil change considerably.I don't really mind.I use semi synthetic in my Tundra.And after talking with daughter I found out that she has to do the same in her Highlander Does anybody know why?And also Seeing as it has completely synthetic oil.Can we safely go beyond 5k miles before the next change?Say 7-8k?

[Parts-King]

Not sure about your vehicle spec in the USA but most of the newer Toyota engines MUST run on 0w 30 SYNTHETIC oil. Havnt got the exact spec sheet in fron of me but most stop/start engines and new multivalves use this new oil. Check what the handbook says, I will try and dig up our spec sheet (if I remember-it is Sunday after all) :D:

Kingo