5 Of The Best Engine Oils For The Scion FR-S

Yellow Scion FR-S FRS sports car at a supercar sunday car event in Woodland Hills, CA

One mistake with the wrong engine can be quite costly. This is most certainly true when you drive a high-performance vehicle, such as the Scion FR-S. The FR-S does require a full synthetic oil. These days you have plenty of choices, even under the umbrella of synthetic oils. But what are the best ones?

Here are 5 of the best engine oils for the Scion FR-S:

Amsoil XL 0W-20
Amsoil OE OW-20
Amsoil Signature Series
Pennzoil Platinum
Valvoline Extended Protection

You’ll learn about the different choices for engine oils for your Scion FR-S and more in the sections below. Not only does longevity matter. You must also consider the viscosity of the oil and extended protection features. Your choice of oil can make a big difference when it comes to avoiding costly repairs.

The tips below can also be applied to the Scion FR-S’ counterparts, the Subaru BRZ, as well as the Toyota 86. Through a joint venture, all three of these cars essentially have the same exact engine. The primary differences are in the interior and exterior.

Subaru BRZ close up of the engine bay but also the same engine in the Toyota 86 and Scion FR-S FRS

What Type of Engine Oil Should I Use for the FR-S?

For the Scion FR-S, you are encouraged to use a full synthetic oil. This will ensure that the engine will continue to run smoothly.

In terms of specifics, the engine demands 0W-20 oil, which is essential for high-performance vehicles. This is a fully synthetic oil that can withstand a wide range of temperatures.

This standard rings true for all model years of the Scion FR-S, which was first pulled out in 2013.

What Does the Numbers 0W-20 Mean for Motor Oils?

You may have noticed that oil cartons always have a series of numbers and letters on them.

For those unfamiliar with the terminology, 0W-20 means this:

“0” is the oil’s viscosity when the engine is cold.
“W” stands for Winter certification. Oil with thinner viscosity does a better job of moving during starts in cold weather.
“20” refers to the oil’s viscosity in hot weather.

Now, let’s see a list of the best engine oils for the Scion FR-S and a little bit about each one.

Close up of pouring fresh oil into the car engine motor

What Is the Best Engine Oil for the Scion FR-S?

Below you’ll find a listing of the 5 best oils for your Scion-FRS. For your convenience, these have been split into 4 different oil categories.

If you have a high mileage vehicle (75k+ miles on the odometer), then you are highly encouraged to go with Amsoil XL OW-20. If near-100% purity is what you’re after, then Pennzoil Platinum may be more your speed.

The following oils have been judged based on industry standards, as well as factors like pricing and viscosity index. The latter determines the effectiveness of the oil in extreme temperatures.

High Mileage Motor Oil: If You Have a Car With More Than 75K Miles

Special additives are mixed into high-mileage motor oils. These are designed to counteract and reduce the burn-offs and leaks in well-traveled engines.

If you have a Scion FR-S with 75,000 miles, these are the best engine oils to purchase.

Amsoil XL 0W-20

Amsoil claims that this oil can last up to 12,000 miles or one full year, whichever comes first. It’s designed for vehicles with advanced technologies, such as direct injection and turbos.

One of the finer points is the ability to withstand breakdown from extreme temperatures. If you drive your FR-S either during winter weather or excessive heat in summer, then you’ll certainly be zeroed in on the viscosity index.

Features of this oil include:

64% greater protection than what is required for extreme temperatures
25% more cleaning power vs. Amsoil OE Motor Oil, thanks largely to detergent additives.
100% score in LSPI (low-speed pre-ignition) testing. This means that it should protect against the damaging effects of spontaneous ignitions caused by fuel/air mixtures.
The viscosity index of 171

For newer vehicles, you can enjoy many of the same benefits for a much lower price with Amsoil OE.

Amsoil OE 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil

For Extended Oil Change Intervals

You may have already noticed that some oils claim extended drain intervals. This means that you can go more miles between oil changes.

The synthetic brand listed below is engineered so that you can go more miles between oil changes.

Amsoil Signature Series

This oil has been formulated to last longer than other synthetic oils. Yes, it is much pricier than most engine oils. It claims to last up to 25,000 miles without an oil change.

The benefits of this are clear. You can do one oil change in the same amount of time you would normally have to do two or even three. Be advised, however, that excessive idling and exposure to dust do reduce the lifetime of the oil.

This oil claims plenty of other premium perks as well.

Features:

72% more protection for turbochargers than what is required by industry standards.
A uniform molecular structure designed to limit evaporation.
Doesn’t contain wax. Can stay fluid in temperatures of -58 degrees F.
The viscosity index of 153

Amsoil ASMQT Signature Series 0W-20 Synthetic Motor Oil, 1-Quart

Now, let’s see the next type of oil.

Pennzoil Platinum

Pennzoil Platinum is marketed as being 99.5% pure, a testament to the natural gas refining process. It’s also relatively affordable.

If there are any drawbacks, it’s the viscosity index. Pennzoil Platinum is not as strongly resistant to temperature changes as some of the other engine oils listed here. However, it will keep your engine clean.

Features of Pennzoil Platinum include:

Keeps pistons 50% cleaner than what is required by the most stringent industry standards.
Detergent additives help prevent carbon buildup
The viscosity index of 168

Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil (1-Quart, Case of 6)

Is Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Worth It? What’s the Difference?

Pennzoil markets its ultra-platinum product as a giant step above platinum. But with that comes a big jump in price. Is the pricier choice worth it? You can be the best judge of that by reading up on some of the company’s claims below.

Features of Ultra Platinum:

Can withstand a wide range of temperatures: -40 F to 400 F
Designed for high-performance engines.
Is carbon neutral
Prevents loss of horsepower
The viscosity index of 172

Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20 Motor Oil (1-Quart, Case of 6)

For Purity: Synthetics Made From Natural Gas Are Cleaner

Pennzoil was the first synthetic engine oil to be sourced from natural gas, rather than crude oil.

It’s never a bad idea to go with purer oil. Oil with excess impurities has been known to clog oil filters and foul up critical components. The sticker price of cheap oils doesn’t save you in the long run when you have to make costly repairs.

According to the Universal Technical Institute, it’s more challenging to make motor oil from natural gas, but this does come with some key rewards:

Natural gas doesn’t contain some of the contaminants that crude oil has, making it cleaner.
This synthetic oil is purer and performs better than synthetic oil made from crude.

Now, let’s see what oil is best for affordability.

For Affordability

OW-20 engine oil always does come with a slightly higher price tag. Synthetic oil in general is pricier. You certainly do not want to ignore the recommendations for your high-performance engine.

However, there are several ways that you can change your oil without breaking the bank. These days it’s easy to save money by shopping online and buying in bulk. Also, it’s hard to beat Valvoline in terms of affordability.

Valvoline Extended Protection

Perhaps no motor oil offers a better balance of affordability and protection. Valvoline Extended Protection Full Synthetic Oil comes in at one of the lowest prices when the price per fluid oz. is considered. You can purchase a 5-quart container here.

In recent years Valvoline launched a proprietary Dual Defense Additive Technology. The goal is to reduce engine wear with a fortified detergent system.

Features of Valvoline Extended Protection oil include:

50% better wear protection than industry standards.
10x greater thermal resistance than industry standards fights oil breakdown caused by extreme temperatures.
Extended protection is designed with modern automotive technologies in mind.
The viscosity index of 171

Valvoline Extended Protection Full Synthetic Motor Oil SAE 0W-20 5 QT

That’s the best 5 oils for the Scion FR-S.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions everyone has about changing the oil in their FR-S.

Q: Do You Have to Use the Manufacturer’s Recommended Oil?

A: Using oil of a different viscosity than the manufacturer’s recommendation will not void a vehicle’s warranty.

But you are always encouraged to use the 0W-20 oil because it has been shown to deliver peak performance.

To reduce the sticker shock of synthetic oil changes, you are encouraged to do a DIY job. 0W-20 oil is readily available for purchase in bulk online.

Q: What Is the Difference Between 5W-20 and 0W-20? 0W-30?

A: The main difference between 0W and 5W is its viscosity. The 0W is a thin oil viscosity grade that’s often used in cold temps. 5W is also suited for low-temperature climates but has a slightly thicker oil viscosity.

Interchanging between the two will not lead to immediate damage. However, it will ultimately lead to lower drain intervals (time between oil changes) and reduced engine performance.

Your best bet is to never stray from the manufacturer’s recommendations on viscosity, even if it means spending slightly more in the short term.

Q: Do You Have to Change the Oil Filter Every Oil Change?

A: Manufacturers typically recommend that you change the filter every 6,000 to 10,000 miles or every other oil change. For synthetic oil, this might be every oil change.

This ensures that the engine does not become damaged from specks of metals that find their way into your oil as it runs through the system.

Can you change the oil filter during every drain cycle? Absolutely. It does a better job of protecting the engine. The major holdup for most auto owners is the price.

You can also ensure that your engine stays free of damage by purchasing pure oils. You can also spend a few more bucks for a good oil filter, such as this aFe Power Filter:

aFe 44-LF018 Pro Guard D2 Oil Filter for Scion FR-S/Subaru BRZ H4-2.0L Engine

Q: How Often Do You Have to Change Your Oil? Does Synthetic Oil Last Longer?

A: Synthetic oils can last longer intervals than conventional oil. This can vary by brand, however, so be sure to always follow manufacturer recommendations.

It all comes down to how hard you work the engine as well. All these can reduce the lifespan of your oil:

Excessive idling
Driving in dust
Driving in extreme temperatures

Use your best judgment. Newer vehicles will typically have a menu display behind the wheel that’ll tell you the oil life percentage. The general rule of thumb is to avoid letting your oil life percentage dip below 15%.

Q: What Is the Viscosity Index Of Oil?

A: The viscosity index is a measure of the oil’s resistance to extreme temperatures.

The viscosity of oil decreases, as temperatures increase. In other words, it gets thinner. This can have impacts on engine performance. Oils with higher viscosity index values are more desirable since this means they stay more stable during extreme temperature changes.

So say you had two brands of engine oil. Oil A has a viscosity index of 170 while Oil B has a viscosity index of 160. In this case, Oil A would be more stable and thus preferable.

Q: Does Motor Oil Have a Shelf Life? Should I Buy Oil In Bulk?

A: Motor oil does not have a shelf life. You are encouraged to not use oil that is more than 5 years old. That being said, motor oil does not spoil easily if it’s just sitting on the shelf, at room temperature.

This is where it can pay big time to buy engine oil in bulk. Particularly if you can cash in during a time when the prices are low.

Take for example the Valvoline Extended Protection oil. You can buy a 5-quart container, or you can buy either a case of 3. A case of 6 single quart containers is also available as an option.

Conclusion

In the article above, you’ll find the 5 best engine oils for the Scion FR-S. This list includes oils that can offer extended protection for older engines. Perhaps you are looking for an oil with a longer drain interval.

Purity is also a critical factor to consider. Impurities in motor oil can lead to engine deterioration. Oils derived from natural gas offer improvements in purity over those from crude. If you’re looking for a perfect balance between cost and performance, you’ll see that in the sections above too.

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References:

Columbia Auto Care & Car Wash

Engine Oil Types, Weights, and Viscosity – Frequently Asked Questions

AMSOIL

AMSOIL XL Synthetic Motor Oil Datasheet

AMSOIL Oil Change Interval

Sun Devil Auto

Engine Sludge – What Is It and How It Can Be Prevented

5 Of The Best Engine Oils For The Scion FR-S

What Type of Engine Oil Should I Use for the FR-S?

What Does the Numbers 0W-20 Mean for Motor Oils?

What Is the Best Engine Oil for the Scion FR-S?