Oil Changes and Offroading

[dysfunctnlretard]

I changed my oil to Mobil 1 synthetic at 3,000 miles (Im currently at 5,100). Ive taken my truck offroading a few times and even mudding as well, resulting in a shit load of dust and dirt entering my airbox/filter. When mudding, some water/mud got past my TRD CAI filter and into my intake tube as well. When I cleaned my throttle body a few days ago it was pretty dirty and got me wondering, should we (those who offroad) be changing our oil more often because of all the shit thats entering the engine? I figured if my throttle body was that dirty then stuff had to have made it to my engine. What do you guys think? Change oil more often or use the suggested 5,000mi intervals despite increased dust/mud/crap.

[sachou]

When I maintain a vehicle that is used offroad, I rigorously maintain it, and replace everything twice as often as I would just a street-only commuter.

Think about it - the conditions you put your truck through offroad are often twice as rigorous as many vehicles are designed to take - the engine is constantly under extreme load/being revved to the limit, your suspension components are being stressed thrice as much as the occasional speedbumps like street driving, and the air filter is taking in twice as much dust as just driving on asphalt.

In motocross, it's wise to change your oil every 9 engine hours, or every 2 rides. That's insane! I think I've spent more time taking care of my bike than I do actually riding it! The price you have to pay for the fun stuff you do.

I'm going to start changing my oil more frequently if I go offroad often. The same goes for cleaning my air filter, and inspecting all my components/torquing everything down.

EDIT: Of course, it's a Toyota, so you can do whatever the hell you want to it, and it will run like a champ forever.

[dysfunctnlretard]

Originally Posted by sachou

When I maintain a vehicle that is used offroad, I rigorously maintain it, and replace everything twice as often as I would just a street-only commuter.

Think about it - the conditions you put your truck through offroad are often twice as rigorous as many vehicles are designed to take - the engine is constantly under extreme load/being revved to the limit, your suspension components are being stressed thrice as much as the occasional speedbumps like street driving, and the air filter is taking in twice as much dust as just driving on asphalt.

In motocross, it's wise to change your oil every 9 engine hours, or every 2 rides. That's insane! I think I've spent more time taking care of my bike than I do actually riding it! The price you have to pay for the fun stuff you do.

I'm going to start changing my oil more frequently if I go offroad often. The same goes for cleaning my air filter, and inspecting all my components/torquing everything down.

EDIT: Of course, it's a Toyota, so you can do whatever the hell you want to it, and it will run like a champ forever.

I was thinking the exact same thing and, depending on the offraoding Im doing and how often Im doing it, Ill be doing my oil changes every 3,000 miles. Thanks.

BTW: Any other input would be appreciated...cough cough Chris cough

[Terrier]

If it were mine, I would change the oil sooner than the 5,000; but I do anyways. The 2008 Scheduled Maintenance Guide has on page 5 "Off-Road Daily Mantenance" section that recommends additional maintenance. There is also a reference to "Special Operating Conditions" on page 4 that would appear to apply to off road use and again specify additional maintenance. Also, on page 4, there is a reference to "Additional Maintenance". However, I do not see anywhere, unless it is in the Owner's Manual, that requires oil changes at more frequent intervals than 5,000 miles; but then again, I would use more frequent intervals if it were my vehicle.

[timmer]

when I wheeling mine alot out here in southern nevada I change my oil and filter every 3K. I use dino oil and a toyota filter. I dont bother w/ synth because I change it so often. I'll also bang out my air filter the vaccume it w/ a shop vac.

[lizard1]

I'm off road at least once a month. Dry, dusty conditions are the norm here in AZ. Off road is primarily dirt ranch roads, rocky and rutted with some 4x4 use. When I return home I use a leaf blower to get rid of thick layers of dust in the wheels, engine, undercarriage and interior. Also, I change my oil every 3k (syn.) and blow out my air filter (ARE). Other than that, I tend to follow the maint. manual.

[Isthatahemi]

I think this thread touches on why the Taco has a secondary air filter, remove at your own risk.....

[sachou]

Originally Posted by dysfunctnlretard

I was thinking the exact same thing and, depending on the offraoding Im doing and how often Im doing it, Ill be doing my oil changes every 3,000 miles. Thanks.

BTW: Any other input would be appreciated...cough cough Chris cough

Yeah...I might have to follow his exact maintenance regime, whatever it may be.

[Warren Thompson]

I have used field vehicles in my exploration geology career for over 20 years now. Living in NE Nevada, dust is a major concern. All I can contribute to this thread is my 1997 F-150 has had oil (dino)/filter change at 5k miles, as per the owners manual. Air filter at about every 7k miles. I still own the vehicle at 250,000 miles, still strong compression and performance. With my new Tacoma, I still do field work in Nevada mountains in dusty conditions, and still change oil (Mobil1) every 5k miles, as per OM. I have AFE filter and blow/wash it out when needed.

Your bottom line is your own preference. Give your vehicle the best, but realize your vehicle is tough and can withstand more than you think it can!!