5,000 Mile Oil Changes Really Necessary?

Amen! I guess I've been here long enough now to pick up on these rather quickly.

I read on the internet that the following oil/OCI's are acceptable:

Canola Oil - 1000
EVOO - 500
Peanut Oil - 1500
Palm Kernel Oil - 750
Coconut Oil - 650

All can be used in a pinch.

Does this mean I've officially hijacked this thread??

 

4 bangers came with 0w20 which is only available as synthetic. The V6 had 5w20 mineral oil. The 2015's have a split for manuals by manufacture date, so later 2015 v6's were probably switched to 0w20. That is why there are just as many threads about switching to synthetic as there are tires/wheels

 

On a side note, I worked as a lube tech at a dealer for extra cash on weekends and the wholesaler cut a deal with the dealer as to just use synthetic only in the bulk tanks, but yet the dealer still charged an "upgrade fee" to customers for switching to synthetic, even though that was the only oil they used. Bet that happens more often then people realize

 

My Daddy taught me to change the oil every 3K miles. Of course, he grew up working on 50-60's V8s and the period oil. Old habits die hard. The oil and motors today are so much better than what we used to have. Even compared to the 80's. There will be no problem whatsoever using a 7500K interval for oil changes with synthetic oil. Even at 7500 miles, the oil is mostly likely still fine with a lot of life left in it. If you are worried about it, have it tested. It's cheap and easy. Old habits die hard. Someday we will look back and view the 5K oil change as silly as we do the older generations 3K oil change.

 

You will NOT be getting an oil change at 5000 miles. Toyota does oil changes at 10,000 and 20,000 miles. You will get a tire rotation service and nothing else.

 

He said lube tech.

 

Whole thread and no one has asked what engine it is. 2TR-FE 4 cyl most likely continues to have the 5k service interval.

 

What engine is it?

 

If you hit the ass pocket they will change it whenever you want it changed. Never heard of anyone turning down money.

 

There are some other posts on this topic. My 2016 Taco oil change interval with 0w20 is 10,000 miles.

Originally I was okay with it and did not change it at the 5,000 mark, but at 6,000 miles the oil was definitely dirty. Looking dirty doesn't mean it is not functional, but this Taco is MY BABY, so I had it changed at 6000 miles. I will change it at 10k, 15k etc. Oil change was $70 at Toyota. Toyota covers every 10k oil change ... the service is every 5k, but oil is ONLY changed every 10k.

I now sleep better and feel better that my Taco is taken care of. I plan on keeping my Taco for many years The 10k maintenance guide is based on someone trading or exchanging lease for a new Taco every 2 or 3 years.

I was a mechanic for over 20 years, so I feel rest assured the PRE maintenance extra oil change will easily extend my Taco's life.

 

I'm doing 5,000 mile/6 month intervals.
The where, when, and how I drive my truck requires it.
ymmv

Even then, I like the idea of a fresh filter more often than every 10,000 miles.
Can the filer be changed without dumping the oil?

 

^The filter is under the truck under a skid plate so you're already there, so you change the oil.

$98 Toyota 0w20 Toyota Case of 12 Quarts Full Synthetic 0W-20 Oil

Toyota 0w20 is a semi synthetic.

Emissions standards pressured toyota to extend all 2016 oil change intervals, even though some engines remain unchanged.

I'll be doing it as often as I feel like as I leased my extended cab and I work at Toyota haha. The filter isn't as easy as the 4 liter so I probably will do it every 10,000kms.

 

I think he was referring to the complimentary oil changes/service for the first 2 years/24k miles that are included.

 

I told myself I wouldn't post in an oil thread, yet here I am...........The dealer told me I get 2 complimentary oil changes. When I get them, and the mileage is my choice. I can take it in back to back Saturdays if I want.

 

Every oil thread on TW.....

 

They should all be

 

Exactly...I went to my dealer for a 1200 mile oil change. I have six freebies as part of my purchase deal (not ToyotaCare package) I was ready willing and able to pay for the oil change. The service advisor did not charge me and I used one of my six oil changes.
Not all dealers will turn people away for the freebie oil changes,

 

So there you have it OP.

Option A: Follow the schedule and recommendations of the automotive engineers at Toyota Motor Corp.

Option B: Elect one of the alternate helpful suggestions that have been offered.

I followed the schedule Toyota provided on my 2004 Tacoma and it ran like a top for 11 years so I'll probably stick with that strategy.

 

I am a low mileage driver. What I follow is the manual interval paying close attention to the "or". Toyota does specify mileage or time intervals.

For me it would take almost 2 years to get 10K on the vehicle. The time interval comes into play. At a minimum the oil would be changed once a year. (My 06 Tacoma got its oil changed every 3K or 6 months). I also am one to do the first oil change earlier than the manual calls for.

 

Do what the manual says and you should be fine. But for normal vehicles like these ,5k is a good rule of thumb , not too little, not too long, just right. The people changing synthetics every 3k are wasting their money because a lab test would show it having alot of life left.

My brother in law is now pushing 275k on a 2003 4.0L 4runner and changes every 5k with conventional. So there's that.