Documenting DIY Oil Changes

If you just save all your receipts will it avoid any warranty issues.

 

i havent documented any of my oil changes lol i guess im screwed

 

merely keeping a written log should be fine.

 

As far as I know you need to save your receipts for the oil and filters and keep a log of when you do the changes, mileage and dates. Keep in mind you need to use the proper grade oil and the OEM filter and change it according to the intevals mentioned in the owners manual...
Another thing I do is update my service records at the Toyotaownersonline web-site. All work the dealer does to your truck is documented here and you can add any work you do yourself.

 

OEM filter? I can't just pick up a WIX at the parts store?

 

having to use an OEM filter to avoid warranty issues sounds a bit overkill.

 

That's what I am thinking.

 

Speaking of DIY oil change. I bought Motocraft Synthetic blend. Decent oil????

 

It might be and I'm not really positive if useing another brand would cause any problems other that reading a few stories about guys having oil related problems and the dealer pointing the finger at a aftermarket filter. I figure why take the chance while the truck is under warrenty.

 

Manusson Act---you can use any oil filter or oil that meets or exceeds oem. But you got to meet the schedule intervals pretty close....

 

Here's a great way to log your information and keep track of everything. I downloaded it and put all the pages in plastic so they can be stored in a binder. I've added numerous pages from some of the write up's I've read here like greaseing the driveline and changeing the front and rear differencial and transfer case fluids.

http://www.lieblweb.com/images/tacoma/Service_History_Guide.pdf

 

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I do my oil changes every 3,000 or 4,000 miles (with synthetic oil) and have misplaced my receipts in a move and am concerned too.

Having about 17,500 miles on the vehicle now ... my saving grace is that I have photographed & videoed some of my service on my iPhone.

Not having the hard copy receipts has been a concern though.

Yesterday, I did an oil & filter change (K&N filter & Royal Purple) and OEM air filter and OEM cabin filter and I photographed & videoed that service.

.

 

If you did have an issue, is it possible for you to simply send your oil sample in for an analysis? That could show that the condition of the oil was not the cause of the problem...just another way to back up any log you may keep...especially if you happen to lose your receipts.

 

Easy.... http://www.toyotaownersonline.com/