Newer Tacoma, oil level looks to high from the factory.

Stick a 1/4 " tube down the dipstick tube and close off the top with your thumb. You'll be able to see the exact oil level, plus you can pull some oil out in case you need it for bolt threads.

91 MR2 had an oil level sensor too on the dash, but it only lit up if it was low.

 

Major concern!

Oil is the death enemy of any engine! Don't let oil anywhere NEAR your engine or dip stick.

Heck, an additional 1/4 inch of oil could allow splash on pistons and cylinder walls. It could contribute to WINDAGE and un needed oil mist inside the crank case. Heck, it could show up in the PCV plumbing.

You should really fit an oil catch can to control unwanted oil mist from entering the sacrosanct intake tract.

But be sure to put a bottle of Marvel Mystery oil and a bottle of Seafoam into the fuel with every other gasoline fill.

A good "top cylinder lubrication" is important for long engine life!

(Of course this post is tongue in cheek, but really, factory oil levels slightly above the dip stick?) Check with your dealer, they will need to stand good for the 8 year warrantee.

 

Dipstick reading looks a little high, but as others have mentioned it's not the most accurate measuring device. Is the truck on a level surface and the engine cold when you're checking it? Your oil looks clean for the mileage, but you can always change it and replace the filter for peace of mind. It doesn't cost very much and it wouldn't hurt in the odd chance the engine had any debris from the manufacturing and assembly processes. Forget about trying to drain a small portion.

I always change my oil and filter every 2k-3k miles anyway as it's cheap insurance. I like Valvoline synthetic 0-20w and oem filters.

You'd have to really overfill it to cause damage or start blowing seals. An extra 1/4 quart here or there isn't really a concern.

 

If it bothers you, simply change the oil or take it back to the dealer to check it out.

As far as oil change intervals, I've changed the oil in my '96 Tacoma every 5000 miles over the last 25 years and currently have 414,000 trouble-free miles on it. Never have so much as removed an engine cover.
So am following the same practice with my '18 TRD Sport.

 

^^^^^^^^^^ This....and, tell them at your first service.

 

For those doing 10k oil change intervals, watch the Car Care Nut on YouTube. He's a Master Tech for Toyota and he will show you cars that did the 'recommended ' 10k interval and then he shows you the innards on the same type of engine that's had 5k intervals! After watching that I guarantee you will be sold on 5k intervals. 10k will do fine for about 150k miles then major issues. The 5k interval engines regularly go 300,000+ with zero issues!! Oil is cheap compared to an engine! If you want to keep your truck long term change the oil every 5000 miles...

 

instructions state warm engine turn off, 5min, check...

what does that have to do with checking your oil level

 

Have you read the posts? Several people are talking about oil change intervals! What does it matter to you anyway?!

 

Already switched to 5k, I didn't even have to see the video

 

I'll stick to what Toyota recommends not some guy on YouTube.

 

Whatever floats your boat, bro. It's your truck.

 

toyota doesn’t have a recommended interval for everyone, it depends on your usage and driving. But you must already know that..

 

This is what my 2023 manual says:

If the vehicle operation meets the standard criteria for "Special Operating Conditions" such as: driving off-road, on dirt roads, towing a trailer, making repeated short trips under 32˚ F, or extensive idling; the engine oil must be replaced at 5,000 mile intervals, regardless of what type of oil is used.

So interpret however you wish and . Happy trails!

 

Pretty much describes + 60% the owners

 

I put 6 and a half courts in. An easy, round number. A mechanic friend on mine once asked me "how much oil do you think is sitting in the pan at 70mph"

 

Then there is this guy who went 1.6 million miles with 10,000 mile oil change intervals.

The 1.6 Million Mile Toyota Tacoma – Where is it Now? | Torque News

I'm at 243,000 with 10,000 mile oil changes. I've never added oil between oil changes.

The mechanic that I use had a customer with a blown engine at a little over 100,000 miles. The oil had never been changed; the customer just let it run dry. It was an older lady whose husband always did the maintenance. They bought the car shortly before he died. Lady put 100,000 miles on it only putting gas in it. Never checked the oil and it made it to 100,000.

 

someone who is putting that kind of mileage is exactly who the 10k interval is for, so yeah makes sense.

 

1.2 million miles is doubtful he ever made short trips, towed, went off road, or on dirt roads. so makes perfect sense.

 

that “some guy on YouTube” is a Toyota tech who actually works on vehicles, not an engineer figuring out how to make vehicles worse and marketing department increasing sales by false advertising and planned obscelesence used to break your vehicle.

if you work on cars:
-you know 5k is better
-oil is free

 

i work on trucks, my oil is not free. where did i go wrong?