3000 miles - Do I need an oil change?

Hello all. I just reached 3000 miles since my last oil change. 90% of miles have all been freeway. I used semi-synthetic oil last oil change. I plan on doing a 600 mile round trip this coming weekend. Should get an oil change before my trip or just wait till after. Money is tight so I wanted some good advice first. I have 212k. Thanks

 

I usually do one anywhere between every 3500 to 4000.. or before doing any big trips

 

There are many opinions on oil change intervals. Most can agree upon the 3k - 6k mile change for dino oil. Anywhere from 7.5k to 10k for synthetic (non heavy loads/towing miles). But it really depends on your engine's wear. If your oil and compression rings on the pistons are getting worn, a lot more contaminants will get into the crank case, thus reducing the oils protective properties.

If you are pinching pennies, pull your dip stick, look at the oil on the end. If it hasn't gotten too dark, beyond the natural amber color of oil, I would just wait. 600 miles more shouldn't make a difference. If it looks like somebody poured coffee in it, then I'd change it.

 

I dont even think of it until at least 5k. 3k is just wasting money and wasting oil.

 

I'd just check the level / top it off - and head out for your road trip. Change it as soon as you get back - the trip will help clean everything out.

 

I would wait for the oil change,,but I would grease driveshafts before heading out if they are all still OEM with 212K on them. Freeway miles puts those shafts at top rpm's constantly and they tend to fling the grease pretty quick.

Not so much the quality of oil used in this instance,,but the condition of the rest of the rig.

 

Toyota calls for 5,000 change intervals. 140,000 on mine using 5k intervals.
Frame is rusty, but engine runs like a top, using no oil at all, even when towing.

 

I've always changed it between 4000-6000 with the determining factors being if I'm towing or what my schedule allows.

On a side note, I've seen plenty of yotas that have lived a long life with only a few oil changes. These engines are extremely durable

 

Yes, as in even lesser cars/trucks, the rest of the car usually fails long before the engines

 

I change mine every 5000 miles. I think with only 3000 miles since last oil change you will be fine.

 

x2

I use Mobile 1 Full Synthetic as well

 

I use full synthetic. Funny thing is, whenever I get close (1,000-2,000 miles away) to needing to change my oil, I end up going on some sort of out of town adventure. I say check it before you head out and top it off. It'll be fine.

 

Thanks you all for the great replies!! I dont use synthetic am I still ok I dont oil change? I just hit 3200 miles since last oil change. I checked my oil today and its still a clearish light brown color. I also did the taste test -oil tasted normal and not burned.

Is greasing the driveshaft the same as a 'chassis lube'? Dam...I just pressure sprayed the under chassis of my truck because I went offroading and it was all muddy. Do you think I blasted some grease off? Is greasing the driveshaft the same as a chassis lube? How much does a greasing of the driveshaft normally cost and is it something I can do myself and how? Can i just use WD40 is grease what is recommended? If I do it myself can I just put the grease on my hands and apply it to the drive shafts or do i need a special tool to do it? Sorry for the newbie

 

OP, since you said money is tight and you're wanting to get the most out of your oil changes I would suggest spending a little money to possibly save a lot. Check out this thread - http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/317611-oil-interval-3-4l-2.html#post8268099 - as well as http://www.blackstone-labs.com/.

For under $30 you can get a detailed evaluation of your engine's internal condition and look into safely and reliably increasing your oil change intervals. I spend a lot of money on Mobil 1 Full Synthetic oil and a Mobil 1 filter, but I am also up to a 12,000 mile change interval, so I'm spending less than a lot of folks who use dino oil and change on short intervals. Worth looking into.

And regarding my vote for your question, don't sweat changing it before your trip. If you're engine doesn't have any issues you're aware of (like oil consumption) you should be fine.

 

Sure you can grease your own drive shaft, but you need a grease gun. About 10 bucks.
The grease needs to be replenished on the inside of the u-joints, where the needle bearing are. If you went off roading and pressure washed the underside, you likely did not wash away grease inside, where it counts. Not a bad idea to degrease though, but with grease. NOT WD-40. That stuff is not even a good lubricating oil, let alone a grease.

 

Check your front end components while you are under there. If the ball joints or tie rod ends have been replaced, they may have grease zerks on them.
If so, grease 'em.

 

Dino oil is Fine. If you're feeLing paranoid and really want to do somEthing, change your filter and top off.

But it's really not needed.

 

Thanks again for all the great replies. From what u guys have said I won't do an oil change till after my trip. I feel more relieved now.

I'm wondering though if anyone has a link or instructions on how to grease the drive shaft? What are zerks? Should I grease th driveshaft myself or just have a mechanic to do it. Is all grease the same or do I need a special type of grease. Also, what do I grease on the front end as far ball joints and neighboring parts. Do I need a grease gun for that too? Thanks again for all the replies! Forgot to ask how much grease to add and how to tell when there's enough grease added? Thanks

 

ZERO, I don't think that the "Oil Taste Test" is covered under Obamacare if u end up in the ER with the Squirts! Simply by looking at the color of the oil is sufficient. If you must use one of your senses, smell it, but don't put that nasty stuff in your mouth.

If you use the search button, you can search the forum and find the thread that shows you the grease points with pictures on the driveshaft.

Google zerk, but if you've ever been lucky enough to have a colonoscopy, the relationship between a grease gun and a zerk is much the same. No further mention necessary.

 

I have always used real oil, and never over 5,000 miles... In fact usually 3,000 to 4,000 miles between changes. I have had two 4WD Off Road Tacomas with over 100,000 miles on them in just 4-5 years and my current Tacoma has 60,000 miles on it... NOT ONE ENGINE ISSUE. I think the cheap insurance of clean motor oil could have something to do with that?

So spend the $30-45 bucks and have it done no greater than 5,000 miles... and closer to 3,000 miles if you really love your truck!