Break In

Hey guys,

So I've been driving my new 2015 Tacoma like how I normally drive it, as the general consensus is the engine comes already broken in. However, I have varied the RPM's whenever I can and try not to push it too hard.

I have two questions I was hoping y'all can help.

1. When do you recommend the first oil change and switch to synthetic? From searches, its somewhere between 3k-5k?

2. Is there anything else I need to change? Some say differential fluid and some say don't. Anything else?

Thanks millions

 

Synthetic should not be used until the engine is fully broken in. My opinion would be not until at least 10000 miles but change the oil using non syntethic at recommended cycles until then.

 

I've got about 1300 miles on mine. I always do the first oil change early to get any garbage out. Since I'm taking a little bit of a road trip next Friday, I plan to change the oil before I leave

 

Unless I am going to do some heavy duty use such as serious off roading are towing a heavy trailer I plan to follow the Owner's Manual recommendations in my 2015.

At about 30,000 I will probably switch to synthetic in the engine, differentials, and transfer case .

Not likely that I will do what many consider heavy duty off roading or towing.

 

My truck had synthetic oil from the factory. Has been serviced at the dealership every oil change since i've owned it. It has synthetic oil put in every time. I see that some believe in a "break in period" for synthetic oil and don't agree.

Oil in its natural state is random in its molecular make up. So it doesn't bond to the metals in the engine as easily. Yet, has an ability to remain "thicker" during natural wear and tear of an engine. It can potentially leave some part of the engine exposed to excessive wear and tear in some cases.

Synthetic oil is man made and created to evenly bond on the metal parts of the engine. This thinner coat of oil allows the engine to move freely providing a more "efficient" engine. It will also allow the engines wear and tear to evenly break down in comparison to standard oil.

Note: I have the 2.7l, so maybe the 4.0's have a different call on oil, but what i've stated about the oil(s) are still the same.

 

The 2.7's come from Toyota with syn. So do Corvettes, Mercedes, Porsches as well as various models of other marquees.

Maybe the wives tale files need refreshing?

To the OP. I'd ask why you want to change to syn? Are you aiming to take advantage of proven longer OCIs, like in the 10k range? If not, for your described use of the vehicle, syn would bring you no benefit, other than lightening you wallet.

 

I went Synthetic at first oil change 1500 miles. I also varied speed but included some good hard brief accelerations in the first 500 miles. It forces the piston rings against the cylinder walls for an oil tight break in. Different opinions here from everyone but that's what I do with my vehicles and my Bikes. Never had an engine that used oil or did not exceed 100,000 miles with no issues at all!

 

Thanks guys!

So I guess changing the oil at every 5k and differential at 15k is regular maintenance? Everything else is the 30k, 60k, etc. service, right?

 

A lot of people push synthetic oil change intervals a little further. I change mine every 10K miles or so. Maintenance intervals are in your owners manual if you are in doubt. As far as engine break in goes, I bought my truck in Germany and it was on the Autobahn for it's first tank of fuel, held wide open for several hours. 10 years later, it still runs great. I think with modern engines break in is over rated, and they get ran at the factory anyhow. Now, an old school 350 V-8 is a different story.

 

consider it already broken in and change the oil twice a year.

 

do a first break in oil change at 2k then another at 5k, then every 5k after that..... oil type does not matter (syn or dino)

Open that bitch up too, seat those rings!

Also CHANGE YOUR REAR DIFF AT 5k.... its going to be NASTY

 

Switch to synthetic when toyota care is done.

 

dont use toyota care..... watched them almost start my truck without oil in it....

 

Change it at 5,000 or whenever you want before that.
I don't think it really matters how or when you change to synthetic. It won't hurt anything.

Whether or not you still have 'fine particulates' left over from break in - you'll catch them on the next oil change. Every break-in is different depending on how you drive, etc. You could still have 'breakin' materials many many oil changes later.

I changed mine at 2700 miles. No particular reason....other than, I knew I didn't want to wait till 5,000 and I had time in my work schedule to do it. I've been putting Mobile 1 in it ever since.

 

Look in your owners manual.

Differentials are at 30K (front & rear plus Tcase) - at least, that's what it is for my 07.

 

I don't worry about stuff like that.....its covered if they do something stupid like that.

 

Agree

 

ok, w/e floats your boat.

Does not sit well with me if they start my truck without oil... run it for a bit and realize... oh shit, put oil back in it... and never tell you, cus thats what would of happened had i not been standing watching my truck as work was being done on it.

 

Maybe they are already broken in by the factory.

 

Wasn't trying to make it sound like a smart a$$ comment or anything like that. I was just implying holding the service department accountable if they screw up. In your case....that wouldn't sit well with me either but if its on the dealership....then pretty much you have them by the balls.