Gen 3 , V6 oil filter housing retainer tab?

There is an aluminum tab on housing side that looks like you can rotate (push laterally) over edge of plastic filter housing. Looks like it is a positive stop in case filter wanted to rotate and loosen against o-ring resulting in leakage. Is it intended that it be pushed over each time you change filter? Is it designed not to break from repeated movement (like spring and pin design). I don't see purpose of it. If filter properly torqued with o-ring installed , no way it ever gets loose. When removing filter it takes several revolutions before it loosens up. Just wondering what others do. I leave it to the side and NOT move it so that it is a positive stop. Thanks

 

It's only like 10 bucks more to just let the toyota dealer change it. I went to buy the oil and filter. 6.3 quarts I believe so you have to buy 7....Mobile 1 pure synthetic 8.99 a qt....filter 6.99....and an hour of my time to change it.


Or take it to toyota for 69.99 and they rotate the tires and top all fluids.

It's a no brainer for me and I have ALWAYS changed my own oil lol

 

Toyota gets to change my oil 2 times only because its free. I will perform all further changes myself. Did the first one at 1200 mi since they dont offer a break in oil change and I did not use the tab. Just had my first one done at the dealer for my 10k service and checked the oil level before I left because I dont trust them to do anything right.

 

I get my oil at Costco when it's on sale for around $25 for 6 quarts. I'll pick up 2 or 3 cases at a time. I just picked up filters for under $4 a piece so I'm under $30 a change and know it's right. One dealer overfilled my motor oil when I had my '14 and was taking advantage of the free oil changes.

I bought these filters.

$47 Genuine Scion - tC Oil Filter 1 Case (QTY 10) - 04152-YZZA1 by Toyota

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007QVVV7M/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

I have had too many bad experiences with dealer service work. Lack of attention to detail, damage, etc. if I knew the guy working on my truck was like me, I would do it at dealer. I kept my last Tacoma 17 years. I prefer to KNOW what is happening to my truck. My son bought a new F150 with the turbo Eco Boost engine. The Ford dealer used wrong weight oil in his new truck. Those turbo engines have specific requirements because they are so complex. I warned him to "trust but verify". He wa pissed. We now do His at my house. He feels better and it's good father/son time. Anyway, I enjoy working on routine maintenance of my vehicles. I understand some don't.
BTW: My 2016 TRD OR was 1/2 quart low on front Diff fluid from factory. Checked all myself first weekend. 1/2 quart out of 1.6 required! Got a 100K factory warranty extension ($0 deductible) for complaining about it to Corporate. Bottom line, trust but verify; keep records

 

Dang! That's not bad at all! I let me Costco membership expire a few months ago. Dang it.

 

Mine just started carrying 0W-20 the past year or so. Oil goes on sale at least 3 times a year. Plus I get USDA Prime grade meats cheaper then choice at my local butcher or supermarkets.

 

I like that answer ^^^^ Promoted