First oil changes? and break in oil?

Ok so I have done searches everywhere i can think of and can't seem to get a definative answer. We just purchased a brand new camry for my wife and the first recommended oil change is at 10,000 miles. I am not sure I am comfortable with this as I have heard many people changing theirs at around 1000 and then again at maybe 5000. This is the way I was leaning just to make sure I was safe, but then I read a few people talking about "break in oil" that they put in new vehicles. I had never heard of this and it was unclear if these people were talking about a special oil, or just the first oil run on the engine. If anyone has any knowledge on this subject, or can point me in the right direction I greatly appreciate it. I know its probably not a big deal either way as people have had their vehicles last for a long time doing it both ways, but I am curious.

 

Does it read 10,000 miles or one year...which ever comes first? I guess the factory oil is synthetic and they recommend useing it in the owners manual correct?

 

Hello, you're not going to find a definitive answer because everyone will have differing opinions on this, including companies and mechanics.....everyone.

These engines nowadays are made very well, with very good tolerances.....engines made 20 years ago aren't even close. So this notion that they need a break in is a little far fetched nowadays. HOWEVER, I do still recommend taking it easy for the first thousand miles, there are other areas of the drivetrain that does need to be broke-in.

They probably recommend the first change at 10k because I'm guessing they are using a full synthetic from the factory.
I don't like this recommendation (again different opinion, and I'm sure it would be fine to wait un-till 10k), I would change anywhere between 500-1000 miles. And put in Mobil 1 (my own opinion on oil) and a good filter. Such as a Toyota filter (very good), or a Mobil 1 filter, Wix, purolater, etc, but NOT a Fram. And change every 5000 thousand miles using Mobil 1. You can go a lot longer on interval, but that seems to be the norm.

If you do wait un-till 10k, make sure you change the oil filter every 5000k.

I don't know much about this "break-in oil", but I'm sure you don't need to use it. If it was such a big deal I'm sure they would all put it in from the factory, which they don't. Just keep the oil in from the factory.

Hope that helps, have a good one!

 

If you're worried about it, ask your toyota dealer if its OK to change it early.

If you still don't get any answer and to retain the security and peace of mind when it comes to warrantee coverage....

Find out exactly what type of oil they're using. Change it earlier than 10k miles yet make sure you put the exact type oil in it that toyota uses. Or....just take it to the dealer and let them change it. If there's any warrantee issues....then its on them, not you.

But if the owners manual says you don't need to change regular oil change intervals for 10K miles - then you shouldn't need to change it earlier.

 

i change mine every 3k,i think the first one was @2400

 

Ok thanks everyone I think I may go ahead and change it at 5000 just to make sure. Yeah they have gone to a full synthetic from the factory and recommend changes of 10,000 mi.

 

As stated, every person will have a differing opinion on this matter. You're likely to hear everything from "I change mine every 1,000 miles." to "My Brother's Friend's Uncle's Former Roomate never ever changed his oil. And has never had a problem."

As far as I know, there is no such thing as a specific "break in oil". Its just the original factory oil that is referred to as the break in, because it's in the engine during the break in period.

Also, the critical components are already broken in at the factory prior to the vehicle leaving. To avoid any sort of User Error that may happen to something critical. The break in period refers more to the overall drivetrain breaking in.

Personally: I did my first oil change at 2,000 kms, to get rid of the original oil and any sort of metal shavings/dirt/whatever may still have been in the engine. I also switched to Amsoil 5w30 fully synthetic, and will continue to use this kind for the life of the engine. I didn't get a free parts deal with my dealer oil changes, so I'll just source and supply my own oil for them to use, should I decide to take it to the dealer for my maintenance/warranty recommended oil changes.

I'll be following the recommended maintenance schedule as closely as possible. I dislike the idea of voiding my (extended) warranty due to one missed oil change.

 

If your new car is a 2011 model it has to meet the new GF5 oil standard. These new oils are designed to last longer, but I would definitely change it at least once per year. JMO.

I don't know what oil Toyota is using to meet this standard, but at the GM dealer that I work at, we are using Dexos oil that exceeds the GF5 standard. My guess, based on the price, is that it is some new formula of synthetic based oil. Everything from the Aveo to the ZR1 Corvette is supposed to use it.

http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1486884&fpart=1

http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=resources/auto&id=7706446