How do you track when your next oil change is due?

I’m curious. For all you DIYers, how do you record your next oil change?
I use to take it to a mechanic and he would put those vinyl sticker on the front windshield for the next oil change.

 

I keep an excel file with mileage date and services done.
For oil/filter specifically, I also just know it’s every 5k miles. I’ve synced it up so it’s at 120k, 125k, etc…
I think all the Tacomas have a service light that goes off every xxxx number of miles too.
My 2012 has it, so I’d be sure the 3rd gen’s have it too

 

^this. I change it every 5k so anytime I'm rolling over a 0 or 5 on the thousands it's time for service.

 

trip-o-meter

 

Back when I only had one car it was pretty easy to just remember, I never wrote anything down. But now that I'm maintaining 4-5 cars and they seem to keep coming in and out of the fleet I absolutely have to write everything down.

I've started using a simple system of Google Sheets. I have one document with separate tabs for each vehicle. One section is dedicated to service records and other notes while another section stores information and links (planned mods, tutorials, links to replacement parts...etc).

If you want to do the oil changes yourself but still use the stickers, they are available online in many different configurations.

$21 Oil Change Service Reminder Stickers / 500 Red Clear Blue Next Service Due Removable Labels / 2" x 2" Square Automotive Window Sticker/Made in The USA

https://www.amazon.com/Oil-Change-S...l+change+stickers&qid=1747319847&sr=8-24&th=1

 

Odometer and trip meter are easy ways.

 

Trip B and I check it every couple weeks.

 

You should keep records of everything you do to the vehicle including dates and mileage. If you want set up some kind of spread sheet.Excel is a good one.

 

Excel spreadsheet with a page for each vehicle. I also have a dry erase board on the door of a cabinet in my garage with columns for each vehicle. I'm tracking my Tacoma, her Altima, and 4 motorcycles so something always needs something.

 

As above...excel and trip B. Trip A for gas milage.

 

Excel user here as well, and I log my maintenance into the toyota owners website.

I also switched my maintenance to every 5K, which makes tracking easier. 90% of my driving qualifies for the severe schedule anyway.

 

The CarFax app (Car Care, in the app store) is pretty good and allows you to upload receipt too if you want. I've also paid a small amount for an annual subscription to Fuelly Pro which will help you keep a mileage log of services. I use both.

 

I use Carfax as well. It's nice to be able to attach receipts to work done, and know that the records stick with the vehicle for whenever you sell the truck in the future.

 

All service gets written down in a notebook in the glove box.
My oil change reminder is a Sharpie marker written on blue painters tape stuck to the back of the driver's door.

 

Every 5k miles. When odometer reaches 50k, 55k, 60k, 65k, [etc...] then it is time to change the oil.

Edit: I also log all maintenance in my Toyota OEM maintenance log so I can remember what, when, where, mileage, date details of each procedure.

 

I write on a piece of painters tape, date and milage when last done.
Keep the tape on the backside of my sun visor.
Reset the engine maintenance reminder.

 

at autozone when you buy your oil/filter you can get the stickers free.

i usually just keep track of it mentally and i write the current mileage and date on the new filter before installing. just so i know when it was last changed.

 

my 1st get doesnt have a service light so it might be something introduced in 2nd or 3rd gens.

as for me, i have a service/repair manual i bought at an autozone, kept the receipt and use it as a bookmarker but also have written on the receipt when i last changed the oil. I aim to change it abt every 3 or so months.

 

Trip A = MPG
Trip B = Oil Change

I also log everything on a sheet of paper in my car file folder so there is one cohesive set of records
Along with all the receipts from things like tires, oil, whatever else
Got a folder in each vehicle with the relevant records

 

Not a DIY'er but I still keep track on Google sheets. Oil change reminder sticker on front windshield. Also, old school file folder for all receipts.