First oil change in desert climate

[azwildcat78]

Okay, guys, hope to get a solid answer. Love this board and all the helpful info.

I bought a new SR5 Premium 4X4 in March and took advantage of the free Toyota two year maintenance deal. The oil change in the program (synthetic) is 10K miles. Living in Phoenix, I've always religiously changed the oil every 5, albeit with regular oil. I went in to the dealer today, all fluids we fine, but my service advisor admitted he doesn't agree with the interval. Since our temps regularly top 100 degrees, he's a 5K guy.

My mechanic agrees with 5K, synthetic or not.

Since it's a new truck, I'm babying this as much as I can. Any thoughts on going for an oil change now versus waiting for 10K? I'm retired and don't rack up a lot of miles, but expect the best from my T4R.

 

[Riskijer]

I'd do 5k on the first change, but that's just something I've always done. I can really speak to the type of weather you have, but maybe some of the other guys will chime in. I know there's been a ton of discussion on the topic in the past.

 

[1engineer]

Your vehicle and 0W-20 synthetic fluid does not know nor care that your ambient temperature is 20 degrees hotter than normal. Remember that some temperatures in your engine get really hot regardless of air temperature.
Your body cares. Your 4Runner does not.
It will take longer for your air conditioning to cool off.
Your oil will perform the same as if you were in Illinois or Vermont.

If you really care to learn then go to bobistheoilguy.com or you could listen to people that perpetuate old myths and legends.

Listen to the guys who designed the engine and stand behind their work with a warranty. 10K.

 

[badger109]

Get a sample analyzed at 5k and decide for yourself; you can't argue with real data. Then post the analysis here for reference.

The engine is already run in at the factory so the 1st oil change shouldn't be any different than the 10th oil change

 

[korborh]

Change it at 10k/1yr as per the manual 0W-20 Synthetic.
However, if it helps you sleep at night, go ahead with the 5K.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Sorry I don't have an answer, but seeing as how we are neighbors and my question kind of dovetails with yours:

I just did my one year service and they didn't install a new cabin air filter. I called the service advisor when I got home to ask why not- the advisor said since I only had 7,000 miles- the filter was in good shape and didn't need to be replaced. Is that legit or did I get screwed over?

Bonus stupid question: where do I purchase TRD black wheels? I feel like an Internet search newb, as I can not find them anywhere but eBay, and I typically like to search for the best deals. Thanks guys!

 

[m85476585]

Hot weather is easier on the engine than cold weather if you do a lot of short trips because it warms up faster. The cooling system will keep it from getting too hot. You could tow a trailer up a mountain in 100 degree weather and it probably still wouldn't get too hot.

If you drive in extremely dusty conditions a lot, then consider changing it earlier. The air filters are not perfect, and they could let some very fine dust through. You can easily take the air filter out and look at it to see if it looks dusty or dirty.

 

[LandCruiser]

Your dealer guy is right.

Oil evaporates at temperatures over 100F, it'll be empty if you do it every 10k without topping it off.

 

[jwkilgore]

Most mechanics want you to change at 5k miles (or even 3k) because it means more work and pay. Always question the advice you get from someone if they directly benefit if you follow the advice.

If you spend a lot of time sitting and idling (police, taxi, etc.), then you're working your oil without putting on miles. In that case change at 5k. Same if you drive in a lot of fine dust that can get past the air filter.

Otherwise, I say go with the oil life calculator designed by the people who back the 60,000 miles drivetrain warranty. It monitors the actual temp and engine revolutions and such to tell you when it's time to change the oil.

 

[Top Shelf Synthetics]

There shoudn't be any issues running ~10K. Personally, I run Amsoil synthetic to 15k/1 year and have had no issues in 15 years out here in Arizona. As Badger109 said, you can get a sample analyzed at 5k and decide if you would like to extend further. 5K change out is a bit to soon in my opinion. As always though, it your choice and do whatever makes you comfortable.

 

[off-road runner]

http://olathetoyota.com/
they had the best price I could find... came out to $745 for 4 rims shipped to my door.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Toyota Dealer - Kansas City Olathe New Used Kansas
they had the best price I could find... came out to $745 for 4 rims shipped to my door.

Thank you SO much for the info- I really appreciate it.

 

[Kenny Powers]

What did you do with your original wheels? Is there a market for gently used wheels?

 

[Ron4RNevada]

Just for your information:

Here in N. Nevada --> Dolan Toyota in Reno does my oil and filter changes (yes synthetic) and other stuff every 5000 miles. And NO its not making them more money - these are my dealer provided free services. Next year I'll be paying for this. But I'll continue at the 5k interval ($72) just because I spend so much time off road out in the dirt........

 

[jwkilgore]

Dealers always get paid, even for warranty work. The dealer isn't guaranteeing anything; it's Toyota Corporate.

The recent "oil change under warranty" deal simply means that Toyota Corporate pays the hourly rate and parts instead of the customer.

 

[Ron4RNevada]

Dealers always get paid, even for warranty work. The dealer isn't guaranteeing anything; it's Toyota Corporate.

The recent "oil change under warranty" deal simply means that Toyota Corporate pays the hourly rate and parts instead of the customer.

Mine isn't a corporate warranty - I bought a certified used '13 truck - It is the dealer that is paying for the buyer incentive work.

 

[1engineer]

Mine isn't a corporate warranty - I bought a certified used '13 truck - It is the dealer that is paying for the buyer incentive work.

Somebody always pays the dealer. You, Toyota, somebody.