My first oil change questions

[piccrazy30]

Hey guys I have some questions for ya. I am ready to do my first oil change on my own!! I know some of this is a matter of opinion which is fine, so give your opinion and why.

1. Whats the difference in the different types of oil..5W30, 10W40, etc?

2. Whats the difference between synthetic and synthetic blend?

3. What brand do you prefer. Does Toyota have its own brand?

4. Am I considered high mileage?

5. Is there anything I should know before getting started?

I already have a Toyota oil filter and a drain pan. I have two jack stands and WILL use them.

Im doing it on my 04 V6 she has 164,440

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you guys!!!!!!!

 

[Gecko123]

Hey guys I have some questions for ya. I am ready to do my first oil change on my own!! I know some of this is a matter of opinion which is fine, so give your opinion and why.

1. Whats the difference in the different types of oil..5W30, 10W40, etc?

2. Whats the difference between synthetic and synthetic blend?

3. What brand do you prefer. Does Toyota have its own brand?

4. Am I considered high mileage?

5. Is there anything I should know before getting started?

I already have a Toyota oil filter and a drain pan. I have two jack stands and WILL use them.

Im doing it on my 04 V6 she has 164,440

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you guys!!!!!!!

To keep things simple, just change your oil REGULARLY, doesnt matter if it is synthetic or regular oil. 5w30 should be fine

The only thing to know, and this is probably the most important. Make you dont open the TRANSMISSION plug. that is a common beginner mistake.

 

[dadigab]

Might want to think about filter wrench too. If regular maintenance has been kept on schedule then you should be ok with a non high mileage oil. Synthetic or blended I believe are the same not sure though. I personally like synthetics But it does not matter just be consistent. Stick with 5w30.

 

[NOVA46]

Hey guys I have some questions for ya. I am ready to do my first oil change on my own!! I know some of this is a matter of opinion which is fine, so give your opinion and why.

1. Whats the difference in the different types of oil..5W30, 10W40, etc?

2. Whats the difference between synthetic and synthetic blend?

3. What brand do you prefer. Does Toyota have its own brand?

4. Am I considered high mileage?

5. Is there anything I should know

1) (cold viscosity)w(warm viscosity). 5w30 will work in almost any situation unless you're in the Sahara
2) synthetic is not made from crude oil, but rather made in a lab. Synthetic blend is dino oil blended with pure synthetic to cut cost
3) I like Castrol syntec, but it goes by a different name now. Mobil 1 and valvoline are good too. Toyota makes a conventional oil. I'm not sure but does Toyota even make a synthetic?
4) no, "high mileage" is put on the label to get you to spend more. It's pretty much the same as the regular stuff
5) please recycle your used oil at an auto parts store.big blue box

 

[NJshadow93]

1) (cold viscosity)w(warm viscosity). 5w30 will work in almost any situation unless you're in the Sahara
2) synthetic is not made from crude oil, but rather made in a lab. Synthetic blend is dino oil blended with pure synthetic to cut cost
3) I like Castrol syntec, but it goes by a different name now. Mobil 1 and valvoline are good too. Toyota makes a conventional oil. I'm not sure but does Toyota even make a synthetic?
4) no, "high mileage" is put on the label to get you to spend more. It's pretty much the same as the regular stuff
5) please recycle your used oil at an auto parts store.big blue box

I think Toyota just puts their name on Mobil oil. At my local dealer the bottles of conventional oil say Toyota but also says Mobil. They use Mobil 1 for synthetic too. I'm sure most dealers do their own thing when it comes to synthetic though.

 

[piccrazy30]

I have faithfully kept up on maintenance since I have owned her...I just want to do this on my own!

 

[NJshadow93]

I have faithfully kept up on maintenance since I have owned her...I just want to do this on my own!

Jack stands are not really necessary. I've done a few oil changes on my sister's RAV4 which is much lower than a 4Runner with all 4 tires on the ground. I loosen the drain plug first then slide the pan under and take it off by hand. Might make it a little easier than jacking it up.

 

[oljedi11950]

Good job Marie , like gecko said make sure oil plug , you'd be surprised how many GUYS have made that mistake . It's one on your very front skid plate !!!!!! Just an fyi I change mine every 5k .

 

[NuclearN8]

Worth considering a fumoto qwikvalve for future oil changes

 

[ebg18t]

Worth considering a fumoto qwikvalve for future oil changes

Or a Pella extractor. I haven't pulled the drain plug in ages.

 

[kevinpt]

i have a fumoto drain plug on my truck and love the thing. if you ever plan to go offroad be careful. i have the one without the hose nipple, if i had the one with it i would have ripped it right out of the oil pan on my last trip offroad at shoe creek.

 

[chitown40]

Hey guys I have some questions for ya. I am ready to do my first oil change on my own!! I know some of this is a matter of opinion which is fine, so give your opinion and why.

1. Whats the difference in the different types of oil..5W30, 10W40, etc?

2. Whats the difference between synthetic and synthetic blend?

3. What brand do you prefer. Does Toyota have its own brand?

4. Am I considered high mileage?

5. Is there anything I should know before getting started?

I already have a Toyota oil filter and a drain pan. I have two jack stands and WILL use them.

Im doing it on my 04 V6 she has 164,440

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you guys!!!!!!!

1) Answered above, but basically cold viscosity and warm viscosity (5W-30) good for cold climates. (10W-40) better for warmer climates. (5W-20) is what most new cars are taking now due to the slight improvement in fuel economy it provides.

2) Synthetic is made from man-made materials, whereas conventional oil is made from fossil fuels and naturally occurring compounds. Synthetic blend is a blend of the two. Synthetic blend is a waste of money since you don't know how much of either type of oil you are getting. Either go with a quality dino (conventional) oil and change it every 3-5k or go with a quality synthetic and extend your oil change intervals a little longer. Most manufacturers (not dealers) recommend every 7500 miles regardless of the type of oil you use. The exception would be severe use as described in the owner's manual. Color of the oil is NOT a good indicator of when to change the oil. Just follow the guidelines in the owner's manual.

3) Toyota branded oil is made by Mobil. They do now have a branded synthetic 5W-20. Toyota branded oil is overpriced. I try to purchase the same brand oil if economically possible, but with the ridiculous oil prices these days, I often go with the current sale brand. I do always stick with synthetic. That's from my personal experience.

4) Yes. Over 150k is usually considered high mileage when it comes to "high mileage" oil. For a Toyota in general, not so much.

5) Use the jack stands, chock the wheels, check your jack stands twice before crawling under. Wear latex gloves to keep the used oil off your skin. It contains carcinogens. Take your time and like mentioned above, ensure you are removing the proper drain plug. Your oil should be brown. It should NOT have any reddish coloring. When removing the filter, ensure you get the old gasket off the mating surface. Lubricate the new oil filter gasket (Toyota filters come lubricated but I always put on a dab more). And, only tighten the filter hand tight per the instructions (usually 1/2-3/4 turn past first contact of the gasket to the mating surface. Do not overfill with new oil. A little low is better than a little too much. Take your time to fill to the proper level. Check the rest of the fluids while you're already dirty and under the hood. Do a visual check of the suspension components and exhaust system while the car is raised. Also, look for any signs of other fluid leaks. That's it. Most of all, enjoy the satisfaction of working on your own vehicle. Have a beer or cocktail when you're done and admire your work.

 

[piccrazy30]

Jack stands are not really necessary. I've done a few oil changes on my sister's RAV4 which is much lower than a 4Runner with all 4 tires on the ground. I loosen the drain plug first then slide the pan under and take it off by hand. Might make it a little easier than jacking it up.

So you can see the plug without raising it?

 

[piccrazy30]

Or a Pella extractor. I haven't pulled the drain plug in ages.

That looks very interesting!! Do you have to remove ALL of the old oil and does this do that? Also does this tell you the amount? And how much oil do I need to put back in, thats one thing I forgot to ask, duh? 5 quarts right?

 

[piccrazy30]

i have a fumoto drain plug on my truck and love the thing. if you ever plan to go offroad be careful. i have the one without the hose nipple, if i had the one with it i would have ripped it right out of the oil pan on my last trip offroad at shoe creek.

How is it during the winter? Does the weather or anything from the roads (salt) effect how easy it is to use? I guess the weather part might be stupid since you would wait til it a bit warmer :loco:

 

[piccrazy30]

1) Answered above, but basically cold viscosity and warm viscosity (5W-30) good for cold climates. (10W-40) better for warmer climates. (5W-20) is what most new cars are taking now due to the slight improvement in fuel economy it provides.

2) Synthetic is made from man-made materials, whereas conventional oil is made from fossil fuels and naturally occurring compounds. Synthetic blend is a blend of the two. Synthetic blend is a waste of money since you don't know how much of either type of oil you are getting. Either go with a quality dino (conventional) oil and change it every 3-5k or go with a quality synthetic and extend your oil change intervals a little longer. Most manufacturers (not dealers) recommend every 7500 miles regardless of the type of oil you use. The exception would be severe use as described in the owner's manual. Color of the oil is NOT a good indicator of when to change the oil. Just follow the guidelines in the owner's manual.

3) Toyota branded oil is made by Mobil. They do now have a branded synthetic 5W-20. Toyota branded oil is overpriced. I try to purchase the same brand oil if economically possible, but with the ridiculous oil prices these days, I often go with the current sale brand. I do always stick with synthetic. That's from my personal experience.

4) Yes. Over 150k is usually considered high mileage when it comes to "high mileage" oil. For a Toyota in general, not so much.

5) Use the jack stands, chock the wheels, check your jack stands twice before crawling under. Wear latex gloves to keep the used oil off your skin. It contains carcinogens. Take your time and like mentioned above, ensure you are removing the proper drain plug. Your oil should be brown. It should NOT have any reddish coloring. When removing the filter, ensure you get the old gasket off the mating surface. Lubricate the new oil filter gasket (Toyota filters come lubricated but I always put on a dab more). And, only tighten the filter hand tight per the instructions (usually 1/2-3/4 turn past first contact of the gasket to the mating surface. Do not overfill with new oil. A little low is better than a little too much. Take your time to fill to the proper level. Check the rest of the fluids while you're already dirty and under the hood. Do a visual check of the suspension components and exhaust system while the car is raised. Also, look for any signs of other fluid leaks. That's it. Most of all, enjoy the satisfaction of working on your own vehicle. Have a beer or cocktail when you're done and admire your work.

160,000 miles for a Toyota is just getting the journey started. Whats the average amount to refill with? I asked someone else too, is it 5 quarts? Check the dip stick to see where the level is at.

Im gonna take a picture of my dirty hands and frame it for the first "mechanical" work on my truck, since Ive already done other things!!!

 

[NuclearN8]

Never had an issue with the fumoto. Used it on all my vehicles (cars and offroad rigs) and a few cycles for over a decade. Get the one with the short nipple as eluded to just to be safe in case your skid plates take a dent....

 

[markaidan]

Or a Pella extractor. I haven't pulled the drain plug in ages.

I just watched a video on the Pella 6000 and I really like the concept! Do you have any issues with it not removing all the old oil?

 

[earthrealm]

on my v6..piece of cake..no jack stands...easiet oil change i hv ever done...oil filter is on top.its slightly more difficult on a v8 cos of the skid plates..there are write ups and video on the process.search on this thread and youtube

 

[chitown40]

160,000 miles for a Toyota is just getting the journey started. Whats the average amount to refill with? I asked someone else too, is it 5 quarts? Check the dip stick to see where the level is at.

Im gonna take a picture of my dirty hands and frame it for the first "mechanical" work on my truck, since Ive already done other things!!!

In your owner's manual, under service or maintenance information, it should give you all the fluid capacities. It gives them in L, qts, and imperial L or qts. Just be sure you're reading the correct measure. I want to say the V6 is around 5.3 or 5.4 qts. But, that's just from memory. Definitely check the owner's manual or factory service manual.