Newbie Oil Change

[kaffin8ed]

Hello,

This is a bit embarrassing but I'm going to attempt my first oil change ever.

I have a used 2007 4Runner SR5 V6. Any suggestions on oil type, oil filter or procedure would be appreciated. The car currently uses regular oil but I thought of switching to synthetic. There is currently 30K kilometers to the car.
Do I need to jack it up since there is a bit of clarence already?

I know, very basic stuff but I've never care for a car as much as I do about my new ride :driving:

Thanks in advance.

 

[kaffin8ed]

Found an old thread on this matter... will check it out. thanks!

 

[K.C.]

If this is your first oil change ever, be sure someone that's done an oil change before Supervises you.

We had a few newbies that attempted it & accidently drained their transmission.

• Don't need to jack up the vehicle, it has enough clearance
• 14mm socket
• 1.5" socket extension
• 3/8 ratchet
• 5.5 quarters of regular oil
• OEM oil filter
• replace the oil drain plug gasket
• torque the drain plug to 29ft/lbs

My V6 Oil Filter

 

[Old Yoter]

Don't feel bad, I just learned how to text on a cell.

 

[Uneek]

If this is your first oil change ever, be sure someone that's done an oil change before Supervises you.

We had a few newbies that attempted it & accidently drained their transmission.

Take K.C.'s advice wholeheartedly. It'll at least save some coin. :guitar3:

I don't believe in having someone try something out of their comfort zone and ability. If that noob had followed my advice, that oil change would've consisted one filter and four quarts of oil. But instead, it was at least eight quarts of oil, two oil filters, a new oil pan and plug, a few more quarts of transmission fluid, a couple loads worth laundry detergent and a lots of water.

But as they say, mistakes equates to experience. :happens:

 

[A4X4NSNOWMAN]

I would use whatever the factory recommends. But if you're gonna go synthetic, i would do a synthetic blend, probably by castrol or mobile 1. ALSO, USE THE RIGHT WEIGHT AND SUCH FOR THE TIME OF YEAR. IE-Use thinner oil in the winter if you live in a cold climate, and thicker in the summer. But you can always use the happy medium, which is usually what the factory recommends. And as said above, have someone who's done it supervise you. Last thing you want is to pull the wrong plug and have to repost a thread saying.."i went to change my oil for the first time and it was red...isn't oil supposed to be brown?" lol

 

[kaffin8ed]

Thanks!

Hey everyone,

Thanks for the advice. I'll have my neighbour/friend supervise me. He doesn't do his own oil changes anymore since he's traded in his Prelude for a mini van but he should be able to help.