oil change-mileage or months?

[jas32507]

My 2008 4Runner has 143000+ miles on it-oil was changed in Oct 2025-at 141350 miles so basically I have put 2000 miles on it in 6 months- I usually change oil every 6 mos/5000 miles but only 2000 miles on last oil change-should I wait and for how long before I change oil again. I lost my job so i don't drive nearly as much as I used to-car just sits in the garage

 

[SurferUK]

It will be fine! You'd be pouring perfectly good oil away if you changed it now.

Oil only "goes off" after short mileages if it's because lots of short trips are done, so that water/moisture doesn't evaporate away.

Even in that case, 2000 miles still wouldn't be enough to make it go bad.

 

[Ralph Blake]

Since i drive my 2008 SR5 4runner so few miles, i have now around 11,000 miles on her, i change my Mobil1 and filter around every two or maybe three years.
Not implying anyone follow my policy just telling the posters what i have done.

 

[IVD4R]

My take is 2000 miles or 4 months

 

[MikeinNH67]

I don't sweat the time side. I go more by looks and mileage plus how my cars are driven. I try to get them enough highway time monthly to burn off any moisture that may accumulate.

 

[4R005]

Like RBlake my '05 4R w/V8 gets driven about 1200 miles per year, so I change oil & filter every 2-3 years w/synthetic 5W30. Been doing this schedule ever since I bought it in '14 ( I'm 2nd owner ) 145k miles on odometer. All good as far as engine operation was concerned, as my drives were at a minimum 30 minutes and longer.

 

[Voltan73]

My 2003 SR5 V6 is my daily driver, albeit my round-trip commute to work & back is only 8 miles. With a four-day work week, the miles are slow to accumulate. I have my oil changes done at work (I'm a parts counterman at a Toyota dealership) every six months.

 

[Drcoffee]

Not all synthetic oils are truly synthetic. If you dont plan change it for years, use Mobil1. Many full synthetic oils use a standard oil base which still breaks down with heat.

 

[Parks Junkie]

Cars like to be driven, it's easier on them than sitting. So just take it out every few months for a 30-40-50 mile drive. Like 3 or 4 times a year. But don't worry about changing the oil because it's been a few months, it'll be fine.

 

[Ralph Blake]

My 2003 SR5 V6 is my daily driver, albeit my round-trip commute to work & back is only 8 miles. With a four-day work week, the miles are slow to accumulate. I have my oil changes done at work (I'm a parts counterman at a Toyota dealership) every six months.

Thats is a great deal for you.

 

[DK327]

Very informative post, thanks to everyone that responded and the OP for asking the question; I have a related question but regarding oil type. Earlier this month I bought an 06 V8 with 190K miles on the clock and the previous owner said he always used full synthetic. Should I continue doing this or switch to synth blend since the vehicle is 20 years old anymore? The only reason for switching would be to prevent the old seals from leaking which I hear is more likely with full synthetic vs conventional or synthetic blends. I've always used a synthetic blend on my 3rd gen and had no issues with oil leaks.

 

[Mrvmax]

I would not change it if I were in your situation. In reality, the only real way to know when it needs changed is by doing oil analysis. Since you are not working, that is not an option. Random months/mileages mean nothing and are only guesses. Oil analysis gives real proof.

 

[SurferUK]

Very informative post, thanks to everyone that responded and the OP for asking the question; I have a related question but regarding oil type. Earlier this month I bought an 06 V8 with 190K miles on the clock and the previous owner said he always used full synthetic. Should I continue doing this or switch to synth blend since the vehicle is 20 years old anymore? The only reason for switching would be to prevent the old seals from leaking which I hear is more likely with full synthetic vs conventional or synthetic blends. I've always used a synthetic blend on my 3rd gen and had no issues with oil leaks.

Regular changes are the most important thing. I think it would be fine on a quality semi-synth.