Just picked up my new 2006 Sport, V-8 and after my salesman introduced me to the service manager I asked him about waiting 5-10,000 miles before switching to synthetic. He said that was a myth and he recommended my first oil change at 1,000 and switch to synthetic then if I wanted. I plan to do so and thereafter at 5,000 to 7,000 miles.
oil change
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Bluto
New member
That is not the official word from Toyota.
"If you decide to use synthetic oil for the engine, it is best not to switch until the first scheduled oil change. Synthetic oil should meet the specifications provided in your Owner's Manual. If synthetic oil is used, Toyota recommends that you continue to observe the oil change intervals laid forth in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide. Also, once synthetic oil is used, you should keep using it and not switch back and forth with natural petroleum-based oil."
I believe the first scheduled oil change is 5000 miles? I did about 5 dino oil changes the first 10k miles, then switched. 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, then synthetic at 10k. But that is just me, and I like working on the truck.
"If you decide to use synthetic oil for the engine, it is best not to switch until the first scheduled oil change. Synthetic oil should meet the specifications provided in your Owner's Manual. If synthetic oil is used, Toyota recommends that you continue to observe the oil change intervals laid forth in the Scheduled Maintenance Guide. Also, once synthetic oil is used, you should keep using it and not switch back and forth with natural petroleum-based oil."
I believe the first scheduled oil change is 5000 miles? I did about 5 dino oil changes the first 10k miles, then switched. 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, then synthetic at 10k. But that is just me, and I like working on the truck.
Thanks Bluto! Since the next scheduled change is not until 5,000 and I now have 300 mi. I guess I will change at 1,000 at the dealer and request dino oil until my change at 5,000. There are so many opinions on this. I do believe in changes before 5,000 on a new vehicle as you have done.
You have a point there Thai but 5,000 seems a long time to wait on a new vehicle when foreign matter is thrown off during break-in, at least according to some posts. I recall somewhere on this site comments on difficulty getting to the drain plug due to removing the shield, etc. I'll take a look at that as I'd rather be the one owning the boat!
ovrrdrive
New member
In my opinion from what I've heard, read, and seen for myself you'll be fine to switch to synth oil at 1k miles. That really is an old myth about it keeping the engine from breaking in properly.
The list of expensive and exotic cars that ship with synthetic oil in them is getting longer by the day.
The list of expensive and exotic cars that ship with synthetic oil in them is getting longer by the day.
Thai
Elite Member
ovrrdrive said:
True...i have two vehicles (old BMW M3 and my current G500) that comes from factory with synthetics. However, it doesn't hurt to wait. And you really don't know if BMW or Mercedes preps their engine differently at the factory. I have heard that BMW breaks in their engine at the factory before shipping...myth or fact?? I don't know.
My cautious theory: If you don't wait, then there is a tiny rare chance that the "myth" is right. Myth comes from somewhere...and more often than not, myth is a reflection of the truth at some point in time. And it would really suck for you and your 4runner if the myth does in fact bears some truth. Again, it does NOT hurt to wait. What's the rush? If you're changing your oil that often, then your engine should run fine whether you change to synthetics at 1K miles or 10K miles.
ovrrdrive
New member
Thai said:
No one can argue with that logic... There are hundreds of thousands of engines out there with 200k on them that never saw anything but dino oil...
To change to synthetic at 1k would put you in the "adventurous, living dangerously, I live my life a quarter mile at a time" crowd which isn't always a good place to be.
Hell, change to synth now at 1k and who knows? His next new engine might be broken in using mototune techniques. :bash:
I agree it's safer to wait, and there will be no more measurable wear either.
overdrive said:
I've seen more then a few engine that have gone over 200k with dino oil and the oil was changed maybe every 10k, the actual internal condition compared to an engine that got more frequent changes is probably not the same but it's really hard to say and of all those engines they are still running around.
I also believe that newer engines are not the old school heavy duty engines that once where being built
:As a new member your comments have been quite helpful re: the first oil change and the synthectic. I think I will perform the first change at 1,000 and stick with dino until at least the 5,000 or maybe the 10,000 scheduled change, then go to synthectic. I do some light towing (1-2 ATVs, 2000 lbs. total weight) and sometimes climb Vail Pass and Eishenhower Tunnel (both around 11,000 ft.) and believe there might be a slight edge to synthetic. Most of my driving is between 6,000 and 10,000 ft. altitude and can use any help possible.
My wife has a 2004 4R V-8 which climbs the passes well with the trailer. My 2006 V-8 is not broken in yet (manual says 500 mi. before towing) so have not tried it yet. Think I'll wait until at least a 1,000 mi. Does anyone think I will be able to perceive the increased hp and torque of the new V-8 compared to the 2004 model? Just driving around not sure I can tell a difference yet.
My wife has a 2004 4R V-8 which climbs the passes well with the trailer. My 2006 V-8 is not broken in yet (manual says 500 mi. before towing) so have not tried it yet. Think I'll wait until at least a 1,000 mi. Does anyone think I will be able to perceive the increased hp and torque of the new V-8 compared to the 2004 model? Just driving around not sure I can tell a difference yet.
Koz
New member
There is no reason to wait to switch to synthetic after 1K miles. If you are going to change your oil every 5K miles you really don't even need synthetic unless you tow. The two 4Runner engines are VERY easy on engine oil. If you use synthetic you can safely extend your change interval to 10K miles or one 1 year whichever comes first.
Koz
Koz
Baba Booey
New member
Koz said:
I would play it safe and abide by the 5,000 mile or six month OCI during the warranty period regardless of the type of oil used. I know there are differing opinions regarding the applicability of the federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, but who wants to hire a lawyer in order to get warranty work done?
Koz
New member
Baba Booey said:
I recommend the extended drain based on UOAs that have shown this to be safe. You would have to have an oil related engine failure for this to be a problem, which I have never even heard of, on these engines. If you are going to change it at 5K don't waste your money on expensive synthetic oil.
Koz
Baba Booey
New member
Bluto said:
I do not believe this statement is true. The federal Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act precludes manufacturers from forcing customers to use only Toyota parts installed by Toyota mechanics. This act applies to many lines of business - not just auto manufacturers.
If this were true, many local independent mechanics, other auto service centers, and aftermarket parts manufacturers would be out of business.
For example, if you installed an aftermarket muffler, and it rotted out, Toyota wouldn't cover it. And only Toyota "WS" tranny fluid is approved for use in the newer 4Runner trannies, but that's because for now they claim that there is no compatible fluid. However, this is not the case with the motor oil. You need only use 5W-30 API certified "Energy Conserving" oil that meets at least the "SL" specification.
Baba Booey
New member
Koz said:
I do not disagree with anything that you have stated. However, what if the oil-lubricated timing belt in my V6 4Runner failed in some way, or my oil pump met an early demise?
It would be much easier for the dealer, and eventually Toyota, to deny paying for the repairs if you did not have proof that you followed the required maintenance OCI schedule. UOAs would be strong evidence in your favor, but you may still have a fight on your hands. Plus for the cost of UOAs, you could pretty much just do the additional oil change at 5K instead of 10K and be safer.
Bluto
New member
Baba Booey said:
The oil manufacture guarantees the oil meets API certified SL. If Toyota has reason to believe the non-Toyota motor oil caused the problem, was out of spec, defective, etc. Toyota won't cover it. Toyota will warranty the engine against engine defects, not the oil.
It all depends on what the Tech and Service Advisor determine. Toyota Motor oil is the only 100% way to cover you rear.
