oil change?

[mc_kinjim]

I must be honest. i am clueless as to how to change the oil from a car. I want to learn how to change the oil.
What do i need to do when i change the oil. Where can i purchase an oil filter (does it need to be from toyota?)
What kind of oil? I mean. is it possible for me to learn how to change oil over the forum?
much thanks in advance.

 

[1fun4run]

I must be honest. i am clueless as to how to change the oil from a car. I want to learn how to change the oil.
What do i need to do when i change the oil. Where can i purchase an oil filter (does it need to be from toyota?)
What kind of oil? I mean. is it possible for me to learn how to change oil over the forum?
much thanks in advance.

always a good idea to change it yourself not hard at all...
you can get a filter at any auto parts store, not just from toyota although some people recommend the TRD oversized one
and use the oil recommended by the mfr

 

[<<<<]

I'd strongly suggest to get service manual, mc_kinjim.

 

[peter78]

It is a good thing to learn. Most people don't do it. Here are three things you wanted to know about oil changes but were afraid to ask.

1.) You need some tools. A socket set is a must, a oil filter wrench to get the oil filter off, oil drain container, rags, WD-40, ramps (optional), a few other tools would be nice. Of course you will have to figure out how to do it. Some people take off the skid plates, I leave them on and clean up with paper towels any oil that hits the skid plate from taking off the oil filter. I spray WD-40 on rubber boots. Also, this is a great time to look at the condition of your vehicle, notice any broken boots, leaking seals, loose bolts, etc. This to me is a huge advantage and is a good argument for doing the change yourself.

2.) If you buy conventional oil, most people feel one brand is just about the same as others. I go with Castrol GTX 5 W 30. Most 4Runners recommend 5 W 30. If you go with sythetic stay with 5 W 30, Mobil 1 is the most practical choice, I would stay away from Castrol Syntec. You can buy Toyota filters, the safest choice, if your into it, buy on-line in bulk to save the bucks. Oh yes you will need a oil plug washer, Toyota sells this part.

3.) Re-cycle the old oil. I put it in old plastic gallon containers and take it to auto parts stores who re-cycle or at a County waste site.

As you can see it is not easy or cheap and you have to drop off the old oil and get clothes dirty, ( I have special tee shirts for this) and you will have oil all over your hands. Maybe an oil change at Toyota is looking pretty good right now. :arrow:

 

[MicaBlue03]

mc_kinjim, I applaud your desire to learn how to do this yourself. You can do a better job than folks who don't care about your vehicle like you do, and it will encourage you to check the rest of the fluid and mechanicals out periodically.

It's not hard do to, but the Toyota repair (service) manuals aren't as much help as they should be with the details. They say in the introduction that they're written for experienced mechanics.

It's hard to learn everything you need to do it correctly from a forum; I'd suggest finding someone (perhaps on this forum) who lives near you and can help you do it the first time. It's just so much easier to show someone directly and not to try to describe it all well in writing.

That said, I'd also do searches here and on other Toyota forums. Some folks have posted lots of specific information and pictures to make things clearer.

I can't see any reason to use any other oil and filter than what the manufacturer specifies in the operating manual. If warranty coverage is a concern, be sure to save receipts.