Possible Oil Change Mistake?

[mattb2003]

So, at the end of last January, I changed the oil in my 4Runner for the first time on my own. We don't drive the 4Runner that often and haven't hit 5,000 miles since the oil change, however, it's been almost a year now, and I'm concerned that we may have waited too long (I've heard not to go over 6 months, even if you haven't hit the mileage yet).

I used Mobil 1 Synthetic when I did the change. I'm going to go ahead and pick some up along with a Toyota filter and get it done ASAP. Is there anything that I should look for when doing the change? I'm hoping that I didn't damage anything by waiting this long.

It's a 2007 V6 with 4WD. Any thoughts that could be helpful (besides remembering to mark down the date for the next interval and to drive it more often) would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Matt

 

[EDness]

You'll be fine. i'm on the same boat. I've done my last oil change in Feb, but i've only driven 1500 miles on it since. Once a year should be fine with synthetic. Mine's garage kept if it matters.

I plan on changing my oil on new years weekend.

 

[blaniac22]

Matt,

I don't think you have anything to worry about. You used a great oil.

Something to consider for the future though as you say it's not driven very often.

There's a difference between not reaching 5,000 miles and driving it 5 miles every day and not reaching 5,000 miles and it's driven for longer periods say once a week.

If it's driven once or twice a week and given opportunity to get up to full temp when it is driven then that's great.

If it's used for a lot of little, short trips that's what's real rough on the engine.

It's not necessarily how many miles or even the timeframe. What matters most is how those miles get there - which is why the timeframe comes into play.

Some of the "oil experts" will probably chime in with some good advice, but I believe you'll be fine.

 

[RS Dude]

If you wait to change your oil as long as 366 days or longer total engine failure will occur!:guitar2:

 

[Lineman]

Yea, and you must sell at a reduced price to another member :bluejump:


In all seriousness, you're fine. I change mine once a year no matter if I put 1,000 or 20,000 miles.

 

[mattb2003]

Thanks all, appreciate it! I'm going to get it changed soon, but glad to know we should be ok. I'll also keep in mind what blaniac22 said about the type of driving as well - good advice.

Thanks again for all of the quick responses!

Matt

 

[Zuke]

Remember checking your oil level frequently is just as important as changing it.