Warranty question -

[Allen Lee]

I hope this hasn't been answered, but I couldn't find it w/ search...so:

I have a 2005 4 Runner 2 wheel drive Limited with only 6500 miles on it which I purchased new. My question is...I have been changing the oil at 6 months intervals, not because of milage, but because the manual states that is the 'time' limit necessary between oil changes.

As I don't wish to have any warranty problems, should I continue this, or just drive a few more months? Most of my 'trips' are more than 4 to 5 miles - but haven't been driving that vehicle much at all really...seems such a waste as the oil is clean and I don't think is getting contaminated. Using Wix filters and good reg. brand oil.

Please offer your opinions?

 

[TheBlueWave]

Drive more, its fun!
But seriously, changing oil is cheap and various things build up in oil over time, such as acids derived from condensation and unburned gasoline (yes, longer trips can deposit things like this in the oil) that should be removed after 5,000 miles or 6 months. Lots of opinions on this subject, but the above is my opinion. If the continued turtle like pace of milage accumulation continues, though, synthetic oil is definately a waste of money, stick with Toyota Genuine.

 

[Allen Lee]

Thanks for the reply - it just seems that six months is a figure based on the theory that the average driver will drive about 10 - 12 thousand miles a year...so I really am having difficulty seeing it fit the oil change interval.

Like others point out in this forum, some oil change intervals are increasing to 10,000 miles and more - don't believe all people would then change at 6 months - or on those vehicles be required to do so.

Thanks for the response.

 

[toto]

I make a lot of short trips, too. It takes me longer than 6 months to go 5000 miles. I drop the oil at 6 months (spring and fall) because of the stuff that builds up in it as TheBlueWave described. You can smell the gas in the oil.

 

[Allen Lee]

Well, sounds like I'll need to do it...approaching the 3 year mark and don't want to void the 60,000 mile warranty.

Any on the forum ever hear of them (Toyota) giving 'trouble' over the warranty and the failure of a religious oil change at the 6 months warranty requirement??

I've been about 8 months this round, and have only about 1200 miles on the oil. I do understand the contamination issues...

One other issue - what about the necessity of changing the air cleaner filters, etc. at the suggested 15,000 or 36,000 mile intervals if one only has 6 to 12 thousand miles??

Guess I'm mainly concerned about a warranty issue with Toyota over these things.

Thanks for the replies and keep 'um coming!

Allen

 

[Uneek]

Any on the forum ever hear of them (Toyota) giving 'trouble' over the warranty and the failure of a religious oil change at the 6 months warranty requirement??

Guess I'm mainly concerned about a warranty issue with Toyota over these things.

Thanks for the replies and keep 'um coming!

Allen

If you search for 1MZ V6 found on Camrys and Siennas along with RX300s and ES300s sludging on Google, you'll see Toyota initially blamed owners for not changing their oil at regular intervals. Toyota has since backed down from that stand point and covered all engines up to 2001 I believe.

I change my oil every 3000 miles. I know many will say it is a waste of money, to me it's cheap insurance.