Which oil should I use?
- Thread starter molocono
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peter78
Super Moderator
I use Toyota filters. Mobil 1 5W30 is what 1 use. For synthetic it is probably the best performance for the buck. Castrol Sythtech does not use the same base synthetic as Mobil or Amsoil.
For conventional oil I recommend Castrol GTX 5W30. I have used that for years and I have not heared any horror stories from other people.
If your unsure to use synthetic or regular oil go with regular oil until you decide. Once you decide to change it is usually best to stick with synthetic and not go back and forth.
For conventional oil I recommend Castrol GTX 5W30. I have used that for years and I have not heared any horror stories from other people.
If your unsure to use synthetic or regular oil go with regular oil until you decide. Once you decide to change it is usually best to stick with synthetic and not go back and forth.
mikes4runner
New member
Yes Toyota oil filters and synthetic mobile 1.
Where should I get my vehicle serviced?
Should I go to the dealer to get my oil and filter changed? I'm assuming they are gonna use Toyota motor oil, or can I take my own? They charge $25, and I think WalMart charges like $21.
I also need to get my tires rotated. This will be my second maintenance visit, what other things should I get checked?
Should I go to the dealer to get my oil and filter changed? I'm assuming they are gonna use Toyota motor oil, or can I take my own? They charge $25, and I think WalMart charges like $21.
I also need to get my tires rotated. This will be my second maintenance visit, what other things should I get checked?
Re: Where should I get my vehicle serviced?
Dealers all use different oils. The one close to me uses Castrol oils. Honestly, just change the oil yourself. Keep a logbook with receipts. Make sure to note mileage. Changing your own oil is insanely easy. Walmart probably isn't going to use a Toyota filter, even if you bring one along. A dealership probably isn't going to use any oil you bring with you. Either change it yourself or go to a shop you trust or where someone you know works.
molocono said:
Dealers all use different oils. The one close to me uses Castrol oils. Honestly, just change the oil yourself. Keep a logbook with receipts. Make sure to note mileage. Changing your own oil is insanely easy. Walmart probably isn't going to use a Toyota filter, even if you bring one along. A dealership probably isn't going to use any oil you bring with you. Either change it yourself or go to a shop you trust or where someone you know works.
peter78
Super Moderator
I there is a $4 difference between Walmart or Toyota dealership, the dealership is the way to go. They are going to use a Toyota filter and you if there is a problem, a change at a dealership is probably the best record you have.
If you plan on changing oil yourself, you need to have some tools and buy things like a oil wrench, oil drain container, funnel for the oil and probably some ramps. I can change the oil in my 4Runner without ramps, but I use them cause I have them. You also have to store the old oil in containers and figure out how to dispose of it. Plus, you have to have some knowledge on how to work on cars. Of course you can learn, but expect the first oil change to be a big learning curve. For me, it is easier to change the oil myself since I have all the things I need in bulk. Of course changing the oil in January is never much fun.
Also, one option you may consider for rotating your tires is to go to a tire dealer. My Goodyear dealership that is near my work will change your tires for $42, BUT after the first change they will do it for free for life. For me it was easier to change tires at a place near my work and I can change every 5,000 miles and not worry about the cost. You may want to call around and see if some dealers, like Goodyear offer this kind of service deal. By the way my first set of tires were Firestone and not Goodyear. They did ask if I wanted a oil change or other work everytime I went in, so that might be their catch.
If you plan on changing oil yourself, you need to have some tools and buy things like a oil wrench, oil drain container, funnel for the oil and probably some ramps. I can change the oil in my 4Runner without ramps, but I use them cause I have them. You also have to store the old oil in containers and figure out how to dispose of it. Plus, you have to have some knowledge on how to work on cars. Of course you can learn, but expect the first oil change to be a big learning curve. For me, it is easier to change the oil myself since I have all the things I need in bulk. Of course changing the oil in January is never much fun.
Also, one option you may consider for rotating your tires is to go to a tire dealer. My Goodyear dealership that is near my work will change your tires for $42, BUT after the first change they will do it for free for life. For me it was easier to change tires at a place near my work and I can change every 5,000 miles and not worry about the cost. You may want to call around and see if some dealers, like Goodyear offer this kind of service deal. By the way my first set of tires were Firestone and not Goodyear. They did ask if I wanted a oil change or other work everytime I went in, so that might be their catch.
Minor Service?
Sorry, I have more questions...
I was just browsing through my dealer's web site and they offer this "minor service" package for vehicles with 7,500 miles. It costs $60 and it includes stuff like oil and filter change, tire rotation, fluid and brake inspection, etc. Should I go ahead and get this or are there better options?
Here is the link:
http://www.kmtoyota.com/location/san-diego-toyota/console.jsp?pageId=coupons§ionId=3
Sorry, I have more questions...
I was just browsing through my dealer's web site and they offer this "minor service" package for vehicles with 7,500 miles. It costs $60 and it includes stuff like oil and filter change, tire rotation, fluid and brake inspection, etc. Should I go ahead and get this or are there better options?
Here is the link:
http://www.kmtoyota.com/location/san-diego-toyota/console.jsp?pageId=coupons§ionId=3
peter78
Super Moderator
Well it makes sense to use that coupon & save a little. I noticed they also have a "Plus hazardous waste fees" and "6 & 8 cylinder slightly higher". I don't suppose you have a 4 cyl. under your hood in that brand new 4Runner do you?
Also, here is a thread where we talked about the 30,000 mile service, but later it started talking about the 7,500 mile service.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=3020
Heck, I would call them up and see exactly what it costs and what oil they use. If you get some wish-washee answers go else where. Some dealers don't even use 5W30, as the manual states. Overall that seems like a fair price for what they are doing.
Also, here is a thread where we talked about the 30,000 mile service, but later it started talking about the 7,500 mile service.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=3020
Heck, I would call them up and see exactly what it costs and what oil they use. If you get some wish-washee answers go else where. Some dealers don't even use 5W30, as the manual states. Overall that seems like a fair price for what they are doing.
TranceKrayz
New member
last week, my 4runner had its first oil change. i used the toyota oil filter and mobile 1 synthetic 5w30. i did the oil change myself to save money because its easy. after the oil change, i've noticed a slight improvement in performance (maybe just me). i'm guessing it's gotta be the synthetic oil. so i'm liking it.
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