Toyota Oil Change Intervals
Oil changes are an important maintenance operation to ensure the longevity of any car engine, including the engine of a Toyota. In the world of automotive maintenance, a debate has arisen about how often the oil should be changed. Engine oil is better today than it was a decade ago, which has led many automakers to increase the intervals between oil changes from 3,000 miles to 7,500 miles. However, Toyota Motor Corp. has actually reduced the recommended oil change intervals to ensure a smooth operation.
How Often Should I Change My Oil
In the past, conventional wisdom suggested changing your oil every 3,000 miles. However, both cars and oils have come a long way since then. In most cases, you can comfortably drive for 5,000 to 7,500 miles between oil changes. Synthetic oil can help take you even farther, lasting anywhere from 10,000 to 20,000 miles.
To really gauge when your oil needs changing, we recommend that you keep an eye on it personally. Newer vehicles are equipped with an oil monitoring system, but you can always do it the old-fashioned way by checking your engines dip stick. New oil looks light amber and darkens over time. Inspect it every thousand miles up to the recommended change interval. Soon, youll know which shade of dark brown means its time for a change.
Full Synthetic Motor Oil
Full synthetic oil is ideal for vehicles that demand peak level performance and high levels of lubrication. Full synthetic oil provides higher viscosity levels, resistance to oxidation and thermal breakdown, and helps fight against oil sludge. Plus, it helps improve fuel efficiency and can even increase a vehicles horsepower by reducing engine drag.
Because synthetic motor oil can cost two to four times more than regular oil, talk to your technician about whether its the right oil for your car. If you live in a climate with super cold winters or very hot summers, or use your vehicle for towing or hauling, synthetic oil may be the best type of oil for your vehicle. Older engines could also benefit from synthetic oil, as it can help prevent harmful sludge build-up that some older engines seem to be prone to.
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Quaker State Advanced Durability Motor Oil
Quaker States conventional motor oil is part of its Advanced Durability lineup and is available in a single 5-quart bottle, a 6 pack of 1-quart bottles, or a 3 pack of 5-quart bottles. Designed to protect against corrosion, Quaker States Advanced Durability conventional motor oil contains acid-neutralizing additives to stop combustion acids from damaging your engine. Formulated to meet the fuel economy requirements of the GF-5 Industry standard, this oil meets or exceeds North American warranty requirements for worldwide automakers.
This oil will maintain viscosity grade from start to finish, giving your engine optimal protection so it can survive daily commutes, from sustained high-speed highway operation to repetitive stop-and-go traffic.
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Editor’s Pick: Castrol Gtx Motor Oil
A premium conventional motor oil that has been around since the late 1960s, Castrol GTX is our top pick due to its reputation, price, and overall popularity even on Amazon. This motor oil is designed to offer superior protection against engine sludge , along with advanced protection against viscosity and thermal breakdown. Its formulated with premium quality base oils and anti-wear additives that help extend the life of your engine.
Castrol GTX is available as a 6 pack of 1-quart bottles, a 5-quart jug, 3 pack of 5-quart jugs, and a 6-gallon bottle. Choose from 10W-30 or 10W-40 viscosities. You can also choose from High Mileage, Synthetic, and High Mileage Synthetic options as part of Castrols GTX lineup.
Product features:
- Extremely popular and reputable brand
- Superior protection against sludgeas measured in the Sequence VG Sludge Test
- Advanced protection against viscosity and thermal breakdown
- Formulated with premium quality base oils and anti-wear additives
- Helps extend the life of your engine
- Available in 1-quart bottles, 5-quart jug, 5-quart jugs, 6-gallon bottle
- 10W-30 and 10W-40 viscosities
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Lucas Oil Hot Rod & Classic Motor Oil
Lucas Oil has a wide lineup of offerings, but one of its most popular conventional motor oils is this Hot Rod & Classic Motor Oil. Of course if youre not running a hot rod or classic, look at other oils Lucas Oil has to offer. Available in a 5-quart jug, this oil contains high levels of ZDDP that is necessary to protect flat tappet cams, lifters, and pushrods. Designed to provide excellent thermal stability in case of overheating, this oil contains special Lucas additives that protect against rust, corrosion, and dry starts that occur when a vehicle sits unused for a long period of time.
This oil is available in 10W-30, 10W-40, and 20W-50 and our link below will take you to the 10W-30 variant, but search if youd like a different viscosity.
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How Do I Find The Correct Grade Of Oil For My Car
The two best ways to find out the correct grade of oil for your car are to take a look in your cars owners manual, or to give your local main dealer a call.
Take a look at the oil container to ensure the information matches up. Its worth noting that some carmakers use their own oil specifications, and may list an acceptable alternative grade or specification thats more widely available. This information will be listed in your cars handbook.
If you have any problems, you should call your local main dealer for advice.
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What Should I Do If I Have To Mix Different Motor Oils
There may be times when you simply cant find the exact engine oil you need.
Heres what you can do:
First, choose an oil from the same manufacturer as your current cars oil. If not possible, then pick one with the same API Donut certification.
Secondly, select a product with similar chemical and performance characteristics to whats in your vehicles engine.
Heres an example:
Say your current cars oil is a regular oil with viscosity 20W-50, API SM, and you need to top up the oil level. Adding a 10W-40 oil to the 20W-50 in the cars engine would reduce the overall viscosity.
Its not recommended unless in an emergency after which, youd need a full oil change service.
What Are The Types Of Motor Oil
Motor oils are made of a base oil and additives.
Base oils are derived from crude oil or natural gas and typically make up 70-90% of engine oil. The remaining 10-30% are additives, which perform several functions, including optimizing oil consumption and keeping the cars engine corrosion-free.
Youll typically find four types of motor oil on store shelves:
A. Conventional Motor Oil
Conventional motor oil is a product of refined crude oil and is the cheapest type of engine oil. Its also referred to as mineral oil or organic oil. Its suited to light-duty newer cars with simple engines and low to average mileage.
Conventional oil degrades faster than other types, so getting a conventional oil change every 4,000 miles or 4 months is advisable. Or, follow the guidance of your oil-change indicator if your vehicle has one, and dont forget to get the oil filter changed too.
B. Synthetic Motor Oil
Synthetic motor oil provides higher viscosity levels, is resistant to thermal breakdown, oxidation, and oil sludge formation, with improved fuel efficiency.
Synthetic oil works for high-performance vehicles that demand high levels of lubrication. However, it can cost 2-4 times more than conventional oil.
Even with its improved performance, youll still need a synthetic oil change, usually within 7,500-10,000 miles. Make sure to pay attention to your oil-change indicator or follow the manufacturers recommendation.
C. Synthetic Blend Motor Oil
D. High Mileage Oil
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Reasons To Quit Asking What Oil To Use In Your Car
It seems, by far, the number one question I get from people who know me and my background is, what engine oil should I use in my car.
Before I dive into the complex oil industry, you need to know a few things about me. For the past 15 years, I have been inside the automotive industry, learning, fixing, and teaching all things about automotive.
During this time, I spent over two years dedicating my studies to engine oil. I am about to tell you that my research is based on a thorough understanding of the subject.
I understand how confusing it can be as a consumer and blasted with confusing marketing. There are dozens of brands competing heavily for your business. On top of that, you have self-proclaimed “car guys” who think they know about oil most have no clue. Then finally, you have the auto store “pros” who are also basically clueless.
In all reality, just about anyone you talk to about engine oil will tell you what they have been marketed into believing. It is quite sad. How are you, the consumer, ever supposed to know what to get for your car?
Luckily there are ways you can learn and not spend two years doing it. Read my three reasons why you should stop asking about what oil to use in your car, and you should know enough at that point to make a well-informed decision.
For example, if I drive a 2011 Honda Odyssey, my API donut would tell me that I need 0w20 Energy conserving engine oil with an American Petroleum Institue Rating of SN.
Can I Mix Different Types Of Oil
Yes, but dont. It is a waste of money. Even if you add full synthetic to conventional oil, you still end up with only the properties of a conventional oil. Synthetic blends are formulated with different additives to better protect an engine against wear, high heat, cold weather and sludge build-up not found in conventional oils.
When choosing a motor oil, consider the type of driving you do. Harsh driving conditions, such as city vs. highway, off-roading or along dusty, dirty roads, require motor oil to work harder and be changed more frequently. Short trips of less than 15 minutes make up the most severe driving conditions. If the engine doesnt reach top operating temperature consistently, it cant burn off water condensation, allowing sludge build-up to form.
Always refer to your owners manual to determine which motor oil is recommended to protect your vehicle. Be sure to dispose of used oil properly.
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Colder Temperatures Can Change How Well Motor Oil Keeps Your Engine Running You May Need To Change The Oil To Maintain A Smooth Ride All Winter
Motor oil flows throughout a vehicles engine to keep it lubricated, cushioned and cleaned. How easily that oil flows depends on its viscosity, or weight. Motor oils with lower viscosity are thinner and flow faster than motor oils with higher viscosity, which are thicker.
When mechanics say its time to winterize your car, they usually mean changing out your motor oil for oil with lower viscosity.
Valvoline Daily Protection Motor Oil
Formulated with advanced additives for year-round engine protection is Valvolines Premium Conventional Motor Oil. The companys lineup of motor oils is available in multiple viscosities: 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-50, SAE 30, SAE 40, and SAE 50. Amazon offers Valvolines conventional motor oil in single units of 1- or 5-quart bottles, a 6 pack of 1-quart bottles, or a 3 pack of 5-quart bottles.
Valvoline uses added detergents to help protect against sludge and deposits, while high quality additives resist motor oil breakdown in tough conditions. The companys conventional motor oil meets the API SN Plus classification, protecting engines from Low Speed Pre-Ignition .
In addition, each bottle features trademarked Easy Pull Tab, Precision Pour Spout, and Anti-Glug Tube.
Product features:
- Available in multiple viscosities: 10W-30, 10W-40, 20W-50, SAE 30, SAE 40, and SAE 50
- Select from single units of 1- or 5-quart bottles, pack of 1-quart bottles, or pack of 5-quart bottles
- Added detergents to protect against sludge and deposits
- High quality additives resist motor oil breakdown
- Meets API SN Plus classification
- Trademark features: Easy Pull Tab, Precision Pour Spout, and Anti-Glug Tube
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Acdelco Professional Motor Oil
ACDelco is General Motors Original Equipment parts brand and is responsible for producing over 90,000 GM OE and other parts. This conventional motor oil meets U.S. standards for API SN service classification, along with meeting and exceeding ILSAC GF-5 energy conserving performance standards. Not surprisingly, it also meets manufacturers warranty requirements for passenger car and light-duty trucks. Formulated with a premium mineral-based solution, this oil protects against high temperature deposits, as well as the formation of sludge and varnish deposits to keep your engine running clean. It also provides engine cleanliness by controlling thermal breakdown under normal driving conditions.
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What Oil Does My Car Take
When picking an oil for your engine parts, the most important thing to consider is the oils viscosity .
And your best guide to selecting an engine oil is the vehicle owners manual.
Remember, the owners manual:
- Will define the engine oil viscosity and type that the car manufacturer recommends
- May include details for cold or hot climate and seasonal use
- May include alternative-weight oils if you cant get hold of the exact product needed
But what can you do if the manual is missing?
Dont panic.
There are still answers to be found:
- The oil-filler cap on top of your engine may list the viscosity rating.
- The car manufacturer may apply a small decal under the hood, noting the viscosity grade needed.
- You can check with your vehicle dealership for its engine oil recommendation.
- The oil section in a parts store sometimes has a chart listing vehicle makes and models and the right oil for them.
- Some oil companies offer online databases to search for the right oil for your vehicles make and model.
And if all these dont yield any answers, you can still consult a professional mechanic for help.
Next, lets get into some detail regarding motor oil selection.
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Which Engine Oil For Your Car/what Engine Oil To Use
You will generally find the recommended car engine oil grade/viscosity & specification within your vehicle’s handbook, or you can use our engine oil lookup to make sure you’re getting the right oil.Which product you need to use will depend on your make, model, and variant of car, as well as other factors such as your driving style and the condition of your vehicle.
Check Engine Or Oil Change Light
The most obvious alert that theres an issue with your oil will come from the car itself. The oil change light in your vehicle will illuminate when theres not enough oil in the system, so check the dipstick to see whats happening. In worse cases, the check engine light will illuminate. This is your car warning you that things have gotten so bad that the engine is at risk of damage due to problem parts or lack of lubrication.
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Common Reasons Why Your Car Might Be Leaking Oil
Were going to get into the common reasons why your car might be leaking oil shortly. But first, a quick disclaimer: There are countless different types of cars on the road, all of which can develop leaks from a myriad of locations. As such, this list is not comprehensive it simply covers some of the most common leaks, such as an oil leak from the timing cover and an oil leak in the front of the engine.
Engine oil leaks are usually the result of a bad seal or gasket, though they can be due to damaged parts, such as a cracked oil pan, as well. If you find your car leaking engine oil, the source may be one or more of the following:
Toyota Rav4 Optimal Oil Viscosity And Service Intervals
To get the best possible performance from your 2019 RAV4, we recommend using synthetic oil with a composition of either SAE 0W-20 or SAE 5W-20, both of which are two of the most common oil compositions on the market, so youre sure to find them in any store or at our dealer. Please note, however, that this is only a recommendation. It is best to consult the owners manual to see which type of oil is most suitable for your RAV4 model.
We should also mention the best intervals for working on your RAV4 depending on use and driving conditions, you should aim to change the oil every 5,000-7,000 miles or six months. This way, every time you use the pedals, you will have a quality and enjoyable ride.
*Some model year Rav4 may have synthetic oil and requires only one oil and filter change every 10,000 miles or 12 months.
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Formula Shell Motor Oil
Formula Shells conventional motor oil is designed to offer protection against harmful deposits and acids, helping keep your engine run clean for a long time. This oil is formulated to improve fuel economy and works to provide protection against extremely high temperatures. If your car is equipped with a turbocharged engine, Formula Shells oil also helps protect against low-speed pre-ignition. Its safe to use at anytime in an engines life cycle and is fully compatible with conventional engine oils.
Formula Shells conventional motor oil is available in 5W-20, 10W-30, 10W-40, and 20W-50 options, in either a 5-quart jug or a dozen 1-quart bottles.
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