518 Mile Oil Change Done

[dirtwheeler]

I don't think most people do it themselves to save money. For me, it's more that I get to inspect everything and have the peace of mind that it was done right. After you have a shop screw up this simple procedure enough times you start to think it's worth doing it yourself. I've also noticed that I can do an oil change much faster than a shop -- especially factoring in drive time, unexpected lines, etc. You do have to factor in setup time, clean up time, and dropping off the old oil -- but that's pretty quick too (I just wait until I need to go to an auto parts store anyway before dropping off the old oil).

But I get the cost argument. I used to think it would save money doing the oil change myself. I don't remember the difference in cost when I looked into this years back, but I realized you don't save much (if anything) doing it yourself. You would think it would be much cheaper! I guess that's because oil shops get bulk discounts on oil, filters, etc. I suspect they also recover some costs by convincing you that other work needs to be done, or other parts need to be replaced.

Sponsored

 

[Joestac]

I don't think most people do it themselves to save money. For me, it's more that I get to inspect everything and have the peace of mind that it was done right. After you have a shop screw up this simple procedure enough times you start to think it's worth doing it yourself. I've also noticed that I can do an oil change much faster than a shop -- especially factoring in drive time, unexpected lines, etc. You do have to factor in setup time, clean up time, and dropping off the old oil -- but that's pretty quick too (I just wait until I need to go to an auto parts store anyway before dropping off the old oil).

But I get the cost argument. I used to think it would save money doing the oil change myself. I don't remember the difference in cost when I looked into this years back, but I realized you don't save much (if anything) doing it yourself. You would think it would be much cheaper! I guess that's because oil shops get bulk discounts on oil, filters, etc. I suspect they also recover some costs by convincing you that other work needs to be done, or other parts need to be replaced.

I just like it because I've always done my own since about 1999. My first 3 jobs were Jiffy Lube, Quick Lube, and Valvoline. Best the heck out of my 1995 Ranger off roading all the time so I had to do my own repairs. Got the Haynes manual and just followed instructions. Saved a ton back then.

 

[Joestac]

You aren't wrong. I probably wasn't doing a great job when I was 16, but I enjoyed the work.

 

[Desmolicious]

I like to do it myself. Why pay a shop to screw it up when I can screw it up for free?

 

[UndergroundHunter]

Did you replace the filter? When I did my 500 mi drain/flush/fill I left the filter in based on the motor oil geek’s recommendation from YouTube. I measured just over 5.5 qts drained, so put that amount back in.

I find the dipstick incredibly difficult to read given the thinness of 0W20 and the freshness of the oil, but I feel like it looks right… was just curious what you found!

Doesn't Toyota say not to change the oil until 10k miles?

 

[NotApplicable]

Doesn't Toyota say not to change the oil until 10k miles?

Depending on which Toyota literature you read, the recommended OCI is either 5k or 10k miles, if that’s what you’re asking.

But specifying a maximum is not equivalent to advising *against* changing the oil at any point before that. So no, Toyota doesn’t say to *not* change the oil until 10k miles.

Highly recommend taking a peek at the YT video linked above to get an explanation for why some people do early oil changes particularly during the break-in period, or during the first several thousand miles of the engine’s life! Note that this process ends after 3-5k mi at which time a standard 5k OCI is adopted.

 

[Minnesota4Runner]

I have been changing the first oil early on new vehicles long before the internet. It's just obvious to me.

 

[CMill4Runner]

Figured if I'm going to do it, might as well go all in. Was only $75 for 7 quarts and a washer.

Hit Walmart OIL is way cheaper.
Free Shipping! Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 0W-20, 5 Quart - Walmart.com

 

[Minnesota4Runner]

Hit Walmart OIL is way cheaper.
Free Shipping! Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 0W-20, 5 Quart - Walmart.com

That's what I use in my truck and I always buy at Walmart. I'll change to that in our Runner once I use the few boxes of Toyota oil I have.

 

[Desmolicious]

Hit Walmart OIL is way cheaper.
Free Shipping! Mobil 1 Advanced Fuel Economy Full Synthetic Motor Oil, 0W-20, 5 Quart - Walmart.com

“Advanced Fuel Economy” on the label is exactly why Toyota specs this weight oil

 

[TrdProGirl84]

My first one was done at 4,333. Paid for it.
But it was worth it. Husband sent it off to Blackstone for testing.

 

[T_Pomp]

Why so early of an oil change with such low miles? And, being you did do it early, why no filter change???

Due to engine break-in and the possibility of metal shavings coming from the engine (as I've seen posted in forums and videos on YouTube, which have reported problems). I had mine changed at 1000 by a local shop for peace of mind. I'll also probably have it changed at 5k, but Toyota said it doesn't need it until 10k.

Sponsored