Recommended engine break-in and oil change frequency + factory oil analysis test (by Motor Oil Geek)

[AZTrail]

Take note, the Toyota CCN explains in the video above that he does not recommend using a thicker oil weight than the 0W-20. This is due to differences in programming the variable oil pump for US car use with the 0W-20 oil vs different programming for use with thicker oil in other countries.

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[NotApplicable]

Going to do my 500 mi oil change this weekend per this vid’s recommendation: pouring a fresh quart through and leaving the existing oil filter on!

I’m going to install the Valvomax in the process

 

[SouthCoast]

Does it void any warranties?

I am guessing we do the oil changes ourselves or will the dealership switch to synthetic 5W-30 if requested?

Depends. If you have an issue where Toyota has to inspect the motor, and can validate a viscosity change outside the technical specs allowed, they can/may deny/void warranty service. So, it depends on your risk tolerance.

 

[NotApplicable]

Depends. If you have an issue where Toyota has to inspect the motor, and can validate a viscosity change outside the technical specs allowed, they can/may deny/void warranty service. So, it depends on your risk tolerance.

Only if they prove the change in viscosity caused the issue.

 

[ROBERT18452]

When I buy a new car on the first oil change, I always replace the oil drain bolt with a Fumoto valve. This makes all subsequent oil changes so much easier and cleaner, so I don’t have to spend any effort to do it. The only major thing is replacing the filter. On the 4Runner the skid plate which comes with the TRD ORP is completely useless. I replaced it with Rival4x4 aluminum plate, which has service ports for both the oil and the filter. All this makes the oil changes a breeze.

please share a link for the correct Fumoto valve.

 

[SouthCoast]

please share a link for the correct Fumoto valve.

https://www.fumotousa.com/f133n.html

This is the one I installed

 

[ROBERT18452]

Another Motor Oil Geek video that specifically addresses the firts oil change in a toyota:


AVOID the ONE MISTAKE Almost EVERYONE Makes With A Brand New Car

 

[drNick]

please share a link for the correct Fumoto valve.

https://www.fumotousa.com/cars-pickups-toyota-2025-4runner-2-4l-4-cyl

 

[4runnerguy]

My '26 ORP is currently at ~1000 miles, and I am trying to figure out whether or not to change the filter with my oil change.

Based off The Motor Oil Geek's videos:

In his 4th gen Tacoma oil change video (timestamped):

At ~487 miles, he does an early oil change but explicitly says “we are not going to change the filter.” He explains this by saying that newer/partially loaded filters (up to ~5k miles) actually trap finer particles better once they’ve developed some filter media loading.

Later in that same video, he does another oil change around ~1,598 miles (UNSURE if he replaces the filter, but I imagine he didn't and will change it at 5k miles).


In this second video, he changes the oil in his daughter's 2023 Corolla (timestamped):

At ~722 miles, he does replace the oil filter during the oil change.


Is his general recommendation to leave the original filter on through the first early oil change and replace it closer to ~5k miles? Or is he just showing different acceptable approaches rather than a strict rule (maybe he changed the filter since it's a different engine?!)

My assumption was oil early, filter at ~5k, but I’m curious how others here are interpreting this and what you’re planning to do on your 6th gen.

cheers

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