I hope this doesn't turn out to be a war, but I need to ask anyway...

How often does everyone change there oil? As per Toyota, they say every 5000 (I don't trust that number). I say every 3000 (since I am usually on the highway a lot anyway - ~2 hours a day). Which one is it?

Btw - Toyota is going to do mine since its still free. They "claim" to use a blend.

 

the last time they did mine they left my TRD oil cap on the exhaust manifold...stupid...

 

since my first 3 were free, i changed it probally around 3-4k miles. Although i dont use but 6-700 miles/month. Ive switched over to mobile1 full synthetic after the first 3 and change it every 5k miles or 5-6 months along with the Toyota filter. I also change the "washer" every other oil change.

 

For a stock or lightly modded car, it's not really necesary to deviate from the oil change schedule Toyota recommends.

 

Same here- I just do mine every 5K using mobil1 syn. Been doing that on all my previous cars with no problems whatsoever.

Is there any advantage to using the Toyota (or K&N for that matter) filters over Fram? And what "washer" are you referring to?

 

how good are the OEM filters ?

 

[quote=Is there any advantage to using the Toyota (or K&N for that matter) filters over Fram? And what "washer" are you referring to?[/quote]

the washer is the little circular thing on the drain plug of the oil pan, i don't change it but i would like to know the difference it makes to change it...

 

good enough to me. i switched after doing some research and reading on the DIY: Oil change thread....

https://www.scionlife.com/forums/vie...asc&&start=100

there is a difference in mobile1 and toyota filter as in size and some other internal things. I thought id be safe and go with the toyota filters since their made expecially for the tC.





those "washers" is the washer that goes on the drain plug when you put it back on under the car after you let out the old oil. i change it every other oil change hence in the pic on why i bought 5 washers for 10 filters. i bought my filters (10 pk) and "drain plug gasket" (washer) from TRDSparks.com for all under $50.

http://trdsparks.com/displayparts.ph...1&parts_id=970

http://trdsparks.com/displayparts.ph...&parts_id=1358

im still using mobile1 oil but recently thought about switching to royal purple. still have about 2k miles to think about it tho.

 

OK- now that I know what "washers" we're referring to, I can (somewhat) explain why they need to be replaced occasionally. They're made from rubber, and act as a gasket which keeps you're oil from dripping out of the drain plug. If it dries up and cracks, oil will drip out of it. I typically don't bother replacing mine that often- but if it starts looking "weird", I will replace it. When changing your oil, it helps to give that washer a light coat of NEW oil (just like you put around the oil filter gasket) to help it seal better and keep it from drying out.

 

10,000 miles between oil changes....

 

5k miles between oil change, I change my washer evey 15k miles

Driving on Highway don't require frequent oil change. Driving in the city's stop and go traffic will need more frequent oil change,

 

normal oil changes at 5k,10k,15k, switched to mobil 1 syn at 20k, changed at 30k, soon to change at 40k

 

This should also depend greatly on starts. If your like me, and drive maybe 20 miles a day but start your car maybe 3-4 you should change every 3-4k if you drive a lot of highway like 50-100 miles a day an start your car say twice (you get the idea) You are going to be fine waiting 5-7k Also don't forget its also every 3 months. (except when its freezing out lol)

his also depends on oil, syn. is designed to run longer w/o frequent oil changes. such as the first time 4-5k second time 7-8k third time 10k all others 10-15k

As for Filers, personal opinion, these only need to be changed EVERY OTHER TIME. I normal change it out cause i drive maybe 9k a year and do 3 oil changes a year.

The washer/gasket ring should only be changed when needed/damaged

 

I did my first oil change at or around 3200 mi, now I am doing my other one around 7000mi. Like I said - I do a lot of highway driving (rpms are at least @ 3500)... so its "safe" to change the oil every 5 or so instead of 3? Please let me know - thank you all!!!

 

Of course its safe. The dealership even specifies 5k. If you drive a little harder or not many miles a year you can do less. As for rpm's thats normal. Just keep in mind that it should get done every 3 months.

 

You're wasting money if you are doing your oil changes at 3k miles. If you are using conventional oil, 5k miles oil changes are fine & you can go quite a bit longer on synthetic. I plan to go synthetic and do 10k mile oil changes (replacing oil filter at 5k miles).

Visit http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubbthreads.php its very helpful and informative website.

 

Every oil filter that I have got came with the drain plug washer...Sometimes its hidden in that little box though.

 

Are these the Toyota ones? Cuz I always get Fram, and they never come with the "____ plug" washer. Of course, it is Fram- so what do you expect?[/quote]

 

Like some people have already stated. If your doing mainly highway driving the oil will stay cleaner and personally I would NOT change it every 3k. Do it every 5k and you'll be just fine.

I also do mostly highway driving and my I haven't had the oil changed in a little over 4k miles. I just checked the level a couple days ago and the oil was still really clean.

 

Manual says 6 months, if it wasnt safe it wouldnt be in there or they would get sued