Oil change time... yay!

[YarisFan007]

I'm getting different feedback from everyone on when to have your 1st oil change.

I heard it's good to have it done once you reach 3k. Others say its ok to have it done @ 5k. I'm about to reach the 3,000 mark and i noticed the "Maintenance required" light lit up this morning. I'm assuming the "Maint reqd" indicator automatically lights up when it knows it requires proper maintenance and/or an oil change and that this is a standard feature w/ most cars.

So, what do you think? Should i change my oil @ 3k? or 5k?

Thanks in advance.

[Black Yaris]

maintence required came on at 3000? if you read your manual it will tell you it will come on at 4500 and start blinking then I think it goes solid around 4900.... but our oil change schedual on regular dyno oil is every 5000 miles with 5w-30..... but many of us run synthetic with different viscosities for different reasons

[Black Yaris]

BTW you MAINT REQD light comes on everytime you start your car for a split second, as do all the dash lights, so you know they are functioning.... 99.9% of cars do this

[YarisFan007]

Originally Posted by Black Yaris

maintence required came on at 3000?

Actually i just meant to say i'm going to reach the 3k mark... i guess i just realized the "Maint Req'd" flashing as normal when i start up the engine.

But thanx for your response.

[WRBlue]

Mine, bought in CA, came on solid at 5000. Just changed it this weekend actually ;)

Toyota only recommends 3000 for "extreme conditions". i.e. if you tow alot, drive in extreme cold, stop and go traffic, drive in a sandy area... But then again you do live in socal, you probally drive only in stop and go traffic :D

The 3000 mile oil change is pushed by the oil companies to sell more oil. For my 97 Jetta, VW suggested every 10,000 miles. Even my V6 Liberty, under "extreme conditions", lots of towing in sandy areas, called for oil changes every 3500 miles.

[Black Yaris]

5000 is the norm for most modern vehicles..... 3000 is an old standard

[Black Yaris]

but I run 0w30 AMSoil and change mine every 5000, but the oil is still clean when I drain it :)

[PolarWhite]

You might want to research Toyota's stance on extended drain intervals again. Toyota recently had a problem with oil gelling up on their Camry's due to the design of the engine AND extended drain intervals. Why would anyone want to skimp on an oil change anyway. With proper care these cars can run 200,000 to 300,000 miles. Oil changes are cheap insurance to keep them running long and care free. Most people across the US drive in severe conditions. I use full synthetic and still don't exceed the 3,000 mile interval. I intend to keep mine running for a long time.

[gonzo452001]

change it at 3000 at least the first time would have the most metal and whatever breaking in

[caveatipse]

I had my first change at 1,400 miles, when I changed to synthetic. I plan to change from now on every 3,000, because I am obsessive.

[WolfWings]

Close to Caveaipse myself. First oil change at 1200 almost on the button to full synthetic, free factory-change at 5k, the rest of the changes will be at every multiple of 10k/once a year using Amsoil extended-drain stuff. I even plan to install a dual-filter w/ bypass and oil precharger system well before my second Amsoil change hits.