First Oil Change

Here's one question though: why do it by fixed mileages when you're not using the engine all of the time? If I only use the gas engine 10% of the time and battery the rest, why bother doing it at 5k or 10k?

(When I bought the car I asked the sales guy if the maintenance mileage countdown took into account miles driven on battery only, and he says, "of course"... Yeah right.)

 

Because it's impossible for Toyota to quantify how much individual owners will use electric-only, vs a mix, vs purely in hybrid mode. At least for the engine warranty period I would play by the rules, keep receipts and a log.

it’s miles or months, whichever comes first btw. Though it seems like a lot of dealerships go by miles only, simpler for them I guess.

 

Because Toyota didn't want to pay for tracking oil wear another way.

 

All true enough, but doesn't that factor into when you should actually do your oil changes regardless of how they track?

 

My local dealer that I have my oil changes at goes by miles and time. They say both. I would go by miles after 25,000 miles. My Toyota dealership missed me. I have not been driving my Prius much. $19.95 oil change personal coupon arrived for me in the mail a few days ago. With disposal fee and shop costs my OTD price was $38.52 today. That is a personal record low price for me. They have not done me wrong yet. I did this most recent oil change at 5,500 miles because of time and the $19.95 personalized coupon for my Prius with matching vin number. You can't give the coupon to a friend or family member.

I follow the Toyota manual and for new Toyota's. They come with a 2 year 25,000 complimentary service deal.

 

The 10k mile or 1 year interval is for their ICE models. Coming up with something that better represents what a hybrid or PHEV should use would require paying some employee to figure that out. Not only would they have to determine the mileage or time frame for the interval, but also the potential costs such a change could mean for warranty claims. Those that could do so are probably busy with other tasks.

You are completely free to follow your own schedule. There are even oil analysis services that can provide numbers and data to back up your decision.

If you want a means of a change interval that actually reflects the wear on the oil from the manufacturer, you need to buy a GM or Honda. They track temperatures and engine operation for when to call for a service.

 

For me, I want to keep our vehicles running as long as we can...we are not a rich family who can afford car payments and we own two 2008 and one 2012 Toyota...so pretty old vehicles. Changing the oil often is the #1 thing you'll see from folks with cars running strong after 100,000 and even 200,000 miles. (We have two approaching 200,000 miles now.)

The Hybrids have typical 4-cylinders but do something regular ICE engines do not...they turn on and off all the time. Common sense says this causes extra wear and tear on and engine....not as much as starting an engine on a cold day but, still, a little wear and tear. Besides replacing the engine and cabin filters, an oil change is the cheapest maintenance item..even replacing wipers can cost $40 which is about what an oil change costs if you do it yourself.

 

With ICE cycling as it does I do it by mileage AND time, due the fuel contamination of the oil. For the same reason my OCI is a conservative 5K or 6 months, which ever comes first. With everything the oil does in these vehicles I’m not comfortable gambling with the quality of the oil.

 

Car payments are a mug's game. Wait till you've got the money in your pocket, then buy.

Funny phenomena starting to crop up, read in the news, dealerships telling cash customers to take a hike:

https://www.cbc.ca/radio/costofliving/financing-car-dealerships-cash-1.7034159

 

Not sure about Canada, but that's illegal here in the states. But, looking at the guys picture, it actually was a fortunate turn of events. He couldn't pay cash for a Jeep Compass and, in the picture, he's standing next to a Toyota...MUCH better purchase!

 

@Blackat Did you rotate tires same time? i’m just at six months and 5000 miles on the clock on my black limited, i’ve been running 37 psi all around don’t see any visible wear?

 

Cold weather and short trips, the oil should be changed every thousand miles, maybe more to do the best for the engine. I guess people have seen the whitish goo on their oil filter cap inside at some point. A hybrid may be worse. Cold weather and not using the engine, condensation, water in the oil, and rust.

 

These are Toyota cars. Changing the oil is good practice but totally optional.

 

Problem solved got a $29.95 oil change email coupon from my dealer where I purchased,
Can't hurt to rotate tires? I do oil changes after the Toyota
Care freebees, but I hate rotating tires! Cold climate I won't go over 5K on oil change!

 

Can the oil be changed from "The Top". Sucking out and changing filter at top like German cars?

 

Filter's going to spill all over the place being changed, and that's going to be "below". Plus seems to me removing the oil pan drain bolt and letting it rip is more complete, especially with just the front raised, which tilts the pan down at the rear, where the drain bolt is.

 

Toyota has the filter on the bottom. The ones I owned had near a corner, making it easy to reach. Already down there, draining from the plug wasn't an issue for me.

 

I've owned a couple Subarus in the past and every other oil change, I would change it myself using that method since the filter was right on top.

You can suck out the oil from the top but the question is, why would you since the filter is on the bottom.