Changing to synthetic oil

1) Get your first change at 5k miles. This is the same both in the original Toyota oil change interval and at the new interval reported by someone in the forum.
2) Your second change will come at either 10k miles or 15k miles, depending on whether this change is confirmed or not. So keep an eye on the forums to see if an official answer comes out, or when you get close to 10k, call your dealership and ask.

 

It's easy:

1. put the trip odometer on Trip A
2. turn off the car
3. hold the MPH-Km/h button down while you start the car
4. keep holding the MPH-Km/h button in while the maintenance interval resets, you will see a green line moving across the screen as it resets when it's clear across it's done

Then it won't bug you for another 5K miles.

 

Toyota's official stance at the time I'm writing this post: change your oil every 5,000 miles.

Rumor has it that it may be changing to an oil change at 5,000 miles and then every 10,000 thereafter. There's a sticky near the top of this forum for your reading pleasure...

Bryan

 

???

 

I didnt think it was a difficult question.

Let me clarify for you all so maybe I can get a more intelligent response from someone who has some knowledge of the risks/benefits of synthetic oil types.

Would it be better to take the oil that came in the Prius out now and put in Mobil 1? Or would it be better to go ahead and drive 5000 miles and then replace the oil with Mobil 1?

 

I think the confusion is that it seems you are suggesting there is not a synthetic oil in your car as of now, and the general consensus is that the Prius should have the Toyota brand's synthetic oil as mentioned in a previous post. So, I suspect we don't quite understand why you want to switch out for Mobil 1 immediately. There are those who have gotten their first oil change at 1,000 mi in order to get rid of any contaminants and debris, and perhaps they have switched to Mobil 1. There are threads under the 2010 maintenance forum regarding the benefits/risks of 0w-20 and synthetic oils in general.

 

No, I read all the responses and I am not confused.

If it doesnt matter when the Mobil 1 is put in the engine, then I will not waste my money on putting in oil that is not needed at this time and wait for the first oil change to change oil brands.

But if there is benefit of changing the oil brand immediately, or a risk of changing brands after 5k miles using the factory original, I would like to know.

Which thread discusses these concerns? Thanks!

 

Oh, I see. It's obvious now that we misunderstood your post. By asking if you should add Mobile 1 now or wait till the first oil change, we didn't think you realized that changing to Mobile 1 required an oil change.

At any rate...

In my opinion, the only reason you should change the oil prior to 5,000 miles is if you believe that it's best to change it early due to excessive debris in the new engine (consider it a flush n' fill). Even though many of us think that Mobile 1 is a better synthetic oil, there is no evidence that Toyota's synthetic oil is inferior...so there is no reason to change it out solely based on this idea.

With that being said, Mobile 1 has proven itself time and time again. And that is why many people (myself included) are using it when we do our first oil change (whenever that may be).

Hope this helps,
Bryan

 

Sorry, but whatever humor you might have thought was contained in your responses was stealthly concealed by the obvious absence of any useful information.

I did seek advice from another source and got the answers I was looking for.

Carry on!

 

Sorry for trying to help....

 

someone said not changing your oil at 5000 miles voids your warranty, I would like to see this in writing, perhaps you should familiar yourself with the MagnusonMoss Warranty act of 1975. The real answer is your warranty is not voided if you don't change your oil at 5000 miles interval. I believe you should perform preventative maintenance to keep your car running well but words like "recommended" wont hold up with a warranty dispute.

 

A bit abrasive isn't he. Maybe you can help him again when :flypig:.

 

What it means is that the manufacturer has determined a maintenance schedule which, when followed, will guarantee the terms of the warranty. In other words, if the engine requires repair due to wear or failure, and you have followed the maintenance schedule, then even if failure could somehow have been related to breakdown of the oil, the manufacturer will make the repair at its cost. On the other hand, you also may get the repair done without following the maintenance schedule -- but you'd have to show that the wear or failure was not, at least in part, due to breakdown of the oil or use of a lesser-grade oil than that which was recommended by the manufacturer.

So what do you do? You can extend the oil change interval. You can use 5W-40 oil. You can change the filter every two years. If the engine requires repair and Toyota doesn't claim your choices contributed to the problem, then you are home free. If they do claim it caused, at least in part, the problem, then you can present the proof they are wrong. Meanwhile, you'll be paying for the repair if you want your car returned, and you can receive at some later date whatever you can collect in terms of a refund or damages in a lawsuit (after attorney's fees & costs).

Or . . .

You can change the oil (using 0W-20) and the filter every 5,000 miles, and then never worry about whether the warranty could be avoided by Toyota.

 

As you suggested, these two items may make it clearer:

1. Owner's Manual, page 560: View attachment 2010 Owners Manual p560 Oil.pdf
2. Oil Cap:

As others have said, the official word is that an official change hasn't occurred. This suggests to some (many?) that we will see a change to 10,000 miles. I'm not holding my breath. I made the initial 5,000 mile change, and I will change again at 10,000 miles next month.

 

No, just tarnished by sarcasm :yawn:

But I will eventually get become acclimated to it, like the rest of you.

 

That's a good idea. Please note that many members are "old timers" who have heard it all many times before and sometimes forget what it's like to be novices like us. They are really loaded with wisdom and humor and I strongly urge you to look past misunderstandings in written conversation(easy to happen) and realize that except for Trolls this is really a friendly place that is a great place to learn and just visit. :welcome:

 

I like it: hotbrass tarnished

I was figuring, though, that you felt a bit more burnished (though you weren't appreciating the shine).

What snead_c said is quite true, and I hope you won't let some true misunderstandings get in the way of your contribution to this community.

 

Guy's this is a KEY statement whether you realize it or not. Give the man a Kewpie doll (whatever the heck that is).
I see over and over and over claims like if I needed "to do it" then the manufacturer would state so in my manual. What the recommended service interval, types and frequency of inspections etc. are is a plan that will ensure your car will last until the end of the warranty period.
If you plan to keep said vehicle longer than that then that's when changing oil early, changing the transaxle fluid, flushing the brake fluid, power steering fluid, flushing and changing coolants etc whether the manual requires it or not IS warrantied.
Following the maintenance schedule in the owners manual is the min. required maintenance in order to protect you warranty, it is NOT a plan on how to maintain your car forever.
If, you plan like I do to keep the vehicle until the body is in such a shape due to age that you just want a new car and don't HAVE to have a new car then a more comprehensive maintenance plan may be in order.
It really,really helps if you can do it yourself both financially and you will do it right and not take short cuts.

 

I was hoping for a bit more than this . . .

but I guess I can't be too picky in this crowd!

 

My dealer made a mistake a couple of weeks ago and put in 5-20 in my new 2010's first oil change. My gas mileage fell from the low 50's to 43 mpg. I felt sluggish. Checked what they put in and saw the mistake. Once the oil was changed to 0-20 I feel back to normal. Need a bit more driving to see if MPG goes back up.