I need some advice on my 2005 Corolla?

Question

The last time I took it in to the dealership for an oil change I was informed that I didn't need to come in but only once a year since I put very few miles on it. I have less than 9000 on it right now. I have always had oil changes done every 6 months. I had planned on going back and getting an oil change in Feb. 2007 should I?

12598 miles or 2-28-07 This is my sticker on my windshield. It is also kept in a garage. Give you a laugh the mileage is 7984. I like to drive the 2005 Tacoma we also have.

Answer 1

It is true most people say 3000 miles or 3 months some newer vehicles are saying 5/ 5000 or even 7/ 7000. If its taking you 9 months to get to 3000 miles then you may want to do it sooner. Oil changes are fairly cheap and if you're oil becomes contaminated from condensation(water) internal parts may rust and cause damage little by little. You should also take weather conditions into consideration.... If you live in an area that is always hot or has very cold winters and hot summers. Dusty conditions alot of rain.... 6 month intervals are probably a good idea since you don't get to 3000 in that time but I personally wouldn't wait any longer than that

Answer 2

For the newer corolla(like yours)Toyota recommends oil change every 5,000 miles. I've seen this on a 2004 and 2007 schedule for a corolla. Stick to it and it should be alright for your car, and you'll save a little money and also produce less hydrocarbon waste in the form of used motor oil (I'm sure the used motor oil is recycled). It's an easy reminder for you as well to get your car service when it reaches the 5K marks (5, 10, 15, etc.) Enjoy your car. If you drive less, you don't want to go in just because it hit 6 months.

Answer 3

i own a 2004 Corolla S, it doesn't matter whether you drive it 3,000 miles a year or 30,000 miles a year... when you bought your corolla they gave you a little booklet that says passport on the front of it... read that book or get one from the service department. stick with that and that will answer all your questions.
My opinion is to change it as often as necessary which on your car is 3,750 miles roughly. if you let it sit longer check all fluids for contamination (easier than doing that? stick with the maintenance schedule) plus, those nice little red toyota certified service stamps will add dollars to the resale value... I got almost 48,000 miles on my corolla, bought it brand new and it's still worth $13,000 for trade-in. oil that sits in a pan gets just as old as oil used, just not as fast. so to be safe stick with the mileage plan. good driving:-)

Answer 4

oil changes depend on mileage. replace your oil every 3000 miles or so for a corolla - be sure to check your owners manual for further specs. if you leave the car sitting for a long while it is important to check your oil to make sure it hasn't leaked. also, stick witht he same kind of oil - don't switch around too much, as this can harm your engine.

Answer 5

Many modern engines require oil changes every 10,000 miles. Read your owner's manual to see what it says - driving very few miles can qualify as "hard" driving since the engine may never become fully "broken in". Having oil changes every 6 months is a waste of resources - oil and money. The owner's manual knows best. Good Luck!

Answer 6

while the oil stays and stays clean the additives in the oil have been known to evaporate out, also short trips and extended idling tend to add fuel contaminate the oil; every 6 months is probabley about right and lets face fresh oil and filters never hurt any engine.

Answer 7

Oil change intervals are based on milage not time.By changing the oil more frequently than proabably every 2000 miles you are waisting your money.Keep track of the milage between the oil changes.3000 miles is the industry standand.

Answer 8

Just remember oil is cheaper than steel. The less you drive the more often you need to change the oil.

Answer 9

Yes but if you bring it in and they say something else is wrong with it, tell them to prove it or to show you. They might take that opportunity to fix something (and charge you) for something that didn't need fixing.
I usually take my car to a quick lube place so they do only as I ask and then if I know my car needs to be fixed, I then take it to a mechanic. The quick lube place doesn't work on cars so they have no reason to make up stories of something being broke. Read your manual. Most manuals suggest every 3000 miles or every 3 months, which ever comes first.

Answer 10

As stated above = every 3,000 miles. More frequently if you drive short trips where engine doesn't come up to temperature often or the dreaded stop and go driving.

Check your owner's manual.