How often should I change my oil?

Question

2003 Corolla....the owner's manual says to change the oil every 4,000 miles, but when I get my oil changed anywhere, the sticker always tells me that my next oil change shoudl be in 3,000 miles...

What should I do?

Correction: my owner's manual says to change every 5,000 miles, not 4,000

Answer 1

Believe it or not the average oil change is done around 3500miles, the manufacturer wants you to change oil around 3-4000miles, your local dealer/lube shop wants you to change it at 3000miles.

The manufacturer wants your money up front but they will "take" care of any problems as long as you do your fair share and keep up the maintenance on your car, hence the warranty.

The dealer/shop wants your money for life in the form of repeat business hence the customer service and having you change your oil at 3000miles.

All of this is also dependant upon what type of oil(synthetic or normal) and the useage that you put on your car. If you drive hundreds of miles per day then you change oil more frequently than if you only put a few hundred per week.

You can also go by time, every 3 months.

Answer 2

Forget the sticker.

If the manual says 5,000 miles - and the owner's manual is likely to be conservative - then a dealer expecting only 3,000 miles from the oil is probably using the wrong oil. The oil specification will be a code number in the manual or should be available from the dealer. The code is more important than any particular brand.

There is one legit reason for using oil with a shorter period and that is where the service intervals are far apart, but the driving conditions are tough. My VW Golf had 15,000km intervals. Because of the very dry, dusty conditions, my mechanic suggested 7,500km oil changes, i.e. an extra change inside the minor services. He could have used oil that would reach 15,000km, but it was a good policy to have the extra check. (My Citroen has 20,000km [12,500 miles] intervals.)

An oil change is not difficult to do yourself. And don't forget to check the level of your oil regularly. Don't rely on 3 or 5,000 mile servicing.

Oil changes can usually be delayed a bit. As long as the oil level is normal, there's not much risk. However, major servicing like timing belts and water pumps are time/distance-critical and you will NOT save money by driving another 5,000 miles over the limits. It may bring tears to your eyes.

Answer 3

Depends on the weather and how many miles you drive.

With many short trips and very hot and cold weather I'd think 3 to 4000 miles is good. If you live in moderate climate and do more highway driving then maybe 5 to 6000 miles. Modern fuel injected cars don't contaminate the oil as quickly as older cars. Sometimes the only time anything gets checked under the hood is during an oil change. Going 6000 miles without a quick check is pushing your luck.

Answer 4

I would definately go by the book unless there is a problem with your car. I get mine changed right around 4000 miles, but i check it often. When it gets too dirty i change it (or right before 4000 miles, whichever comes first).

I also change it if i have driven a very long distance (say on a family vacation out of state)- but that is also so they can do a double check on my car to make sure it looks fine.

They put that sticker on as a suggestion- but i truly am not sure if there have been studies to prove that it is any better for your car in the long run vs following the manufacturers directions

Answer 5

they tell you at those oil change places to come back in 3,000 miles so they can make more money off you and the rest of those folks that believe they know it all ----- which they do not .... your Toyota book has the correct info and if you follow the book and do the maintenance that TOYO says/// you and yo ride will both be happy for many miles.. probably one thing that is not in the book is this ::::::: when you need a BRAKE JOB you should do the works and change out the brake fluid -- this will save you money in the long haul and good brakes are cheap insurance ( to help you prevent a wreck)... :::: use the Valvoline or Castrol brands of oil and not Q State or those cheaper labels ... it is worth the few bucks more..............

Answer 6

Newer car requirements for oil changes is every 5,000 miles. On older vehicles it is 3,000 miles. You did well by checking your owners manual.

Answer 7

If the owner's manual says 5k, then do what it says. 3000 miles has always been the go-to measurement, and isn't a bad one to use. There is nothing bad that can happen from changing your oil too often, although it's terrible to wait.

Answer 8

It depends on how you drive and what type of oil - synthetic oil will last longer between changes - you will be okay whether you change at 3, 4 or 5k. It's up to you. Change it more often if you rack up those miles in a short time.

Answer 9

I always change mine every 3,000 miles, it's the best way to make your engine last and not burn oil, the oil is the life blood of your engine, take care of it.

Answer 10

In normal use every 5000 miles is plenty. Your dealer is simply trying to make money on service you don't need. If you check your owners manual, it probably says every 7500.