Changing your own oil on a new Tundra

I recently traded my 2009 Tacoma for a 2017 Tundra Limited 4x4. This is my first new truck, and I've always changed my own oil in my past trucks, but I'm concerned that the dealer will frown upon this if any issues come up under warranty. In the past, I've always used full synthetic and kept all receipts and records for each oil change. Also, any tips on putting the skid plate back on after an oil change? I've read it can be kind of a pain. Thanks in advance for any advice or suggestions.

 

I've had free oil changes from Toyota for the first little while. I think I'm about up on that, then will start doing my own as well. Thanks for posting, following...

 

If you're going to do your own oil changes, might be worth it to invest in a skid plate with a door.

 

I've read that, the TRD one does from what I've seen. May have to be my next purchase.

 

If you want a no mess oil change look into the Fumoto Valve and the oil filter canister valve thats a no mess too when you remove the silver cap to expose filter this valve screws on and has a twist valve that drains whats in oil filter canister forgot name of it or company that makes it

 

If you have the maintenance plan that came with the vehicle I would use the dealer until the plan runs its course.

Kurt

 

Fumoto Valve

Oil filter canister drain valve

 

From research I don't think it's worth it to change it on your own.. the price Toyota charges, vs you Do it yourself. saves you like $15 or so.. it's not worth my time and clean up and getting rid of the oil and all to save that little.. just my opinion

 

Unless you just truly enjoy changing your oil.. then it's worth it... everyone is diff

 

I don't change my own oil to save money. The peace of mine is worth it to me. I know it's got the right oil, right amount, and right torque on everything.

 

Well there it is then. I don't think there would be a warranty issue. They can't just say since you don't get oil changes from us, that's what the problem is. Well maybe they can.. just to be Ssholes but I doubt it.

 

I would at least have them do it once so they do have a record of the oil being changed. For warranty issues that my arise with the engine.

Kurt

 

You got that right. My first oil change, they didn't put the oil cap back on, so after a day or so of driving it, I checked under the hood and oil was everywhere. So now, I have to do all these checks after to make sure they did it. Plus I'm not sure they are doing the tire rotation either. SO yeah..

 

There is always a risk in having Toyota do it. A simple but crucial job that if done wrong could be a nightmare. If you're worried about warranty, save your receipts when you buy the oil. I doubt any of us here has to save a few dollars on an oil change.

The suggestion to use a drain valve and the tool to drain the oil canister makes the job easy with zero oil dripping on your floor and no drain pans to poor the old oil into another canister for recycling. The Skid Plate is not a big deal, you will see how it's held on when you remove it the first time so you will know how it has to go back on.

If you decide to let Toyota do the first oil changes where they don't charge you, you risk that they over tightened he oil filter drain plug. Meaning you won't be able to use the drain tool when you do your own change and will have a mess. Then you'll have to buy $40 in parts for your next change so you can do it right. This happened to me with my wife's lexus.

 

I enjoy changing my own oil. It's just another excuse to be in the garage lol. I'm also super anal and won't let anyone work on my truck but me unless absolutely necessary. Not that I don't trust them but they don't have the same vested interest as me as my truck is like a child to me lol.

 

The dealer that used to change my oil in my old Taco for the Toyota Care used to apply an adhesive paste over the drain plug after each change. I would crawl underneath and chip away the paste to make sure they didn't over tighten or strip the plug each time lol

 

Very true