Question about oil change because i don't drive a lot.

Hey folks, I'm curious to know how often you guys would change your oil if you drove as little as I do. Long story short I live in a small town. Work is 2 mins away. I put very few miles on my truck. Even during hunting season, I hunt about 20 miles down the road. Don't really travel etc. The oil that's in it is 5W40.
I've seen people say every 3k miles, every 5k miles etc.

If I was to wait to do my oil change every 5k miles, that would probably be like every 2 to 3 years which I'm pretty sure wouldbe terrible.

I'm greatful for any of your opinions and appreciate your time.

 

Welcome from Texas, let's see your ride, curious...why aren't you at 0W-20 oil?

 

Oil needs to reach operating temp (212F) to boil off condensation and acids.

If you do a lot of short trips your oil will lose its additive package quicker.

I'd say every 6 months you should replace your engine oil for your conditions.

 

Welcome to the party!!

As far as the oil changes go, they say 3 months or 5000 miles. In your case specifically, id say every 6 months or so. Just my opinion of what id do. Depending on where you live and major changes in climate change or winter i might try to time oilchanges around season and possibly change oil weight based on climate.

 

That's what was in it when I bought it in march. Trust me when I say that I am not a expert in vehicles.

 

What year is your truck? Is it a first-generation or second-generation? And what size engine?

I don’t drive a lot either so my oil changes are about once a year. Most people do it every six months or the mileage recommended in the manual. I use extended performance mobile1 0-20. It’s supposed to be good for a year.

 

I live in north MS

 

Mobile One has a 15,000 mile jug and a once a year formula. I would use one of these and just change it annually with a genuine oem Toyota filter. And you should be good to go. Good luck. D

 

Yeah southern state. Do you have a 5.7L?

 

I think three months is for pure Dino oil. Six months for synthetic. That’s why use extended performance.

 

2015 trd 4x4 off road 5.7

 

On the 5.7L motors you need to be running 0w20 Synthetic

 

This is your best bet OP. Get the extended performance stuff and change it annually with m1 0-20.

 

Is this oil considerably more expensive? Just curious as to why i should be using this oil (I like to learn things)

 

I would use the mobil 1 annual 0w/20 full synthetic.it is made to last all year and no more miles than you drive it would be great.be sure to use genuine Toyota oil filters

 

Its whats recommended for our motors by Toyota. Its what comes in it direct from the factory. It is a little more expensive.

 

Ok, I really appreciate your guys quick responses. I'll get the oil changed soon and have 0w20 put in it and change it every year around the same time.

 

I saw on here, forgot which thread, that someone was getting Mobil1 for dirt cheap

 

@Ilovemytundra38901
Here ya go, page 3, post #62

https://www.tundras.com/threads/diy-oil-change-5-7.13648/unread

 

Just curious, why you choose to drive when you are only going 2 miles? As others have said, you are likely not getting the engine up to temp. Not good for the battery either.

 

For me I only drive about 4 miles each way to work, often I take the long way just to make sure I get it up to temp.

 

I work nights, I definitely wouldn't feel safe to walk to work.

 

Unless you drive a ton or always tow, once a year with 0w-20 is all you need to do. Also if you use E85 (which nobody should ever do, nasty stuff) you'll need to do it alot more often.
My Tundra is my daily and also used to tow a travel trailer every month or 2, about 9K miles a year. The wife's Venza is used less cause she works from home so maybe a couple thousand a year. I just change them both once a year and have gotten lazy so I just have the dealer do it now. Usually they send a coupon to have it done for about $60-70.

 

Autozone just had a Black Friday Deal. Mobil1 Full Synthetic WITH premium filter for $25 total. I backed the truck up on that one.

 

Plus my discount! Ya shuda PM'd me wuda given u my employee to friend discount

 

Yeah, I saw the Same thing about the mobil1.the guy said around spring you can get mobil 1 with a rebate that makes it $12.00 for a 5 qrt bottle.

 

Probably a stupid or novice question here but how many quarts do I need

 

I have the same driving habits as you, Toyota care right now is every 6 monthes 0 w20. I put on 2000 miles every 6 monthes I do check the level on a regular basis.

 

5.7 v8 uses 8 qrts to change oil which includes filter change. You may want to drive 20 to 30 miles continuously once a month for your converters. They need to get up to a good temp.to keep them working properly and to keep them clean.

 

It is very simple. Per manual, 5K miles or 6 months for flex, which ever comes 1st.