Toyota care oil change or other options

Need advise first oil change coming up its been 6 months or 5000 miles I only have 3500 so time is up. What should I do trust the dealer and get it free or have myself do it ? Im old and can't move so well plus never changed a filter system like the the Tundra has. Give my your advise ! Thanks George

 

I take mine to the dealer, and let them do it as part of the Toyotacare program. I have a dealership that i like and trust to service my vehicle.

 

This dealer is new to me ! I wish I had some history with them !

 

Give it a shot, it is free. If they do mess something up at least its still under warranty and you know not to trust them anymore.

 

George, I'm an old guy as well. I've owned Toyotas for 20 yrs, and never had one go back to the dealer for anything. I don't trust some dummy to change my oil. Check out YouTube for videos on how to do it yourself, and see if you're up to it. It's not difficult. Depending on your strength, maybe get an assist with the skid plate removal. I've heard stories where Toyota techs don't change the filter, or over tighten bolts. Doing it myself gives me peace of mind. Save all receipts for your records.

 

Nightmare getting the over tighten bolts and filter form the factory. Im strong but busted up from high school and collage football line man. Then I go and in to powerlifting Young and dumb ! Arthritis now ok done bitching lol

 

You'll need to buy 2, 5 quart jugs of 0-20 full synthetic motor oil. I get Mobil 1 at Walmart for about $26.00 a jug. It will use 8-8.5 quarts of it. I use Toyota brand oil filters. They come with new o-rings and a drain adapter. Consider an aluminum filter cover to replace the stock plastic one. I got mine off eBay for about $20.00 shipped. You might also consider a Fumoto drain valve to replace your drain plug. Makes the next change much easier. I've lined up all of these to do my first oil change.

 

I just simply can't recommend going to a dealer for routine service. Even if it's "free." And I'm sorry, but saying "if they screw it up it is still under warranty" is so exponentially stupid.......jesus.

rsgt.....where are you located? Do you have access to help (where you're located may help with that)? A set of plastic injected molded Rhino brand ramps make a massive difference in terms of access and work room (even pushes the oil to back of the oil pan where the drain plug is, on the 5.7 liter).

So the answer to your query is: you need to do the oil change. NO dealer. Now, let's see if we can figure out how to make that happen for you.

 

I'm old, fat and in no shape for physical fitness!

I take mine to a local tire shop. They treat me right and stand behind their work. And usually squeeze me in because of my work schedule.

 

I’d take your truck to the dealer.

It’s not only free for the first 2 years and if you or someone other than Toyota does something wrong like strip a bolt or don’t put the o ring on right for the filter it won’t be covered.

In addition Toyota has software updates that they perform while your truck is in for routine maintenance.

 

^^^ what these guys said

 

This is your opinion, which is exactly what the OP asked for...great response on your experiences.

The "answer" is whatever he decides to do. Dealers can/are just as capable of doing a good job on the oil change as you are. You can screw up just like they can. If you want to do it yourself, then fine, but there is no need to constantly bash dealers. Jesus. You guys all sound like whinny little bitches when it comes to dealers.

 

OP, if you want to do it yourself, then do it. If not, go and talk to your dealer. Tell them your concerns. My dealer lets me watch them do the service. There are some good people who work in those service shops. They also get paid to do the work. There is no problem having the work done at a dealer.Are there crappy dealers who do shotty work? Of course. It is a call only you can make. Good luck!

 

My dealer offers free lifetime oil changes and a lifetime engine and power train warranty that actually covers pretty much everything. The only caveat to this warranty is that all of my service has to be done at the dealership. So I will be using my dealership for all service. If they mess something up it’s on them and with the lifetime warranty they will fix it.

 

I took my new truck to the dealer for the first oil change recently. I had a decent experience. Got tire rotation, oil change, multi point inspection, and cookies and espresso drink from their waiting room. They also checked for recalls, and sure enough there was a repair out for some part related to a sensor. I say just try it out and see how it goes.

 

Well, if this is your first service (5000 miles), there is no scheduled oil change. That doesn't come till 10000 miles. I'm old school and have always done changes at 3000 for non synthetic and 5000 for synthetic, but all the manufacturers are now calling for 7500 or 10000 with the new synthetic oils. I can tell you this though. You will more likely get a technician who knows what he's doing at the dealer. I was a certified Honda motorcycle tech for 10 years and have fixed many screw ups from some clown working out of a space he rents from his uncle. That's not to say there aren't good mechanics working on there own, just find one you can trust. Doing it yourself is also a good option, gets you to know your truck.

 

Not necessarily. Non FFV engines oil change mileage parameters are 10k miles however FFV engines oil change mileage parameters are 5K miles.

 

I dont like the sales department at my dealer that's why I didnt buy there. I like the service department. I have had the same guy taking care of me and the wife for 3 years.
Like @NewImprovedRon said, take it in and try it. If I the service or work sucks dont go back.
I do it because we have the free services. I have been happy so far.

 

Didn't realize there were any differences between the two as far as maintenance intervals. Is the oil requirement different, do they run the same oil?

 

The maintenance isn't "free" but already built into the price you paid, so you should take advantage of it.

 

The different interval for the FFV engines is because since Toyota touts it as a Flex Fuel compatible engine they MUST assume you will be running E85 ethanol fuel in it. They must. And the ugly story on full ethanol is that it wears the oil quicker and therefore necessitates oil change intervals that are half of of a non-Flex Fuel designed engine.

So.....if you DON'T run E85 (aka full ethanol) in your Tundra FFV engine you, technically, can do your oil change interval at that of the regular (non-FFV) engine. Which is 10,000.

Full disclosure. I have a FFV 5.7 liter Tundra engine. I do my oil changes at 10,000 miles. Send the oil to Blackstone Laboratories. The 3 reports I have received say things are stellar (I have 45,000 miles).

Now. My lawyers requires me to post: YMMV.

 

That's what I thought. However, I just looked in the maintenance guide and it just confuses things. It says under "Explanation of maintenance items", if using E85 less than 50% of the time, to follow the normal maintenance schedule, 5000 miles or 6 months. In the maintenance log it shows oil changes at 5000 mile intervals. It doesn't differentiate between the two engines except to revert back to the explanation guide. Confusing

 

Don't fall for their confusion. Ask yourself and then answer: am I running full ethanol fuel or will I be running full ethanol fuel on this engine oil? If the answer is "no" then you know what to do.

Take a moment to also acknowledge that Toyota is providing you at least a 36,000 mile warranty. This contrived ethanol vs engine oil bullshit is just one way Toyota is managing their "risk" during those 36,000 miles. Or more miles if you purchased an enhanced warranty.

My advice: change it at 10,000 mile intervals. Spend $26 and send the oil to Blackstone Labs and let them do a scientific chemical test. Then decide if you need to make engine oil change interval changes.

Peace out.

 

I agree, that's why I'm letting the dealer do the maintenance. If things go bad, it's on them.

 

I haven't touched this truck for one thing except all air filters get changed by me. Never an issue, i tell them no wash and leave my tire pressure alone. 60 bucks with coupon. They grease the one or two fittings and are liable for screwing it up. I check it all at home, never a missing oil cap or dripping oil. Guess im lucky but i trust my dealer Service Rep whom has been there since i bought my wifes car 4 years ago.

 

I let the dealer do mine. I have a good relationship with them and they do good work. It's easier for me. Not to mention I have a lifetime powertrain warranty and would rather them service it than me try and keep up with receipts

 

Also, here at my dealer, all the Mech's are Union. Not Huckleberry hired from a Jiffy Lube.

 

Yup..
i use to do all my service.. never did care for wrenching.
Figured, now that I’m a geezer .. I’ll just pay someone.
I just don’t like oil running down my arm anymore.

 

I do have a ff engine so its 6 months 5000 miles I live in Mi. I think Ill take the chance and let the dealer do it. But Ill tell them I want it back just like it came from the factory. If isn't Ill tell them I can be one unhappy customer that they will not want coming back with a problem ! Hope it works lol Thank You for the replies !!! Great Forum.

 

This. My local dealer does all my Service work.