I recently lost my free oil change package from the dealer. They used to give me full synthetic changes and told me to come back every 10k miles.
I went to get my first oil change outside of the dealer, and they said even with full synthetic, I should be doing it every 6k miles at most.
Why such a big difference?
I actually paid for a lab analysis after 10,000 miles to see if I was pushing it too far. I used generic Costco synthetic oil and an Amazon filter, and after 10k miles (with 85,000 on the engine overall), the lab said the oil was still in great condition. Microscopic metal particles were below expected levels, meaning there was less wear than usual. They said the oil had plenty of life left and could’ve gone longer.
I’ll keep doing 10k mile intervals because it’s easy to remember, and I’m confident it’s fine.
@Zenith
Mind sharing that report? Not that it will change everyone’s minds, but more data is always helpful.
Tilden said:
@Zenith
Mind sharing that report? Not that it will change everyone’s minds, but more data is always helpful.
Sure thing. Here’s the link: https://imgur.com/a/MKiQ1pk
@Zenith
Thanks!
Tilden said:
@Zenith
Mind sharing that report? Not that it will change everyone’s minds, but more data is always helpful.
If you were buying a used van and had two choices: one with oil changes every 5k and another following the 10k recommendation, would it matter to you? Would you lean towards the one with more frequent changes?
@Jonah
Honestly, I’d just go for the better-priced one. I’ve been digging into this for years, and there’s no solid evidence that doing double maintenance extends vehicle life. Toyota’s 10k mile interval is pretty conservative, especially for their 4-cylinder engines.
@Jonah
For me, the frequency wouldn’t make a big difference. I’ve been changing my own oil for 20 years because I had too many issues with shops. If one van had 5k intervals and the other 10k, I’d still weigh other factors like dents, paint condition, and overall maintenance history. If someone claimed 5k changes but had no proof, I’d rather go with the one that’s been consistently maintained at 10k intervals with records.
@Zenith
Quick question—do you warm up your engine before driving, and what do you usually tow? I’m looking into buying a van, so I’m curious.
Baylen said:
@Zenith
Quick question—do you warm up your engine before driving, and what do you usually tow? I’m looking into buying a van, so I’m curious.
No need to warm up with a hybrid. The engine won’t run when the car is idle unless the battery is too low.
@Bennett
Not all Siennas are hybrids.
Baylen said:
@Zenith
Quick question—do you warm up your engine before driving, and what do you usually tow? I’m looking into buying a van, so I’m curious.
I don’t wait for it to warm up, but I’m gentle on the accelerator until it does. I usually tow small trailers with yard waste, furniture, and other stuff I don’t want in the van.
@Zenith
Same here, I use a utility trailer for similar things. Appreciate you sharing the lab results too!
Stick to the manual, folks. Both the shops and Toyota want your money, but Toyota designed the car, and they’re the ones who wrote the manual. It’s hard to see why people doubt their recommendations.
I usually go for about 7,500 miles. With a hybrid, the gas engine isn’t running as much, so it doesn’t wear down the oil as fast. You can always send an oil sample to a lab like Blackstone and see what they say if you’re unsure.
Shops say that to get more business out of you. Just follow what the manual says. There’s no real evidence that doing more frequent changes will make your engine last longer.
Tilden said:
Shops say that to get more business out of you. Just follow what the manual says. There’s no real evidence that doing more frequent changes will make your engine last longer.
Actually, there’s evidence that changing every 3k-5k miles does increase engine life. Check out @themotoroilgeek on YouTube. Also, oil is cheap compared to engine repairs, so if I can afford it, I’d rather be safe with more frequent changes.
@Rylan
A guy on YouTube isn’t a solid source. You’re falling for the worst-case fallacy. Toyota engines last ages on the manufacturer’s intervals. Wasting money on extra changes doesn’t add much value.
I follow the manual: 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. I think anyone saying otherwise is less informed than the people who designed the car.
Devlin said:
I follow the manual: 10,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first. I think anyone saying otherwise is less informed than the people who designed the car.
Or they’re just trying to get more of your money.