Hey all—just picked up a 2024 Camry SE a little while ago and I’m coming up on 5k miles. I don’t really wanna wait until 10k for the free dealer change through ToyotaCare. I’ve always done my own oil changes but this is my first brand new car and I’m just trying to make sure I don’t void the warranty or anything.
So, how many of y’all change your own oil on new cars? Anything I should know or keep track of?
Nah, you’re fine. Most dealers will still let you use your free ToyotaCare oil changes whenever—you’re not locked into exact mileage. Just keep in mind if you mess something up while doing it yourself, the warranty won’t cover that specific damage.
Nope, it doesn’t void your warranty unless you actually mess something up. There’s a federal law (Magnuson-Moss Act) that protects you from that. Just use quality oil and parts and document it. Also, check out Car Care Nut on YouTube—dude knows his Toyotas.
@Zenith
Yup—keep receipts for oil + filter and log your mileage. That way you’re covered if anything ever comes up.
Will said:
@Zenith
Yup—keep receipts for oil + filter and log your mileage. That way you’re covered if anything ever comes up.
You can actually log your DIY service on Toyota.com under your vehicle’s service history. Great for resale too.
@Zenith
Honestly I just go to the dealership—less hassle if anything weird happens. Only one of the 18 I’ve been to tried to upsell stuff I didn’t need.
Will said:
@Zenith
Yup—keep receipts for oil + filter and log your mileage. That way you’re covered if anything ever comes up.
I always buy OEM oil + filters directly from Toyota so there’s a record. Plus their oil has more additives for wear protection.
@Denim
You can add that info to Toyota’s maintenance log too—wish it let you upload receipts though.
Will said:
@Denim
You can add that info to Toyota’s maintenance log too—wish it let you upload receipts though.
Yeah, and OEM oil really is a different formula than regular Mobil 1. This video breaks it down: https://youtu.be/IRwvfvwWbYE?si=KAK_0ptjYbKqcQLb
@Zenith
Car Care Nut is the GOAT for Toyota stuff. Watch him before touching anything lol.
Used to handle warranty claims for a big car brand. If you do your own maintenance, keep detailed records + receipts. They will absolutely ask if anything ever goes sideways.
Franklin said:
Used to handle warranty claims for a big car brand. If you do your own maintenance, keep detailed records + receipts. They will absolutely ask if anything ever goes sideways.
Another reason to buy your stuff from Toyota—gives you that paper trail automatically.
Always change oil every 3–5k miles. Don’t wait for 10k. Doesn’t matter who does it as long as it’s done right and with good oil + filter. I’d avoid Jiffy Lube and those 5-min places though.
Ripley said:
Always change oil every 3–5k miles. Don’t wait for 10k. Doesn’t matter who does it as long as it’s done right and with good oil + filter. I’d avoid Jiffy Lube and those 5-min places though.
Yeah Jiffy Lube can be sketch unless you know what oil/filter they’re using. Cheap stuff = voided warranty if something breaks.
@Zenith
When I got my Camry, they told me straight up: use a trusted mechanic if you want, just steer clear of places like Valvoline.
Paid for dealer service warranty once… never again 
They take 4+ hours, upsell hard, and try to get you to trade your car for a more expensive one.
You’re fine doing it yourself. Just hang on to those receipts. That’s your proof if anything goes wrong down the line.
I change it myself at 5k and let the dealer do the free one at 10k. You’re totally allowed to do your own oil change as long as you don’t screw anything up.
Short answer: No, it won’t void your warranty. Long answer: Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act protects you.
I don’t trust the dealership techs to care for my car the way I do. I did the first oil change at 1k, then every 5k after. Keep the engine happy.