When Does My Car’s Oil Need to Be Changed?

Toyota cars are built to last, which means you may not need to schedule an oil change as often as you might with another car. Change your car’s oil every 10,000 miles, and it’ll be in good shape!

With that said, your car may need more frequent maintenance than that. We’d recommend that you bring it in every 5,000 miles or so for additional regular maintenance that can improve the performance of your car for years to come. Such maintenance includes:

• Tire rotations—great for extending the life of your tires
• Fluid top-offs—to improve overall engine health
• Filter replacements—to keep the engine or even the car’s cabin clean.

The Benefits of Changing Your Oil

All car engines, no matter their size or make, are comprised of numerous moving parts. As these parts run day after day, the heat and friction of performance can wear on them greatly. Not only that, but they can naturally accrue a lot of grime and debris just from being out on the roads.

Engine oil is like a protective shield. It creates a lubricated barrier that defends against heat, friction, and the muck and grime of the road. If you want your engine to run great for years to come, clean engine oil is a must!

Signs Your Oil Needs to be Changed

If engine oil lasted forever, oil changes wouldn’t be necessary. However, like any hardworking car component, it can break down over time, losing some of its protective qualities in the process. What are the signs that your engine oil needs to be changed?

• The oil level is low. Pop the hood of your car and use the oil dipstick to check this.
• There’s a knocking noise while you drive. It’s from the increased friction.
• You can see dark exhaust. The low oil is burning—this is definitely a sign to have it changed.
• The oil is especially dark. Healthy oil should be an amber color.
• Dashboard lights are on. Either the oil can or check engine light can be an indicator.