Toyota Tacoma Oil Changes
If you have a Toyota Tacoma parked in your driveway, you're a lucky driver. This iconic truck has been a fan favorite for literal decades for its versatility, performance, and sporty appearance. Whether you're a new owner or have had your truck on the trails for a while, it's important to take care of it — especially when it comes to oil changes. Check out this guide to Toyota Tacoma oil types from the experts at the Toyota of Orlando service center.
What is the right Toyota Tacoma oil type?
Let's start with the basics — what is the RIGHT Toyota Tacoma oil type? Here's what we recommend at Toyota of Orlando:
- It's best to use synthetic oil. Toyota Tacomas are powerhouses and designed to maximize your performance, so you want to ensure that your truck is getting the oil most suited to this driving style. Conventional oil isn't bad, but synthetic oil best for high-performance vehicles (and it also lasts longer, which means your oil changes won't be as frequent).
- We recommend using SAE 0W-20 or SW-5W-20. Using these types of oil will ensure the horsepower and torque you deserve, as well as the off-roading and towing capabilities that you need.
Still have questions? Sit down with one of our Toyota service specialists to figure out which motor oil is best for your Taco.
When should you schedule Toyota Tacoma oil changes?
How often do you need to schedule a Toyota Tacoma oil change at Toyota of Orlando? Our service experts getting oil changes on the books every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if you're using synthetic oil. If you're using conventional oil, on the other hand, you'll need to schedule oil changes more frequently — probably every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.
Your best bet is to check your owner's manual OR ask one of our Orlando oil change experts. They can get you in the system, and then get you on a schedule AND send you reminders when it's time to come in.
Do you need a specific Toyota Tacoma oil filter?
You really don't — as long as the oil filter is compatible with your vehicle, you should be good to go. You should definitely check to ensure that the oil filter is going to work before you purchase it. However, we definitely recommend using a Toyota brand oil filter to ensure top quality and performance.
Should you choose synthetic motor oil for your Orlando Toyota?
The choice is yours. As we said, synthetic motor oil is a better choice for high-performance vehicles, and it also lasts longer so you don't have to schedule oil changes as frequently. Conventional oil is definitely cheaper and can work for your car, but it won't last as long. At Toyota of Orlando's auto service center, we have conventional, synthetic, and synthetic blends available to you.
What about high-mileage oil?
Should you consider high-mileage oil for your Toyota Tacoma? Possibly. If you're over 100,000 miles, ask your car care tech if high mileage oil should be in your Orlando Toyota. This special type of motor oil is specifically formulated with specific conditioners, seal-compatible conditioners, antioxidants, detergents, and additives to combat the issues that high-mileage vehicles often experience as they age.
What happens if you skip oil changes?
Nothing good — trust us. Here are some of the negative side effects of skipping out on your Toyota Tacoma oil changes:
- Dirty oil can cause corrosion inside the engine and eventually, sludge buildup
- You can end up with major heat damage due to excessive heat and friction inside the engine
All of which can lead to major engine malfunctions and expensive repairs, rebuilds, or replacements.
Ready to schedule a Toyota Tacoma oil change at Toyota of Orlando? Call us today at (407) 298-0001 or stop by. We're just off I-4 near the Millenia Mall at 3575 Vineland Road.