oil / oil changes

[orbitguard]

I just bought a 2003 Tundra TRD. I now have 800 miles on it and wanted to know if I should use synthetic oil or reg.? oil. I see it recommends 5W 30. I have heard synthetic is best but is also expensive. I am going to use OEM filters.

For you technical guys I also have a question. Will the oil now in my crankcase breakdown over time. Example, I bought my truck a week before Thanksgiving and as I said above, I have less than 800 miles on it. Will the oil composition stay the same over time? I don't expect to put very many miles on it as it is just a backup rig and hauler.

Great forum you have, I enjoy reading all the input, and will look forward to hearing from you guys! My email address is: orbitguard@wmconnect.com for any comments.

THX

Gary

[Stooge]

There's a million threads on this on this site and others. There's always discussion concerning "Dino vs Synthetic," and also allot about when you should switch to synthetic if you choose to do so. The most conservative approach, and one that's work for me for a dozen of so new egines, is this:

Change oil/filter at:

1000 - dino
2000 - dino
3000 - dino
5000 - synthetic
Change seasonally (4 times a year - about 4 to 5 K for me with synthetic)

I would also consider using the Toyota -20004 filter (came on the truck) and not the cheaper one Toyo wants to sell you as the replacement - it has no bypass valve. Good aftermarket filters are Mobil 1, PureOne, Amsoil (Baldwin).

I use Amsoil but Mobil 1 is probably just as good.

[KLS]

It recommends 5W-30 to give Toyota Motor Corp. a slightly higher C.A.F.E. I prefer 10W-30 in temperatures above 0°F for better oil durability.

I use Schaeffer #703 10W-30. It carries higher ratings than Mobil 1 (Schaeffer is ACEA A3-02...Mobil 1 is ACEA A1-02), gives equal lab results, and costs less. Contact the Northwest U.S. distribution warehouse to find a retail source near you. jay@tyco1.com
http://www.schaefferoil.com/data/703.htm

Actually, for your usage, you won't notice any difference between conventional oil and synthetic except the price.

Your oil will deteriorate very, very slowly when sitting in your engine. If your low mileage is from many short trips, it'll deteriorate faster. For normal driving, 5000 mile oil changes is good. For short, cool trips, change at 3000. If you don't hit 3000, change every six months.


Ken

[aaronjpeterson]

My Toyota dealer is offering me the following deal:
Pay a one time fee of $100 and I can get an oil change every 3000 miles for the life of the vehicle for $9.99 each time.

I'm thinking of biting, does this sound like a good deal?

[Jack Burton]

Hey Aaron-

My dealer gives me a free oil changes every 5K miles w/filter and free smog checks just for buying the truck from them. I'd give them the $100.00 but wouldn't pay the $10.00 afterwards.
It sounds like you're buying the filters up front......JB