You then invested in a third-generation Tacoma. Every automobile and truck needs timely, proper maintenance if you want to get the most mileage out of it.
One of the most crucial maintenance tasks you can complete is changing your oil. Your truck’s engine is essentially its beating heart, and when it comes to maintenance, nothing needs greater care than the oil.
For best performance and lifespan, the majority of usincluding Toyotarecommend changing your oil every 5,000 miles, contrary to certain sources that advise doing so every 10,000 miles. The best place to start if you’ve never worked on your truck before is by performing your own oil change.
An in-depth, step-by-step tutorial for completing an oil change at home is provided below. You’ll quickly become a professional if you follow the steps!
In This Article...
When changing the oil on a Toyota Tacoma, is it difficult?
It’s unnecessary difficult to change the oil in a Toyota Tacoma model year 2016 or newer. Should you decide to purchase a third-generation Toyota Tacoma and you’re the DIY kind when it comes to car maintenance, you might want to be aware of how the oil is changed.
How frequently should a Toyota Tacoma have its oil changed?
One of the most fundamental and important maintenance for your car is an oil change. For standard oil, Toyota advises changing your 2021 Toyota Tacoma’s oil and filter every 3,0005,000 miles. Changing synthetic oil should be done every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.
Where is the Toyota Tacoma’s oil filter?
On the engine’s lower right side is where the oil filter is located. With a wrench, turn the filter in the other direction to remove it. As you crank the wrench in a counterclockwise direction, it automatically tightens around the filter. If removing the filter is challenging, use force.
How much oil does a Toyota Tacoma require?
The SAE 0w-20 synthetic oil that the Tacoma uses. The 3.5L (211 ci) V6 engine holds 6.1 quarts, whereas the 2.7L (164 ci) 4 cylinder engine stores 6.2 quarts (6.2 with a tow package).
What Are the Benefits of Synthetic Oil?
It mostly depends on the model you purchase, how the engine was made, and what is advised in the owner’s manual whether your new Toyota utilizes synthetic or traditional oil. There are advantages and disadvantages to using each type of oil, but here are a few of the advantages of synthetic oil. Before using synthetic oil, make sure to verify with the Toyota service center in your area.
- Synthetic Oil Maintains Cleaner Engines
- increased protection against engine wear
- Better Performance at Low Temperatures
- Enhanced Protection at Higher Temperatures
- Enhanced Protection for Performance and Turbocharged Parts
How Often Should You Change Synthetic Oil?
To guarantee best performance, standard oil change intervals are commonly set as 5,000 miles or 6 months. That period is increased to 10,000 miles or 12 months on Toyota cars that are required to use 0W-20 synthetic oil. Within that time frame, you should still periodically check and top off the oil level. For other models, synthetic oil is an option, and regardless of the type of oil you choose to use in those models, it is advised that you stick to the 5,000-mile/6-month intervals.
Where is the oil filter on a Toyota Tacoma from 2021?
You might be asking why the recommended amount of oil has a range. The quantity of oil you pour back into your crankcase will vary based on a number of variables, including how much oil drains, whether or not you have an oil cooler, and a few more. For this specific oil change, for instance, I had to add nearly 7 quarts of oil to get the oil level dipstick to register the correct quantity. Over 6 quarts have been added by others. Enough said. Aim for at least 6 pints, but be ready with 7.
The final word? Add oil until the second marking or divot is covered by oil on your dipstick.
A piece of advice: Avoid wasting money on 1-quart containers. Compared to buying in bulk, they are much more expensive. You should buy two 5-quart containers, but 12-quart containers are also available online and at some stores. Filters operate in a similar manner. Buy in quantity!
The MotivX Tools oil change kit, which was described before, is an optional component of this oil change. Are you in need of this kit? No. Does it make your life much easier and is it incredibly convenient? Yes, indeed! Everything you could possibly need is in the kit. An oil filter wrench, a drain tool, and an oil funnel set are all included in the kit.
Step 1. Remove Engine Skid Plate
Make sure your car is on level ground before you start. This will guarantee that you completely drain the old oil and replace it with as much new oil as you can.
The oil filter and drain plug are found in the bottom of the engine in the third-generation Tacoma.
The fact that you have to take off your skid plate in order to change the oil is a little inconvenience.
The front two are visible above. The front bolts should be loosened by using your 10mm socket.
When all four bolts are loose, brace the skid plate (which isn’t very heavy) and take out all four bolts at once. Even without the four bolts you just removed, the skid plates are held up at the front by two tabs, which keep it from falling.
Move the skid plate so that it is off to the side after detaching it from the tabs.
Step 2. Drain Old Oil
It is located directly between the engine skid plate’s smaller section and the cross-member. For this one, you’ll need a 14mm socket.
You’ll need to release the pressure inside the crankcase because the engine compartment is essentially a sealed system in order to facilitate a quicker and more effective oil drain.
Unscrew your oil cap and set it aside before you completely unfasten the drain plug. After completing that, proceed to removing the drain plug bolt. Make sure your oil collect pan is positioned underneath the bolt.
Be cautious if you’ve just run the motor! You risk being burned by the oil, which is about 200 degrees Fahrenheit.
You’re advised to put on gloves to prevent coming into contact with the oil on your skin too much.
As a side note, the oil pours out faster and with more force than you may expect.
As was mentioned earlier, if you’re not prepared, you might mess things up. Take your time to avoid any problems.
A fellow do-it-yourselfer told me to keep the engine oil fill cover on until the flow has noticeably decreased to avoid this rush of oil and any potential problem. The cap is then opened to let the pressure out. Regards, Paul.
Once all of the oil has been completely removed, grab the replacement gasket that was provided and reinstall the bolt.
Personally, I use feel to tighten the bolt. Toyota advises applying 30 ft/lbs of torque to the bolt. Consider installing a Fumoto Valve to make life even simpler for you and the next oil change. I was unable to order one in time, but I will swap one in during the subsequent oil change to save time and minimize mess.
Where is the oil filter?
What location does the oil filter have? Different cars have different locations for the oil filter. It is frequently only reachable from below and may be protected by the undertray, which must first be removed. On some automobiles, the filter is accessible from above.
How long does a Tacoma need between oil changes?
How frequently should a Toyota Tacoma have its oil changed? For traditional oil, Toyota advises changing your Toyota Tacoma’s oil and filter every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Typically, synthetic oil needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. One of the most crucial and important services for your car is an oil change.
Is synthetic oil required for Tacoma?
Your Toyota Tacoma will operate smoothly if you maintain your oil changed on a regular basis and use the right oil. The Toyota Tacoma runs on 0W-20 and 5W-20 oil viscosities. The best engine cleaners minimize sludge buildup and keep your engine operating smoothly for longer.
How long does Tacoma’s synthetic oil last?
Generally speaking, synthetic oil needs to be changed every 7,500 to 10,000 miles. For standard oil, Toyota advises changing your 2021 Toyota Tacoma’s oil and filter every 3,0005,000 miles.