Changing oil Options

[RickJamesBish]

I know it's an elementary question, but I just need some opinions. I've put around 4000 miles on her and I'd like to keep everything as spry as possible, so therefore I'm going to have the oil changed regularly. How many of you do it on your own, and how easy is it to do? I'm guessing I won't need more than a catch pan and a couple tools.

Also, I know it's not "totally" necessary to do this a lot, but it's not abnormal to change it every 3000 miles, even if the oil light hasn't come on yet?

[RickJamesBish]

Yeah, try for 3000, just better that way (although you might not see a need to) and a good habit to get into. As far as changing the oil, thats real easy. Get one of those drip pans that double as a container (makes transport to oil recy easier). Pretty much warm up the motor a bit, jack it up, pop the bolt and watch it drain. Dont forget to dothe oil filter as well.

Okay, I will do that. What oil do you guys use/recommend, and where is this drain located exactly? And would the jack that came with the car (to change the tire) be fine, or would I need something else?

OH MY GOD. That's not an oil light, that is an oil pressure warning light and it means your car doesn't have sufficient oil pressure to lubricate the engine at that moment. It means turn your engine off immediately and put oil in there and don't restart it until everything is ok. It does NOT mean start thinking about maybe swinging by jiffy lube next weekend.

Thanks for clearing that up, you're a little sensitive on the subject?

[GotToyota]

Yeah, try for 3000, just better that way (although you might not see a need to) and a good habit to get into. As far as changing the oil, thats real easy. Get one of those drip pans that double as a container (makes transport to oil recy easier). Pretty much warm up the motor a bit, jack it up, pop the bolt and watch it drain. Dont forget to dothe oil filter as well.

Okay, I will do that. What oil do you guys use/recommend, and where is this drain located exactly? And would the jack that came with the car (to change the tire) be fine, or would I need something else?

Please don't change it every 3k, I beg you. You are doing your engine more harm than good.

-Matt

[Tigawoods]

Yeah, try for 3000, just better that way (although you might not see a need to) and a good habit to get into. As far as changing the oil, thats real easy. Get one of those drip pans that double as a container (makes transport to oil recy easier). Pretty much warm up the motor a bit, jack it up, pop the bolt and watch it drain. Dont forget to dothe oil filter as well.

Okay, I will do that. What oil do you guys use/recommend, and where is this drain located exactly? And would the jack that came with the car (to change the tire) be fine, or would I need something else?

Please don't change it every 3k, I beg you. You are doing your engine more harm than good.

-Matt

i dont see how it would at all.

a jack is not necessary. just get a low profile catch that will fit underneath the car.