I just started doing my own oil changes on my old car and then I got the XB. I plan to use up the two "complimentary" oil changes with the dealer and look into doing my own after that, since I would prefer to use some good ole' Mobil 1 Full Synthetic.

Questions are, how difficult would it be to do? Since I haven't really "looked", is the oil filter easy to get to? Are oil plug gaskets easy to find (availability?) as I would like to replace them after each oil change? Anything else I should know about it? I mean my oil car was really easy except for my oil filter which was SUPER hard to get too. I heard the XB's are much easier and have some cover on them, is that cover easy to get off?

Sorry for all the questions, just trying to figure it all out!

 

just in my opinion, it's really a waste to go so soon with the synthetic oil on a brand new car. Synthetic oil have blends that are a little unique and once u go synthetic, u can't go back to regular. Synthetic oils cost about 6 bucks a quart and just think how many oil changes u'll be doing in the future.. you do the math. Just go synthetic when u have about 30~50k miles on the car.

And about the availability and the location, they will be fairly easy to find. Since the engine was already used in tC and Camry, drainplug will be easy to be replaced.

filter location, haven't seen where it actually is, but itt'll be very noticeable.



Hope this was helpful

 

That is a myth! You can go back to normal oil once you use synthetic... Go read up on manufacturer websites to confirm.

And I can get for $20, 5qts of Full Synthetic Mobil 1 here, plus add in 7-8 for a filter and I can do it for cheaper then at the dealer, $28.

Cost is not an issue, and either is switching between syn/norm oil.

 

if something ever happens engine related they might try to bone you on the warranty because you did the oil change urself.

 

Also with syn oil you don't have to change your oil at 3k, I use a mobil 1 filter and synthetic oil and change every five-six thousand miles. the only way I would consider changing my oil every 3k with synthetic is if you do a lot of small trips and your car really never runs at full operating temp.

 

Invertalon,

I am with you 100% on doing my own changes (and using up the two complimentary servicings as well when the time comes. I haven't been under the car to look it everything yet, but it probably should be a snap. And as for the synthetic thing, I haven't made my mind up yet. It can get pricey for sure, and I am on a limted budget so I haven't decided yet.

Since we are on the subject of oil changes, what do you folks feel about waiting 5,000 miles between changes? I am old school, and I don't care what arguments are out there about new engines, and new oils and whatnot. 5,000 miles under normal driving conditions is just too long IMHO. I am changing mine every 3,000, just like I have every vehicle I have owned, and will reap the rewards of it in the long run..., I think.

Anyone else feel like 5,000 miles is just a retarded amount of time to wait between changes? To me, the oil change is a ritual, and must be performed at 3,000 miles, on a new moon, and in my own garage. I think car companies realize if they get you to wait for so long between changes, you will be back to buy a new car sooner than later.

I had an 89 civic make it all the way to 300k, with no engine major issues AT ALL, and was still running like a sewing machine when I sold it due to the hellified rust it racked up in the Michigan winters. Oil changes every 3,000 miles.., it's a way of life.

 

One thing I've never understood about this longer interval with synthetic thing is that the oil filter is still getting clogged up at the same rate right? Just because the oil lasts longer without breaking down, doesn't mean the filter is lasting longer right? That's why I never have been a fan of the synthetic to increase oil change interval thing. Because I'd rather have a fresh filter every 3000 - even if the oil is still good. Am I wrong?

 

ALSO---> If you keep all your reciepts from the oil and filters you buy, and write the date and mileage down, you should have no problem with any warranty issues...So my dealer says.

 

Toronado---> You're not wrong. There is no wrong or right here. Whatever helps you sleep at night. I have personally run synthetic in my last 5 vehicles. I change mine when the oil on the dipstick looks a bit dirty...almost always closer to 5K miles. I also cut open all my filters to see what they look like and 5k looks the same as 3k. Just my experience.

 

Only way to know for sure is to send out your oil to get analyzed for shearing. That way your oil, your car, your driving conditions, your climate, etc.
Here: Bob the Oil Guy

 

I'm following this factory recommendations and using the maintenance log on this car. The Maintenance Schedule uses 5000 mile/6 month intervals between oil changes/tire rotation/etc. adding a few things here and there as the mileage increases. Sounds good to me. I will be using Mobil 1 full synthetic after the complimentary 5k & 10k services.

 

Just a heads-up from a guy who changed his 08 xB oil last month, it was a motherf***er!

The oil filter is mostly concealed under plastic shrouding under the passenger side of the motor and tucked so close to the pan and other structures, that leverage is difficult. I used my plastic filter remover..pop..pop.pop..no grip, then the metal one..pop..pop..pop..no grip. Finally after a trip to autozone, I return with a channellock type oil filter tearer-offer contraption, and that finally got that filter off. Expect a battle getting that filter off bc the factory puts it on by machine and it's WAY too tight!

Did I mention that I had to pop off 2 plastic snaps off the bottom shroud and 3 snaps out of the passenger wheel well just to get the positional leverage necessary to get that filter off?

My pain= your gain. Have fun with that, my fellow Gen 2ers :-)

 

To jump on the oild bandwago topic, someone told me that I should change my oil after the first 500 miles on the car. He said something about a break in oil or something. During the engine break in time does the oil get dirty abnormally fast or is it some different oil?
Anyone heard this before?

 

I'll have to re-read it but I believe the maintenance schdule in the owners manual says that newer cars do not require a "break-in" period and you can go about oil changes/scheduled maintenance normally.

 

To add to all this.

www.bobistheoilguy.com is a valuable resource for oil and engine related info as noted above. I also do used oil analysis by Blackstone Labs.

Changing at 5K or 6 months with dino, or especially synthetic, is fine. You can also wait till 5K or 6 months to make the first change without harm. I personally use Toyota's own 0W-20 synthetic at about $4.50 a quart, Part number 00920-1QT0W-01.

My only reservation about those two free oil changes is the oil selection the dealers use. MAYBE they use 5W-20, or MAYBE they use 5W-30, you would have to ask, and the service writer will probably guess. I'm sticking with the recommended 0W-20, and since it only comes in synthetic in the US as far as I know, I would bet that "free" oil change would have a surcharge.

 

My mechanic recommends doing the first oil and filter change early at 1000 miles to get rid of any metallic particles that might be there from break-in.

 

My only reservation about free dealer oil changes is the dealers.

 

Use a good quality filter, not the 3 dollar fram from walmart, mobil 1, K&N, or at minimum a toyota factory filter. Which you can buy in bulk online for around the price of a 3 dollar fram. Amsoil filters are a good choice also.

 

I heard that.

 

On my S2000 I change my oil every 5,000 miles or after a track weekend (whichever comes first) using Mobil 1 or Castrol Syntec (whichever is on sale at the time). This is what most of the other trackheads do and several of them have 100k+ with 5k+ on the track and no issues.