ONLY at Keith Pierson Toyota as low as 0% 36 months on Camry, Corolla and RAV4.
As the proud owner of a Toyota Camry, you can seek maintenance services for your vehicle to preserve its condition. Along with services like fluid replenishments and tire rotations, oil changes are essential to your car’s operation. Below, you can review our Toyota Camry oil change guide so you can complete or obtain this important service.
What Kind of Oil Does a Toyota Camry Take?
Most Camrys accept 0W-16 or 0W-20 motor oil. However, it’s important to confirm the oil type that your owner’s manual suggests. If you don’t have access to your vehicle’s manual or would like further confirmation, you can seek guidance from our service center at Keith Pierson Toyota. We’ll help you get the right kind of oil for your vehicle so it can operate at its prime.
When Does the Toyota Camry Need an Oil Change?
The Toyota Camry typically requires an oil change every six months or every 5,000 miles that you put on your odometer. Follow an oil change schedule for whichever event comes first. You may be able to follow an extended oil change schedule for your Camry if it takes synthetic oil. This schedule would be approximately every year or every 10,000 miles.
Sometimes, you may need to get an oil change for your Camry more frequently. For example, some signs that you need an oil change include smoke coming from the exhaust, a locking sound coming from your engine, or vibrations when idling. You can check your oil levels and oil texture using the dipstick that comes with your vehicle. If you notice low oil levels or oil that’s too thick or thin to flow properly through your engine, you can change your oil even if it’s not technically due for this service.
Why Is It Important To Change the Oil in Your Toyota Camry?
Motor oil that’s the right consistency is essential for a properly functioning engine. It lubricates the many moving parts of your engine and prevents them from scraping against one another. It also reduces friction and prevents the likelihood of the engine overheating. When your Camry can operate on fresh oil, it may experience greater fuel efficiency and protect the life span of your engine for the long term.
What’s the Difference Between Conventional and Synthetic Oil?
Depending on the age of your Camry, it may take conventional oil. Conventional oil is most prevalent in older Camry models. It comes from refined crude oil, and its thick composition helps it protect and lubricate older engines more thoroughly. Synthetic oil is most prevalent in newer Camry models. It comes from man-made chemical compounds, is thinner than conventional oil, and can flow better throughout the crevices of newer engines.
How To Change the Oil in Your Toyota Camry
The process for changing the oil in your Camry is similar to how you’d do it for any other vehicle. Follow these steps to complete this service yourself:
Gather Your Supplies
Begin by gathering your supplies, which include rags, a new oil filter, a wrench, an oil collection pan, a funnel, and new oil. Refer to the owner’s manual of your specific Camry model to learn how many quarts you’ll need. You can also acquire a method for lifting your vehicle so you have room underneath to work. Some people may use car ramps and wooden blocks, while others may use a car jack and jack stands.
Lift Your Camry
Lift your Camry with your chosen method. If you use car ramps, drive up them slowly so you can position the car perfectly without rolling over the edge of the ramp. Place a wooden block behind each rear wheel to prevent your Camry from rolling backward while you’re working on it.
If you use a car jack, lift it to the lifting point that your owner’s manual specifies. Once you achieve the right height with your car jack, you can place two jack stands underneath your Camry as a safety precaution.
Open Your Camry’s Hood
Open your Camry’s hood and keep it open using the hood prop rod. Find the engine oil cap and unscrew it. This will help the oil flow out faster when you remove the drain plug in the next step.
Set Up Your Oil Pan and Drain the Old Oil
Go underneath the car to position the oil pan underneath the drain plug. Ideally, you can change the oil with another person present so they can ensure your safety when you’re underneath the vehicle. Locate the drain plug and use a wrench to loosen it. Allow the oil to drain out, which is a process that usually takes five to 10 minutes.
It may come out quickly at first, and the flow may start to slow down as time goes on. Prepare to adjust the oil pan as necessary, and be mindful of warm oil if the engine was recently running. Replace the drain plug when all the oil has come out.
Replace the Old Filter
Locate your car’s engine filter, which is usually on the engine bay’s passenger side. Use a wrench and the appropriate socket size to remove the filter. Clean the filter’s housing unit before installing the new one. Secure the new filter in place by tightening it by hand. You can use your wrench to further tighten it, but be careful not to overtighten it.
Refill the Engine Oil
Place your funnel into the engine oil opening. Pour the motor oil into the funnel slowly so you don’t drip oil on other parts of the engine bay. Use multiple bottles if necessary, ensuring that you follow your vehicle’s quart requirements.
Confirm the Proper Oil Levels
Use your car’s dipstick to confirm that you’ve poured in enough oil. Screw the engine oil cap back on by hand, and use a rag to clean any spilled oil. Turn your vehicle on and conduct an oil pressure test to confirm your oil reaches the proper level. Finally, turn your engine off and close your car’s hood.
Schedule an Oil Change for Your Toyota Camry Today
If you don’t have the time or desire to take on your Camry’s oil change yourself, you can bring it to our service center at Keith Pierson Toyota. Schedule an appointment with us today so you can book this essential service. While you’re here, our certified service technicians can perform other services, including brake and battery checks.
Image via toyota.com
Connect with us
