I just changed out my oil in my Yaris at 4850 miles. NOW, I'm a firm believer in 3k mile oil changing. My dealership told me to change it at 5k miles. Well, I changed it now using 5W-30 (which is what my manual says) also using MOBIL 1 Synthetic. I also used a WIX oil filter. I was told from many that the local WallyWorld Mart (aka Walmart) who carries FRAM oil filters and other FRAM products, that FRAM oil filters are no good. Now, with that being said, I'm wondering on my next oil change if I should wait when the "maint.required" light comes on now at the next 4500 miles or should I wait a bit longer (how much longer?)since I have synthetic in her??
ALSO.......what are you owners using for:
Oil
Viscosity
Filter (OEM?)
oh yeh, I live in New Enlgand and it's winter now.
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sambo42xa

The above post is of good reference value to me.
I know not much about cars, so I follow the manual and bring my Yaris to the dealership every 5,000 miles (about 8,000 km) or six months, whichever comes earlier, for an oil change. I accept whatever oil they put into my car. So far so good.
In Canada, all Yaris models don't have the "maintenance required" light. Fortunately, the dealership mails me a reminder about every six months to tell me to bring the car to them.

That I didn't know (no "maint. required" light) on Canadian models. I'm going to go 5k on this oil I just put in and see how my mileage is. I will also see if the "maint. required" light comes on when she hits the next 4500 miles or if there is a switch that detects when the oil should be changed. We'll see!

sambo42xa
Southern NH USA

2007 YARIS Hatchback-RED

You should change your filter every 3,000 miles (or 5,000 km) whether it needs it or not.

The fact that you are running synthetic simply means the oil will not brake down as much with heat, will remain viscous at low temps....but it WILL get just as dirty as regular oil.

You should be able to keep the same oil for 6,000 miles...but please....CHANGE your filter every 3,000 miles.

Now, in New England it doesn't get "Canadian Cold." Ergo, you should be able to run regular 5W30 oil. If you compare the price of synthetic to regular, you will save money if you go to the regular oil.

Now, if you live where I live and it's regularly -30....consider synthetic. Or if you live in Arizona and "race" your vehicle....use synthetic. Or if you are willing to pay the "lazy-price" of not having to change the oil for twice the time-period...then by all means use synthetic.

Otherwise sir, use regular oil and change the whole works every 3,000 miles.

Well, like I said, "I'm a firm believer on the 3k mile oil change". So, I should change the filter BUT not the oil (next time). How do I change out the filter without losing the oil? Am I missing something here??
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sambo42xa

Correct.
You should change the filter next time but not the oil.

You will lose very little oil when removing the filter. You won't lose any out of the engine, only what remains in the filter itself.

Just top-up your oil at the end.

Depending upon the orientation of the filter on the engine you may be able to make a very clean separation. On my van I never spill a drop, on my 4Runner I spill everything onto my hand.

But, a beer and a cigar later...Pongo is happy without being naked. ROFL !!!!

As always Pongo, your advice sounds like a very good one! But I am still wondering about those cars that require change of oil only every 12 thousand Kilometers? That is what is said on the manual... so, just as a good way to preserve the car, is it good still to change it according to the traditional 5000 Kilometers? Or would that be damaging the car? I'm curious to know your views on this... oh, and enjoy the cigar and the beer!

Far be it from me to dispute the "new car directives". If your new vehicle says: Use only "Pongo Model 6 inch Phalic Oil Filter" with "Special Pongo Lubricating Oil" (ROFL ROFL !!) ...then please do what it says.

However.....if your vehicle does not give you these special directions, you should always change the filter every 5000 km or once a year. Change the oil simultaneously unless you are running synthetic in which case you can go 10,000 km. Watch that the oil is pure synthetic because now a days you can buy "semi-synthetic" which is a hybrid and you should change it like the regular mineral oil.

I ride my bicylce to work so my 4Runner is lucky to get 3,000km in year....but I still change everything once a year. Tomorrow it's supposed to be -40 with the windchill and I'm going to try to ride without dying (lol ! ). Thank God for synthetic oil ! I also run synthetic gear oil in my differentials, transmission, and transfer case. I lubricate my driveshaft with synthetic grease as well. Welcome to Canada.

If you use 5-30 regular oil and change it and the oil filter every 5,000 miles or 4 months you will be fine. Using synthetic oil is fine, but for a car like the Yaris there really is no benefit that justifies the extra cost. Also, whoever told you that Fram filters are no good was wrong. Wix is probably better, but Fram will do you no harm.


So Cal