Oil Change

[ToyotaVanNut]

Hi guys,

So I read somewhere that the Toyota Previa (mine is 1990) only needs an oil change every 6,000 miles or so (vs. the standard 3). I am using conventional regular motor oil. Is this true? How many miles are truly recommended? Thank you!

[cvtroger]

I have always kept it every 3k for an interval. But I keep hearing that new oil has proven to better and oil changes can happen every 7-10k.

I've always been a 3k person honestly.

[CleverUserName]

Hi guys,

So I read somewhere that the Toyota Previa (mine is 1990) only needs an oil change every 6,000 miles or so (vs. the standard 3). I am using conventional regular motor oil. Is this true? How many miles are truly recommended? Thank you!

The actual oil change interval (OCI) really depends on the mileage of your van, the type of oil your using and how your driving. For example, if your going to one of those quicky lube places and getting the El-Cheapo package you may be getting recycled oil put in your engine, so your OCI should be less than normal.

Also, If you do lots of city driving or sit in traffic for long periods your OCI will also be less.

Alternatively, if your using a true synthetic oil, the OCI can be extended.

If you really want to know when to change it, take a sample at 4-6K miles and send it to Blackstone Labs. They will run an analysis on the sample and measure the wear metals and TBN. Blackstone will make a recommendation based on their findings. Cost is around $35 for the test.
http://www.blackstone-labs.com/

[TheMAN]

5000 miles is the most I'd go on modern dino oil... this engine has to pull a lot of load, plus there is no oil cooler in this engine
if you want to have longer intervals, go synthetic! If you do that though, you ought to use an oversized filter... one meant for a Toyota V8 engine.... I use the Toyota filters meant for a LS400, Tundra, etc