Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
Keep the oil+filter receipt(s), that is your proof that the oil was changed.
Yes. That is correct.
Originally Posted By: whitearrow
thanks fellas for the comments. rw1 mine is a rock warrior also. so, we are in like prediciments. i use the toyota 0w-20 because the dealership will put it in with no extra charges. i too got the 2 yr "free" oil changes. how could the dealership tell if i changed the oil myself or not? should a warranty issue arise.
OP - I know you are new(er) here so you may not have seen the Toyota warranty thread a few months back? The OP of that thread had to provide proof he did his maintenance( OC's )on time and with the correct items when he had a major engine failure. As I recall based on the age and miles on the vehicle( 4Runner I think )they wanted to see proof of 7 OC's done correctly.
As a former dealer parts and service tech( Ford not Toyota but they all are the same when it coems to this stuff )I can say I too have been involved with this issue. It is very common when a big failer happens to check for proper maintenance before anything is done. If no record of it exists in the dealer/car mfg's computer system then the customer is asked to provide proof in the form of receipts for parts and/or work done elsewhere. If it can't be provided it gives the car mfg a way to get out of the repair a lot of the time.
Seen it 1st hand working in the business and as a consumer. My Sister had the engine go in her 06 Impala. She had all the work done at the dealer( our oil and filter but correct stuff ). GM asked the dealer if they did the work and had a recoord. Dealer confirmed all maintenance done on time with correct items and the engine was then replaced as quick as an eye blink. They wanted to see proof maintenance was done 1st though. If it hadn't been done there we would have been asked to provide receipts no question about it. Again very common with an engine failure.
Toyota can't tell you have done any OC's( or any other work )and that is the whole issue from their end. Unless they are done at a dealer where they are entered into the computer system which provides a record of proof no car mfg will know what if anything you have done. If a problem arises trust me they will ask if you have done the work yourself or had it done at a shop other than a dealer and then they will ask you to back it up.
So, if you are going to do them yourself, or have an independant mechanic/shop do them, you need to keep receipts proving you did them on time( i.e. within the max mileage and/or time allowed )and that you used the correct oil( i.e. weight and ratings/cert's ). You need to use the correct oil filter as well by application. In your case with so few miles put on go by the max time limit allowed and then change it even if it has only been 500 miles.
If you do it yourself keep an accurate log of the date and mileage the service was done at and keep your receipts backing up the correct oil and filter were purchased and used. If an independant shop does the work make sure the date, mileage, vehicle description( VIN helps a lot as proof ), and your info as owner is clearly shown on the receipt. If you have it done with their oil make sure they list what weight and brand if possible was used. If you bring the parts have that noted on the receipt and keep the receipts from their purchase with that repair shop slip.
You don't have to use OEM parts and fluids and the dealer does not have to do the work. Legally you can do it yourself or have it doone at an indy shop of your choice. However, if you do then you have some responsibility to keep proof proper maintenance was done per the car mfg's warranty requirements. If you do it yourself or have it done elsewhere and don't keep proof it was done on time, and with the right stuff, you give the car mfg a possible loop hole out. Just not worth it. Stay within the mfg's requirements for maintenance while under warranty.
Sorry this was so long. Just trying to explain.
