When Should I Do My First Oil Change?

[The Critic]

My 2011 Prius has 2600 miles on it after one month. It currently has the factory fill of synthetic 0w-20. My commute is 11 miles each way, but I usually do an additional 600 miles of long-distance highway driving each week.

Toyota recommends 10,000 mile intervals and will pay for the first two oil changes at the 10k and 20k marks.

Although I have two jugs of Mobil 1 0w-20 in my inventory, I have no place to change my own oil at my apartment complex. One of the local Toyota dealers can do an oil and filter change with the Toyota branded 0w-20 synthetic for $42 out-the-door. So if I decide to go forward with an early oil change, this is probably the most logical route to take.

I was originally planning to do the first oil change at 5,000 miles, and continue at 5,000 miles thereafter. Or, I can do the first oil change at 3,000, the next one at 6,000, the third one at 10,000, then every 5,000 miles thereafter as well.

What do y'all want to see me do?

 

[crinkles]

10000

 

[Shannow]

I'd (personally) do at 3k, 6k, 10k, and every 10k after that....wouldn't worry about the filter until the first 10k

 

[Turk]

Originally Posted By: Shannow
I'd (personally) do at 3k, 6k, 10k, and every 10k after that....wouldn't worry about the filter until the first 10k

Change the filter at each of those intervals too; there's metal flakes in that oil & building up in the filter!!

 

[Colt]

Mike,on my newer Toyota's,I did the first oil and filter change at 3500K miles and then around every 7500 miles.
I also use Toyota filters and Toyota 0w20 oil.

 

[hounddog]

First change? Anytime now. Ater that follow Totota book.

 

[toyota62]

i did mine at 1100kms.

 

[Astro14]

I know I am likely in the minority here, but I always believed in an early first change. Since your factory fill is nothing special (unlike say, Honda...), there is no harm in changing early, only the $42 cost. I would change it now.

 

[demarpaint]

I agree with Cringles, Astro14 and anyone else who changes the FF early. Since you've gone over the 1000 miles I'd change it now. JMO Flame suit on.

 

[qdeezie]

If it was me, I'd go with what the manual says. If it says 10,000, do it at 10,000. I know I'm comparing apples to oranges, but the Chevy in my autosig with 330K+ had the first OCI per the factory recommended change, and I'm still on the original engine and it still runs like new.........also, I understand what people are saying about "metal flakes" but at some point you gotta ask yourself, what's the purpose of having a filter if you don't think it can do what it was designed to do?

That's just my two cents.

 

[RTexasF]

5K initially then every 10K thereafter would be my plan of attack.

 

[demarpaint]

If you believe a used oil analysis report and you see the wear metals in new engines breaking in then there's a good argument for changing early. Whatever is floating in the oil got past the filter. Some say that's harmless, others think it can cause increased wear. Lets not forget the sand used in casting an engine block, and all the junk that doesn't get washed out in the cleaning process. Millions of engines go hundreds of thousands of miles following the OM. I guess it comes down to what makes you feel good, there are arguments that will support or destroy both sides of this discussion.

 

[Chris Meutsch]

Have it done at 3k, then let it go until the 10k mark and let them do it for free then and at the 20k mark. That oil will hold up.

 

[ProfPS]

You can go longer before your first OC than a non-hybrid since your engine doesn't run all the time. Given your driving habits and road conditions from your other post IIRC, I'd go 4k mi.

Make sure that if you have the smart key option that you have the engine completely shut off or keep the key at the other end of the house to prevent the engine from starting automatically when there is no oil in the engine.

 

[pbm]

I'd do the first one at 5K then the freeo at 10K then another at 15K then the next freeo at 20K and then go by the book (OM) from there on.
The few shorter OCIs will help remove break-in metals.
I agree that 5K on a Prius would be more like 2 or 3K on a regular gasser because the batteries are running it part time.

 

[river_rat]

Originally Posted By: Astro14
I know I am likely in the minority here, but I always believed in an early first change. Since your factory fill is nothing special (unlike say, Honda...), there is no harm in changing early, only the $42 cost. I would change it now.

+1
My mechanic whom I trust recommended not to go to full OCI on the first change. Not that Toyota's recommendation will wreck anything, but I feel it's best to change early on the first round.
Somewhere on this board I posted pics of all the metal swirlies and flakes in my oil at 600 miles on a Toyota Tacoma 4 cylinder.

Oh. Here:
http://www.bobistheoilguy.com/forums/ubb...953#Post2125953

 

[The_Jeff]

Change it yourself, and put the factory oil filter in clear lucite. It can be a memento.

Plus you can forever chatter about how the factory gorilla torqued the filter.

 

[Colt]

Originally Posted By: eljefino
Change it yourself, and put the factory oil filter in clear lucite. It can be a memento.

Plus you can forever chatter about how the factory gorilla torqued the filter.

So true on many first filter changes on a new vehicle.

 

[Colt]

Originally Posted By: pbm
I'd do the first one at 5K then the freeo at 10K then another at 15K then the next freeo at 20K and then go by the book (OM) from there on.
The few shorter OCIs will help remove break-in metals.
I agree that 5K on a Prius would be more like 2 or 3K on a regular gasser because the batteries are running it part time.


The problem with that is the engine going on and off,it doesn't stay on long many times to heat the oil enough to get moisture out as well as a non hybrid.
I have a '11 Camry Hybrid and notice this.

 

[Eddie]

I am not a believer in changing out the factory fill too early. I usually change not earlier the 1/2 the factory recommended. Usually there are assembly lubes and or additives in the first fill to protect the new engine during breaking.My vehicles are modern and have oil filters to protect against damage.
My personal vehicles (last 5) bought new and driven up to 170,000 miles without any oil related issues justifies my recommendation. Ed