Toyota Corolla Oil Change: What Corolla Owners Need to Know

If you have or are looking into getting a Toyota Corolla, regular maintenance is something you need to think about. Oil changes are something that can be done in your garage or you can pay someone to do it for you. We are going to look at the benefits and costs of both.

Changing the oil in your Toyota Camry can be done at your own house or you can take it to a Toyota dealership, a local mechanic, or Wal-Mart Tire and Lube. If you do it yourself, you will need oil, an oil filter, funnel, drainage pan, jack with jack stands or ramps, and either a wrench or a socket to remove the drain plug. Depending on the year of your Toyota Corolla, the size of the drain plug could vary so find a wrench or socket that fits snugly to remove it. If you take it somewhere to have the oil changed, the cost will vary based on where you take it, what kind of oil you choose, and whatever they charge for labor.

If you want to change the oil in your Toyota Corolla at home, simply gather up your supplies and follow the steps listed here.

How To Change The Oil In Your Toyota Corolla

Changing the oil in your Toyota Corolla is not a difficult task. All you need is the right supplies and a little know-how to get the job done quickly. Follow this guide to learn how to change the oil in your Toyota Corolla.

Step 1: Gather your supplies: To change the oil in your Toyota Corolla you will need some tools and other supplies. Gather up your oil, oil filter, wrench or socket, funnel, drainage pan, and a jack with jack stands or ramps.

Step 2: Let the car sit: If you have driven your car recently, let it sit for at least 15 minutes so the oil can cool down. If you don’t, you risk being burned by the hot oil.

Step 3: Safely lift the car: You will need to elevate the car so you can fit underneath it. To do this, you can use a jack with jack stands or drive it up on car ramps.

Step 4: Remove the drain plug: Once the car is safely raised, slide the drainage pan underneath the oil pan so it will catch the oil once you remove the plug. Find the right size socket or wrench and turn the plug counterclockwise. Once it is loosened, you can remove it with your fingers. When it is out, let the oil drain completely.

Step 5: Replace the drain plug: Once the oil has completely drained out, replace the drain plug. Make sure you do not overtighten the drain plug.

Step 6: Remove the oil filter: Locate the oil filter and remove it as well. Have the drainage pan set underneath because oil will come out of there as well.

Step 7: Install the new filter: Using a little bit of new oil, rub it around the threading on the new oil filter. Screw it in where you removed the old one. Be sure you get it on straight on not too tight by tightening it as much as you can by hand until it stops naturally. Once it stops, try to get another quarter turn and it should be tight enough.

Step 8: Pour in the new oil: Open the hood and locate the oil cap. Remove it and insert the funnel. Refer to your user manual to see how much oil you should put.

Step 9: Check your oil: Wait a few minutes after pouring in the new oil and check your dipstick to make sure your oil is full.

Step 10: Check for leaks: After you have filled it with fresh oil, start your car and run it for a couple of minutes. Check underneath for any leakage. If there are none, your vehicle is ready to go!

What Kind of Oil To Use For Your Toyota Corolla

The type of oil you use in your Toyota Corolla is dependent on a few factors including but not limited to what year it is, how many miles it has on it, and what is recommended in the user’s manual.

The Year Of Your Corolla Matters

Toyota Corolla changed the recommendation because of stricter regulations on fuel economy

Before or After 2009: Before 2009, Toyota recommended the use of 5W-30 oil in the Corolla. After 2009, the recommendation became 0W-20. The reason for this was stricter regulations on mandated fuel economy.

Should You Use Synthetic?

There are a few reasons why synthetic may be a better choice for your Toyota Corolla

Better gas mileage: Using synthetic oil gives your Corolla better gas mileage. Synthetic oil has higher viscosity ratings so the oil flows more freely preventing the engine from working as hard as it would otherwise.

Longer between changes: Synthetic oil can allow you to go longer between oil changes. This can save you money and reduce waste. Synthetic oil can also increase the longevity of your engine.

What Does It Cost To Change My Oil

The cost of your oil change is dependent on several factors from what oil you use to where you go. I have broken down some of the costs for you here.

Do It Yourself

If you already have the majority of the supplies needed for the change and only need the oil and filter, doing it yourself may be the cheapest option.

Oil and Filter Cost: The cost of 5 quarts of 0W-20 oil ranges from $18.00 to $30.00 depending on which brand you choose and where you buy it from. The oil filter is a little less expensive and will cost you anywhere from $9.00 to $19.00.

Total: Buying the oil and filter and doing it yourself will cost you anywhere from $27.00 to $49.00.

Toyota Dealership

You can also take your car to your local Toyota Dealership to have the oil changed.

Cost of the Oil Change: An oil change at a Toyota Dealership can cost anywhere from $90.00 to $125.00 depending on your location.

Toyota Care: Toyota offers Toyota care which is a no-cost maintenance plan that comes with the purchase of a new Toyota and it includes oil changes for 2 years or 25,000 miles.

Local Mechanic

A local mechanic can change your oil fairly quickly and the cost will vary greatly depending on your location.

Parts Cost: The average cost of parts for an oil change are between $30.00 to $60.00

Labor Cost: The cost of labor can range anywhere from $40.00 to $104.00 depending on where you live and what your mechanic charges per hour of labor.

Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart offers different levels of oil changes at different prices.

Pit Crew oil change: This oil change is $19.88 and includes up to 5 quarts of Quaker State Advanced Durability oil.

Standard oil change: This oil change is $29.88 and includes up to 5 quarts of featured conventional oil.

High Mileage oil change: This oil change is $39.88 and includes up to 5 quarts of featured High Mileage or Semi-Synthetic oil.

Power & Performance oil change: This oil change is $49.88 and includes up to 5 quarts of featured Synthetic motor oil.

Different brand: If you do not want the featured brand and want a more expensive brand, expect the cost to go up.

How Often Should You Change the Oil In Your Toyota Corolla?

You should always refer to your user’s manual to determine what maintenance your vehicle needs and how often.

Toyota Corolla’s that require or use synthetic oil can go about 7,500-10,000 miles before it needs a change. If you use conventional oil, Toyota recommends new oil and a new filter every 3,000-5,000 miles.

Which Brand Of Oil Is Recommended For Toyota Corolla?

According to practicalmecanic.com, there are certain brands they recommend for Toyota Corollas made both before and after 2009.

For Corollas made before 2009, the recommended oils are Castrol 03057 GTX 5W-30 Full Synthetic, Valvoline 881164 Engine Oil, or Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30 motor oil.

For Corollas made after 2009, the recommended oils are Castrol 03060 GTX 0W-20 Full Synthetic, Idemitsu Full Synthetic 0W-20 Engine Oil SN/GF-5, or Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 motor oil.

Which Brand of Oil Filter Is Recommended For Toyota Corolla?

There are a lot of oil filter brands on the market.  Toyota uses a Genuine Toyota 04152-YZZA1 Oil Filter on their Corollas.

If you are doing the work yourself or having it done at a local mechanic or Wal-Mart there are several brands to choose from. Ranked in 2020, the top 5 are from first to fifth: Royal Purple Extended Life Oil Filter, Purolator PurolatorOne Premium Oil Filter, AMSOIL Ea Oil Filter, Bosch Premium FILTECH Oil Filter, and Mobil 1 Extended Performance Oil Filter.

Can You Use Synthetic Oil In Toyota Corolla?

Synthetic oil is better for your engine and can last longer between oil changes. Besides, it improves engine performance and protection.

For modern Toyota vehicles, it is recommended that synthetic oil be used and some models are requiring it. Consult your manual to see if it is required.

Wrap-Up

Whether you want to change the oil in your Toyota Corolla yourself or take it somewhere, this article should have given you the information needed to feel confident in any decision you make.