Going to start changing my own oil, but I have a few questions..

[card00d85]

I usually just take it to toyota for an oil change because I'm a lazy *******, but I've decided to start doing it myself. I want to go with full synthetic. Which is the best one to go with (that I can buy in stores)? And it's 5w30 right? How many quarts do I need, etc.?

Would it be ok to go from regular oil to full synthetic right away?

Also, does anyone have a guide to changing your oil? Last time I did it was like 2 years ago so I just want something to refresh my memory. Thanks.

[Tuppuguy]

use the search button. There's like 57294378935789324532 threads on this topic. you'll find everythign you need.

[LEE3]

yes you can switch to synthetic right away, yes 5w30, tools required : regular (flat head) screwdriver, oil filter removal tool (not a wrench, one that attaches to a ratchet with a small extension), ratchet, small extension 3 in. should be fine,10mm socket, 14mm closed end wrench, jack & jackstand,oil catch.recommend toyota oil filter not fram or any other crap you by off the shelf at parts stores, oil drain plug gasket, what ever brand oil you choose to run. pop hood, remove oil filler cap.jack up the passenger side front of your car (like you would to change a tire), place jack stand under vehicle just behind jack, lower vehicle onto stand (do not use jack to support vehicle!!!!), as you are laying on your back there is a plastic shield on the passenger side of the engine compartment (attaches to a big black brace in the middle of the engine compartment & to another plastic shield by the passenger side wheel & the front of the car) remove clips for shield using the screwdriver (you can leave the one clip on at the back right side of the shield & swivle around out of your way this also make it easier to reinstall), now use your 10 mm socket & ratchet to remove the bolts holding the shield on, your oil filter & bottom of the oil pan will now be exposed. use the 14 mm wrench to loosen the drain plug, remove just a couple of turns, get your regular screw driver place if against the oil pan aimed at the drain plug slide it up until it is against the drain plug gasket & hit the end of the screw driver to pop the drain plug gasket loose, place you oil catch under the drain plug & remove the drain plug, after oil has drained out install new drain plug washer on your drain plug & reinstall it, use ratchet, extension & oil filter tool to loosen the oil filter loosen the oil filter, move oil catch under oil filter, remove oil filter (make sure the oil filter you remove has a rubber seal around the outer edge where it seals against the engine, if not it is stuck on the engine, loosen edge of seal with screwdriver & pull off remaining seal), get new oil filter & dip the tip of your finger into you old oil & run finger with oil on it around the rubber seal on the new filter & install it (screw it on until it wont freely turn & tighten about 1/2-3/4 of a turn, reinstall splash shield, lower vehicle, add oil 4.5 quarts, install oil filler cap & start engine let it run about 5-10 seconds, turn off engine, check oil level & top off as needed until reads full on the dipstick. start engine again & look for any drips. clean up, drive car to convienent store & buy yourself a beer. hope this helps & good luck.