The Toyota Tacoma has established itself as a reliable and sturdy pickup truck since it first hit the market in 1995. As a proud owner of a 2017 Tacoma, it is crucial to schedule regular maintenance to ensure your truck continues running smoothly. One essential aspect of maintaining your 2017 Tacoma is oil maintenance, including selecting the appropriate oil type to protect your engine’s components. We will discuss the appropriate oil type, viscosity, and recommendations for your truck.
Important Outline
Recommended Oil Type
For the 2017 Toyota Tacoma, the manufacturer recommends using synthetic 0W-20 motor oil. This motor oil is designed to provide optimal performance, improved fuel economy, and engine protection under various driving conditions. Synthetic 0W-20 motor oil can help reduce engine friction, leading to a smoother and more efficient operation.
Significance of Oil Viscosity
Viscosity is the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow, and it is essential in determining the right oil type for your 2017 Tacoma. The 0W-20 designation indicates that the oil will maintain proper flow and lubrication in both cold and hot temperatures. In colder climates or winter months, the 0W viscosity rating ensures swift oil flow, providing quick engine startup protection. At higher temperatures, the 20 rating signifies that the oil will maintain its protective and lubricating properties.
Understanding the Labels
When purchasing motor oil for your 2017 Tacoma, you should look for the American Petroleum Institute (API) certification seal on the label. This seal guarantees that the motor oil meets the necessary performance standards set by the API. Additionally, you may see a “Resource Conserving” or “Energy Conserving” label, meaning that the motor oil has been tested and proven to improve fuel economy.
Oil Change Intervals
Toyota recommends changing the oil in your 2017 Tacoma every 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) or every six months, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive in harsh or extreme conditions, such as heavy stop-and-go traffic, excessive idling, or towing heavy loads, you may need to change the oil more frequently.
Importance of Regular Oil Changes
Regular oil changes are crucial to the overall performance and longevity of your 2017 Toyota Tacoma’s engine. Over time, motor oil will break down and lose its ability to provide adequate lubrication and protection against wear, resulting in increased friction and the possibility of engine damage. Regular oil changes, along with routine maintenance, will help prolong your Tacoma’s engine life and keep it in peak condition.
In conclusion, using the recommended synthetic 0W-20 motor oil in your 2017 Toyota Tacoma and following the suggested oil change intervals will contribute to the overall health and longevity of your pickup truck’s engine. Regular maintenance, including oil changes, is essential to ensuring that your Tacoma stays in optimal running condition for years to come.
Step by Step Guide
Changing the oil in your 2017 Toyota Tacoma is a straightforward process. By following a few simple steps, you can easily complete this essential maintenance task on your own. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:
1. Gather the necessary tools and materials: You will need a wrench or socket to remove the oil drain plug, an oil filter wrench, a drain pan, a funnel, a clean rag, and the appropriate replacement oil filter and synthetic 0W-20 motor oil.
2. Park your truck on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Allow the engine to cool down for at least 30 minutes to avoid potential burns from hot engine components.
3. Locate the oil drain plug and place the drain pan underneath it.
4. Use the wrench or socket to remove the oil drain plug and allow the used oil to drain into the pan. Be careful, as the oil may still be hot.
5. Locate the oil filter and use the oil filter wrench to remove it. Allow any residual oil to drain into the pan.
6. Lubricate the gasket on the new oil filter with a small amount of fresh motor oil.
7. Install the new oil filter by hand, then use the oil filter wrench to tighten it. Be sure not to overtighten the filter.
8. Reinstall the oil drain plug using the wrench or socket, making sure it’s secure but not overtightened.
9. Remove the oil filler cap on the engine and use a funnel to pour the appropriate amount of synthetic 0W-20 motor oil (check owner’s manual for capacity).
10. Replace the oil filler cap and then start the engine, allowing it to run for a minute or two to circulate the new oil.
11. Turn off the engine and wait about 5 minutes for the oil to settle. Then, use the dipstick to check the oil level, adding more if necessary.
12. Dispose of the used oil and oil filter properly, following any local regulations pertaining to oil disposal.
Step by Step Guide With Bullet Points
– Gather necessary tools and materials
– Park truck on a flat surface and allow engine to cool
– Locate oil drain plug and place drain pan underneath
– Remove oil drain plug and drain used oil
– Locate and remove oil filter
– Lubricate gasket of new oil filter with fresh motor oil
– Install new oil filter and tighten with oil filter wrench
– Reinstall oil drain plug
– Remove oil filler cap and pour in new motor oil
– Replace oil filler cap and run engine
– Check oil level using dipstick and add more if needed
– Dispose of used oil and oil filter responsibly
Pros and Cons
Pros:
– Improved engine performance
– Increased fuel efficiency
– Extended engine life
– Reduced engine wear and friction
Cons:
– Cost of tools and materials (if not already owned)
– Time and effort involved in performing the oil change
– Proper disposal of used oil and filter
FAQ’s
Q: How much synthetic 0W-20 motor oil will I need for my 2017 Tacoma?
A: Check your owner’s manual for the specific engine oil capacity of your Tacoma model. The amount required can vary depending on the engine size.
Q: Can I use a different oil viscosity if I can’t find 0W-20?
A: It is always best to use the manufacturer-recommended oil viscosity for optimal performance and protection. Using a different oil viscosity may result in decreased fuel efficiency or engine damage.
Q: How often should I change the oil in my 2017 Tacoma?
A: Toyota recommends changing the oil every 5,000 miles (8,000 kilometers) or every six months, whichever comes first. However, if you frequently drive in harsh or extreme conditions, consider changing the oil more frequently.
Conclusion
Proper engine maintenance is essential for any vehicle, especially for the 2017 Toyota Tacoma. Regular oil changes using the recommended synthetic 0W-20 motor oil will help ensure your truck performs at its best and enjoys a long, healthy engine life. By following this guide and completing routine oil changes, you can safeguard both the performance and longevity of your Tacoma.