When to perform first oil change?

[Katkon]

Manual says 10K, unless I'm driving in extreme conditions - in which case it recommends 5K.


Seems kinda late for the very first one. I recall my new BMWs needing a change after the first 600 miles, when running on full synthetic (granted, these were M division cars). I'm normally one to follow factory guidance - especially as frequent oil changes are a waste of time/money with synthetic oil - but with a brand new engine should the first change come before 10K?

 

[T4Runner]

In the modern era of synthetic lubricants and machining everything I've read and heard says we don't have to change the oil on a new engine like we used to. I believe it to an extent.

That said, when I purchased mine I did the first oil change just shy of 1,500 miles. The second at 5k and third at 10k. I've used AMSOIL Signature Series 0W-20 (which is reportedly good for 25k between changes) and used either the TRD or AMSOIL oil filter (the latter of which is reportedly good for 15k intervals). I fully acknowledge that it's overkill for the over-engineered Land Cruiser, but it it can't hurt and could potentially add to its longevity.

Edit: I will add that on the first oil change I added a fumoto valve which makes the draining process on the LC easier and a little less messy. I also swapped out the stock plastic oil filter cap for a Toyota aluminum replacement.

Others have noted that the first diff change should come earlier than the manual states, but should be good thereafter to adhere to the recommended intervals.

 

[studawg]

Some engines come from the factory with a "factory fill" oil that is different than the oil that is recommended after that first change. It is my understanding that the factory fill oil is usually not a synthetic and this is to allow some wear and for the engine to actually "break-in". The manual may be going by the same logic in that, by 10k miles, the oil has broken down enough to actually allow some wear on the internals, in a good way. I'd do what the book says at first and then, if you are really anal, use oil analysis to determine your optimal oil change interval thereafter.

 

[duke01]

I would also follow the manual. Then do it every 3.5k for reg oil and 5-7k for synthetic.

 

[Katkon]

Thanks chaps. I think I'll be sticking with factory intervals.