General Maintenance ????

[BigPete]

I'm just asking these questions cause I'd like to keep my Cam in top working order.
1) When I bought my car, the dealer told me that I should only use Toyota oil filters when I change my oil, does Toyota make a filter that is different that any other generic filter or what??

2) When I got my oil changed (I didn't have time to do it myself) the lube jockey was trying to sell me an engine flush and then a fuel system clean. My car has only 37k on it, are either of these needed or recommended??

3) What kind of oil should I use, the manual says a 5w- or 10w-30, but I was wondering about a blend or 100% synthetic, does it make a difference?? I live in Texas, with another month of 100 days, if I keep with regular oil, which is better, the 5w or 10w??

4) What kind of gas is recommended? I usually put in a 93 octane (premium) but I've been told that it's just wasting money cause the regular gas is just as good.

I know all of these questions seem kind of amatuer, but it's better to ask questions and know than to end up with a 3000 lb paperweight in a few years. (yeah, I know camry's are supposed to make it to 150,000+ miles.)

Thanks for the help

[Nick]

you can buy whatever oil filter you want,

you don't need an engine flush, but some injector cleaner in the tank is a good idea every few months

5w vs 10w shouldn't even concern you much, those are cold oil viscosity, i'd only switch to 5w30 if it gets to less than -10C (quick guestimate for F, about 15 degrees). 30 is the viscosity when the engine is warm, if you tow trailers then 40-50 is a good idea if its really hot in the summer,

synthetic is kinda better on the engine but you'll get past 150000 miles no problem with regular oil, you should still change your oil every 3000 miles anyways, so its just extra money

regular unleaded is fine, no problems, with premium you might get a few Hp (1-3) more

[TRDragoon]

first off, welcome

1) as few tests shows, the Toyota OEM filter are really good and better than any after market out there....its worth the $8 so i heard.

2) at 37k, its not necessary to do engine flush etc etc....maybe every 50k???

3) on newer vehicle use 5w-30...depanding on how you drive your car, if you drive hard, you rather use 10w30......the 5w and the 10w is the thickness of your oil(in simpler term). as for canada, the ideal is to use 10w30 during summer and 5w during winter. as for synthetic or the blend, if you drive on the highway for an hour everyday, synthetic are great! if not, the usual blend are fine....but if you drive hard, i say synthetic...

4) its true, you don't really need to use 93, 87 or 88? is good enuff, but i suggest you use injector cleaner every 5 tanks. it hellps your cumbustioin chamber to be clean. it decrease the carbon build up later .....sometimes on older car, i gain more milage per tank if i use premium.... but fuel injector cleaner is the best investment for you engine

and don't worry about your car being paper weight another mans junk is another mans treasure j/k your toyota will serve you good!

[TRDragoon]

Originally posted by Oldman
you can buy whatever oil filter you want,

you don't need an engine flush, but some injector cleaner in the tank is a good idea every few months

5w vs 10w shouldn't even concern you much, those are cold oil viscosity, i'd only switch to 5w30 if it gets to less than -10C (quick guestimate for F, about 15 degrees). 30 is the viscosity when the engine is warm, if you tow trailers then 40-50 is a good idea if its really hot in the summer,

synthetic is kinda better on the engine but you'll get past 150000 miles no problem with regular oil, you should still change your oil every 3000 miles anyways, so its just extra money

regular unleaded is fine, no problems, with premium you might get a few Hp (1-3) more

dang...you beat me to it

[Ratko]

OEM Toyota filter is tested and proven as being pretty much flawless - so Id recommend it.

The lube guys are pushing a hard sell with that engine flush... thats definitely not needed until 60-80k kilometers (not miles, sorry) at least.

Gas is up to you - the car will run OK will regular, but I like to give my knock sensors a break every now and then and give it some Ultra 94

5w30 is perfect.... This is just hearsay but I heard that its better to use petroleum-based oil for the first 20-30k on the car, then there is a point where its optimal to change to synthetic. I recommend syntethic - and when I go for my next major tuneup, Ill show you how my V6 valve covers look like after 300,000 KM, hehe.

[jhbhatia]

At 37K, you should not be doing an engine flush...more so these:
1. Coolant flush
2. ATF Flush
3. Differential Flush (if M/T)..or else fill it with ATF fluid after redrain
4. Replace Air Filter Element

Stick with 10W30. That what i've been using on my celica since i've lived in texas...she's got 155K and purring like when she was NEW!!

On the gas note: i use premium as well, its personal preference. Peopel who use it, claim they get smoother, higher hp (1-2 engine). People who don't complain its a waste of gas...both are true....

[TypeZer0]

what exactly happens when u do an engine flush and how much are they typically?

and how much is the average coolant flush?

[jhbhatia]

Originally posted by TypeZer0
what exactly happens when u do an engine flush and how much are they typically?

and how much is the average coolant flush?

I don't know about engine flushes, since i never needed one..but a regular coolatn flush should run you close to 50-70 bucks at a local store..but i always do it myself...cheaper and better, since you take your own time.....overall cost there should be no more than a few hours...13 bucks worth of red coolant from toyota and 1 buck's worth of distilled watter!

[BigPete]

4. Replace Air Filter Element

Just curious, but I've heard that K&N makes an air filter that's supposed to up the hp's in a car. Does it work, or is it just a good marketing campaign??

[Nick]

it increases gas mileage a tiny bit, dosen't give more sound, dosent give any gain in power

but it'll save you money in the long run