Oil Change Interval: 5,000 miles or 10,000 miles?

I've really only heard of issues developing from ethanol being used in engines that sit unused a lot, like boats and recreational vehicles. I've actually been using E15 in the 4Runner whenever it's available (and cheaper than regular) and so far I don't have any issues.

I have a gas station 5 minutes from me that sells ethanol free premium, but it's really not worth the cost. However, I would use it if I still had a fishing boat, or if I got an ATV or something like that.

I also have been using the pre-mixed Husqvarna fuel in my chainsaw, and I don't believe I'll ever switch.

 

We can't get synthetic oil. Unless you're thinking about running a different viscosity than stock, in which case be prepared for 7 more pages of bickering.

I was just saying that I don't think it's harmful in vehicles that get used regularly. Although, I have also heard of it being hard on seals in older vehicles.

 

Lol

 

What hasn't been asked here is how mileage is being determined. Distance traveled divided by gallons to fill is the only accurate method. I've seen people talking MPG numbers and gains then they say, "Well, that's what the dash display says." One person was claiming to average 23 MPG in a 4th Gen V6 because that's what the truck's computer said. Nope. I have a 4th Gen and have tracked my mileage using Fuelly for almost 30K miles. Lowest was ~13 (offroading all day), highest was ~22 (interstate all day with a tailwind), and the average is ~17. The dash display typically shows 2+ MPG more than actual.

Your observation supports the theory that midgrade only exists because marketing studies showed that people presented with two choices usually take the less expensive, but will take the middle option when three are offered. Add the people who think 93 does some good in an engine designed for 87 and the oil companies have a nice additional revenue stream.

 

Commuting a ton of miles every day is not one of the criteria for severe driving according to the manual. It relates to lots of stop-and-go, idling, dirt roads, towing and low temps.

 

I've seen at most a 1mpg increase and I'm not convinced that it's a real increase. The 4runner has regularly used about 15.7 mpg over the past 30k. The past 3k I've been running 91 octane and have seen mid 16s. Could be seasons, could be tire pressure, could be the fuel. I do see about a 4-5mpg gain when driving in Oregon where most speed limits are 55-60mph (where I drive) as opposed to the 65-70mph here in Washington. I have found a big drop in efficiency when averaging over 60mph as opposed to under it

 

It’s per tank I misspoke,but I do get a big drop as well over 75MPH

 

I once ran 93 octane as it was all the gas station had. Did not notice a single difference in fuel economy which I always monitor.

 

I've seen arguments that it takes several tanks for the computer to make, and stick with, adjustments based on knock sensors. I don't know if those claims are accurate or not.

I don't run 91 because it's about $1 more per gallon here than 87. I've always run 87 and was getting damn good mileage at first, avg 20+ with all highway driving. Now my driving is more back roads and around town so I expected it to go down but the weight and tires I added probably made the biggest difference. It's dropped at the rate I expected based on mods and driving type.

You may get better mileage out of 91 but at over $20 extra per tank for that (at least here), I seriously doubt it drives any type of fuel savings. Unless you're purely concerned about how much you're burning, and if that's the case, buy a tesla

 

So we're at 7,500?

 

Life is a compromise...

 

I'm still at 1K or every month.

 

Lol!

You could replace the bottom one with "adding oil every 300 miles because it's a Honda and it burns oil like a 2-stroke."

 

I thought it was their older VTEC motors that burned oil. All I know is that a friend of mine has a CRX and I did not enjoy following him around on a road trip a few years ago.

What kind of Honda did you have?

 

My 95 vtec civic burned oil like crazy. Mainly because it blew valve cover gaskets like an Olympic sport.

 

Lol

 

Every 100 miles

 

Humm... Joe Gibbs Racing oil guy says...

https://youtu.be/_6nWCQ_70J0

 

My 3rd gen, v6, 4runner purchased new in 1999 was just retired with 396K (70/30 highway/street) miles. Minimal towing or off-road activities during the vehicle life.

Conventional oil changed at the first 3K miles, Amsoil synthetic installed every 10K miles up to 140K miles followed by Mobil 1 extended performance 10W-30 over the remaining miles. Engine compression test at approximately 330K miles was well within the spec range and replaced the 1st bad fuel injector at 394K miles. Only remember using Fram ultra synthetic oil filters with high mileage rating.

Very few issues with engine performance outside normal tune-up activities and I'm confident this vehicle would have operated more than 500K miles following proper transmission fluid and frame maintenance (8 years of road salt exposure).

I will continue following the 10K mile oil change intervals on my 2005 and 2018 4runners when mileage exceeds the time intervals specified in the owner's manuals.

The Toyota forums are truly best in class, and I'm grateful to all the contributors who have provided recommendations and technical information that helped me resolve vehicle problems over the years. Cheers!