First oil change today

Did my first oil change today at 6 months, 7400 km. Was relatively easier than I tought! Filled it back up with Valvoline advanced 0w20 and OEM filter. Toughest part was reading the damned dipstick with fresh 0w20 oil.. I let it drain for quite long so I assume that the 6.2L that I putted back in is good to go. Will take a look back after some hundred km when the oil will be darker! I don't know if it's just me, but the engine seems to run smoother/quieter with the Valvoline

 

it’s amazing how difficult the dipstick is to read with fresh oil on these things. You can take some sandpaper and scuff up the surface, that should help some.

 

Send used oil in a lab for testing. Break-in oil tend to be heavily diluted by fuel, and winter temp condensation. Of course fresh oil has better viscosity, unused and unweared yet additives - hence quieter. But even best of Valvoline lagging behind Toyota 0W20 in amount of additives. However, every 5k change most oils good, except for the cheapest ones.

 

I don't see the point to lab test my oil.. I mean, I won't go shorter than 6 months 8000 km for oil change, and won't go longer either.. it didn't use a drop of oil during break in, and if it stays that way with this maintenance routine, i'll leave it that way. Probably any 0w20 oil will do in that engine... I like the Valvoline advanced on paper, strong add pack for the price... TGMO is just unbelivelibly overpriced where I am.

 

This. A light scuff on both sides definitely make it a bit easier with fresh oil.

 

Haha I was going to do my first oil change today but it’s pouring rain.

 

Just after you pull the dipstick out to check the level just lay the tip of the dipstick on a paper towel and slide it down just a bit and you’ll easily see where the oil is in comparison to the full mark.

 

Wow, thanks for the tip! Just tried it... Made it easy to read, I'm like 1mm over the full dot. So it will stay that way. Thanks for your time.