The trusty 2003 Toyota Camry can go for miles, but to make sure it keeps running properly, it needs regular oil changes—4.0 quarts of SAE 0W-20 full-synthetic oil to be precise.

Nobody loves keeping up with regular car maintenance, but it’s a fact of life for all car owners—as long as you want your vehicle to keep running, at least. Oil changes can be an expensive hassle, but changing it at home could save you a pretty penny on your Toyota Camry ownership costs.

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2003 Toyota Camry engine oil capacity

Let’s start with the basics: exactly how much oil does a 2003 Toyota Camry engine need?

When equipped with the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, a 2003 Camry will need 4.0 quarts of oil. Be careful not to mix the oil capacity—the amount of oil needed for every oil change—with your engine displacement, which is the 2.4-liter volume of your engine’s four cylinders. It’s crucial to remember that these numbers are not the same.

What kind of oil does a 2003 Toyota Camry need?

Now let’s chat about what kind of oil your Camry needs—you can’t just browse the aisle at your local auto parts store and grab the first bottle you see! For the 2003 Camry, you’ll need to look for SAE 0W-20 full-synthetic motor oil. A Toyota Genuine motor oil is recommended, but a high-quality alternative will work just fine.

If those numbers and letters seem like a secret code to crack, let us explain. First, the SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers—the folks who code oil viscosity. Viscosity—or the thickness of an oil—is represented by the numbers in the oil grade. The 0 before the W communicates that this oil has a low viscosity at lower temperatures (the W standing for winter), and the 20 means the viscosity is still thin at super higher temperatures.

Basically, this oil type is necessary for your Camry to run well in frigid temperatures, and the lower viscosity creates less wear and tear for the engine. If none of that computes, though, don’t sweat it. Just make sure the label matches the type of oil you need or you risk damaging your Camry’s engine.

If you can’t get your hands on SAE 0W-20 oil, Toyota says you can use SAE 10W-30 motor oil instead as long as you switch back to 0W-20 at your next oil change.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

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How often to change the oil on a 2003 Toyota Camry

Toyota recommends that you change your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, or every six months if you don’t drive a lot. If you’re using the recommended synthetic oil, though, you can go a bit longer between changes. Most experts suggest changing your synthetic oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

There’s a lot of range between those numbers, so it’s best to get in the habit of regularly checking your oil level and health once a month (or every other time you fuel up). Here are a few signs your oil is due for a change:

Your oil is dark brown, muddy, or black (clean oil is light brown or amber)

Your oil has a gritty or coarse texture

You notice abnormal smells, like smoke, burning, or oil

You hear unfamiliar noises coming from the engine

You notice a difference in your car’s performance

MORE:

Are Toyotas expensive to maintain?

How to change your oil and oil filter

Now comes the final step: changing your oil! Once you’ve realized your oil needs changing—and you’re ready to tackle it yourself—it’s time to assemble your materials. Here’s everything you’ll need:

Jack or ramps to lift your car

Replacement oil filter and O-rings

14 mm socket with 3/8" drive ratcheting wrench

3/8" drive extension bar

Filter wrench

Drain pan

Funnel

Four quarts of SAE 0W-20 oil

Get things started by running your engine until it’s warm, which may take up to five minutes in normal weather (it may take longer for cold weather!). Warming your engine will help the old oil flow better when it’s time to drain.

When your car is warm, turn off the ignition, enable your parking brake, and lift the front passenger’s side of the car with a jack. Then pop your hood and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap.

Lower yourself under the passenger’s side and locate the oil pan. Place the drain pan directly underneath it.

Use the socket wrench to loosen and remove the oil drain bolt, being careful not to let the warm oil touch your skin.

Grab your 3/8” drive ratcheting wrench and extension bar to remove the old oil filter while the oil continues to drain. Then remove the rubber O-rings by hand or with a pair of tweezers.

Rub your new O-rings with some oil. Then install them along with the new oil filter. Use your filter wrench to tighten the drain bolt and washer to 18 lb-ft.

Lower your car, then funnel in the new oil.

Start your engine and let it warm up for around 30 seconds.

And you’re done! Using your dipstick, check to make sure you’ve added the right amount of oil. If successful, the

oil pressure light

should switch off.

When you’re ready to toss out your old oil, put it in the new oil bottle, seal it, and take it to your local recycling center or auto parts store.

MORE:

Basic car maintenance schedule

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Now your 2003 Camry is ready to get back on the road! Driving an older car is a good way to keep your car-related costs low, and changing your oil at home will save you both

time

and money. If you’re looking to reduce your expenses even more, download the

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