The 2007 Toyota Tacoma came with two available engines: a 2.7L four-cylinder and a 4.0L V6. The four-cylinder requires 6.1 quarts (5.8 liters) of oil, while the V6 needs 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters).

The Toyota Tacoma is one of the longest-running trucks on the market, regularly reaching 300,000 miles if given proper care—and that includes regular oil changes. Depending on where you live, that can be a pricey task if you take it to a repair shop. If you’re looking to

save money on your car-related expenses

, changing your oil is a good place to start.

If that sounds intimidating, you’re in the right place. We’ve got all the information you need to DIY your 2007 Toyota Tacoma’s next oil change, from the right type of oil to how much you need to when to change it—plus step-by-step instructions.

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2007 Toyota Tacoma engine oil capacity

Let’s get straight to it: just how much engine oil do you need for a 2007 Toyota Tacoma?

The 2007 Tacoma had two different engine options. You’ll need 6.1 quarts (5.8 liters) for the four-cylinder. The

, on the other hand, requires 4.8 quarts (4.5 liters) for every oil change.

Both engines also have different

engine displacement

numbers—2.7 liters and 4.0 liters respectively—and neither of those is the same number as the oil capacity. It’s important not to mix these numbers up. Otherwise, you’ll have the wrong amount of oil, which could lead to an overheated engine.

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What kind of oil does a 2007 Toyota Tacoma need?

Now that you know how much oil your Tacoma needs, you’ll need to know what type of oil you should use. After all, different types of engines need different grades of oil, and putting the wrong kind of oil in your truck could lead to engine damage.

Each of the Tacoma’s engines requires a different grade. For the 2.7-liter four-cylinder, Toyota recommends SAE 0W−20 oil for the best fuel economy and to help it start in cold weather, but you can also use SAE 5W−20.

For the 4.0-liter V6, the Toyota Tacoma owner’s manual recommends SAE 5W−30 oil for optimal fuel economy and cold weather starting. If that grade isn’t available, you can use SAE 10W−30 instead—in this case, make sure to use SAE 5W−30 at the next oil change.

If those numbers and letters look a little intimidating, don’t sweat it. The numbers in each oil grade indicate the oil’s viscosity or thickness of the oil. The first number in the oil grade tells us the viscosity in winter—hence, “W”—and the second number refers to the viscosity at boiling temperatures.

SAE stands for “Society of Automotive Engineers,” which is the official association that determines oil viscosity ratings.

For both of these

engine oils

, Toyota recommends using

Toyota Genuine

full-synthetic oil if possible, but any synthetic oil of the same viscosity will work. You can also use

conventional motor oil

of the same viscosity, but opting for a full-synthetic or high-quality synthetic blend will be better for your Tacoma’s engine in the long run.

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How often to change the oil on a 2007 Toyota Tacoma

Amount of oil? Check. Type of oil? Check. Now let’s move on to how often to

change the oil

for your Toyota Tacoma. In general, plan to change it every 7,500 to 10,000 miles if you’re using full-synthetic oil. If you’re using conventional, you’ll need an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. If that’s too hard to keep up with, changing your oil every six months is a good rule of thumb.

You’ll want to

check your oil

about once a month so you can keep an eye on your oil quality. If you notice any of the following, it’s time to change your oil:

Dark brown or black oil (clean oil is a translucent amber or light brown)

Sandy or coarse consistency

Strange noises coming from your engine

Foul odors, like oil, smoke, or burning

Changes in your Tacoma’s performance

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How to change your oil and oil filter

All that’s left now is to change your oil! If you go to a mechanic or quick lube shop, you could pay anywhere from $40 to over $100 to get your Tacoma’s oil changed—but changing it yourself could save you some of that cost.

Before you start, make sure you have all your materials. Here’s what to gather:

New engine filter

Rags

Oil

Torque wrench

14mm socket wrench

Oil filter wrench

Drain pan

Funnel

Ready to get started? Follow these steps:

Warm up your engine by running your car for about 10 or 20 minutes. This ensures your oil will flow smoothly.

Find the silver oil drain plug under the front of your truck on the bottom of the engine case.

Situate the drain pan under the plug.

Loosen the drain plug with the socket wrench so the old oil can drain. Be sure to move your hand quickly to avoid contact with the hot oil.

Pop your hood. Using the filter wrench, remove the oil filter, which is on the lower right side of the engine.

Dab the new filter with a small amount of the new oil, then replace the filter. You can tighten it with your hand.

After the oil has drained, replace the drain plug with the torque wrench set to 32 lb-ft. Tighten it until you hear a click.

Open the oil fill cap in the engine compartment, then place your funnel and add the new oil. Replace the oil cap when you finish.

Then you’re done! To make sure everything went smoothly, run your truck for about 30 seconds to let the oil settle. Then turn the engine off and check the dipstick to make sure you added the right amount. Check for any leaks and make sure your

oil pressure light

turns off.

The final step is crucial: clean up. You can’t just toss your old oil in the trash bin or pour it out somewhere. The simplest way to get rid of it is by pouring it into the empty bottle of your new oil, then dropping it off at a recycling center, auto parts store, or repair shop.

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