lineup since 1995. Devotees love the truck’s reliability and longevity (300,000 miles sound good?). The tremendous towing capacity and affordability also help it stand out from the crowd.

To keep your 2008 Toyota Tacoma in the best shape (and maintain its resale value), regular maintenance is a must! This includes oil changes. Before you roll up your sleeves, read through our quick guide to learn how much engine oil your Tacoma needs and what type you need to buy. We’ll also go over oil change essentials, so you can confidently change the oil in no time!

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2008 Toyota Tacoma engine oil capacity

If you’ve got a well-stocked garage, you probably have the tools to do an oil change. Now you just need to buy the oil!

The amount of motor oil your Tacoma needs depends on its powertrain. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines on the

PreRunner

trims have an oil capacity of 1.4 quarts, while the 4.0-liter V6 engine available on the

X-Runner

and some PreRunner trims take 1.6 quarts.

If you’re checking these numbers in your owner’s manual, don’t confuse engine oil capacity with engine displacement.

The

engine displacement

is either 2.4 or 4.0 liters for the Toyota Tacoma. This number is the volume the engine’s cylinders take up, so it’s not interchangeable with engine oil capacity.

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What kind of oil does a 2008 Toyota Tacoma need?

Toyota recommends getting Toyota Genuine Motor Oil, but the type you buy depends on your Tacoma’s engine. If you’ve got a 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine, buy 5W-20 or 0W-20 motor oil. If your truck has a 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine, get 5W-30 motor oil.

As you shop, you’ll see some motor oils labeled “synthetic.” Toyota Genuine Motor oil is a particular combination of synthetic or mineral oils plus a unique additive that helps your Toyota engine perform at its best and get the fuel efficiency you’re hoping for.

5W or 0W engine oils are designed for year-round use, especially to help with cold-weather starting. If you were wondering, the “W” stands for winter, and the number 5 or 0 tells you that the oil has a low viscosity at low temperatures. The number 20 or 30 also tells you that the oil has a low viscosity even when the truck’s engine temperature is over 212°F.

Toyota notes that if you can’t get 5W-30 oil for your V6 engine, it’s okay to use 10W-30, but you should replace it with 5W-30 motor oil at the next oil change.

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How often to change the oil on a 2008 Toyota Tacoma

Older vehicles typically need more frequent oil changes, and your 2008 Tacoma is no exception. Toyota recommends changing the oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, but it’s also a good idea to check the oil level and condition regularly.

Start getting into the habit of checking your oil once a month or every other time you head to the gas station. Fortunately, it only takes a second to check. Just pull out the dipstick and wipe it on a cloth. Stick it back into the engine oil reservoir and pull it out. Then, look at the end of the dipstick. These signs mean it’s time for an oil change:

The oil level is below the dipstick indicator mark.

The oil looks dark brown or black—not light brown.

The oil feels coarse or sandy when you rub it between your fingers.

You start hearing strange sounds from the engine.

You smell oil, smoke, or burning.

Your Tacoma drives differently.

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Now that you’ve got the exact information for your ‘08 Tacoma, you’re ready to change the oil!

Here are the tools you’ll need: a socket wrench, a drain pan, a funnel, and a filter wrench. It also helps to have some old cloths or rags handy as this is a messy job! You’ll also need a replacement filter when you’re out buying the engine oil.

Turn on the engine and let it run for a few minutes to heat the oil, so it drains faster. Then, switch off the engine and open the hood. Here are your next steps:

Unscrew the oil fill cap and place it somewhere you can easily find.

Get under the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer.

Place a drain pan underneath and let all of the old oil drain into it.

Take out the old oil filter and replace it with a new one.

Switch out the old drain bolt with a new washer and tighten it.

Fill the engine with new motor oil and screw the oil fill cap back on.

You’re almost done!

Turn on the engine and run it for around 30 seconds so the filter can soak up some of the new engine oil. Use the dipstick to check that there’s enough oil. If it looks too low, add more. Then, run the engine for a couple of minutes and check for oil leaks. Don’t forget to reset the oil light according to your owner’s manual before clean-up!

It’s illegal to pour used engine oil onto the ground or throw it in the trash. To properly dispose of the oil, put it into a sealed container and take it to a local recycling center for disposal.

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