2008 Toyota Tundra Oil Capacity
Never changed your oil before? That’s ok, because we can tell you everything you need to know about your 2008 Tundra’s oil capacity, plus some helpful tips!
Written by Zachary Morgan
Reviewed by Amy Bobinger
Between the customizable cab and bed, powerful V8 engine, ample passenger space, and excellent towing capabilities, there’s plenty to like about the 2008 Toyota Tundra. If you want to keep this powerful machine in tip-top shape, though, you’ll need to keep up with its
routine maintenance
—and that includes knowing how much oil it takes.Staying on top of your vehicle’s upkeep can sometimes feel like a full time job. It seems like there’s always something that needs to be refilled or replaced, and after a while those
car repairs
can really take a toll on your time and money. In this article, we are going to discuss one of the most important of all bits of preventative maintenance: changing your oil. You can save a decent amount of both time and money by changing your oil at home, but if you don’t know how, we can show you.Compare insurance quotes from 50+ insurance companies with Jerry in under 45 seconds
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Let’s dive right in: how much oil does your 2008 Tundra need?
The exact answer depends on your Tundra’s engine size and whether or not a filter is being used. The 2008 Tundra has three available engines—a 4.0L V6, a 4.7L V8, and a 5.7L V8. To make it easier, we’ll break it down.
- 4.0L V6: 5.2 quarts
- 4.7L V6: 6.2 quarts
- 5.7L V8: 7.0 quarts
Before we go any further, it’s very important to recognize that your engine’s displacement and its oil capacity are two different measurements and are not interchangeable. Oil capacity is the amount of oil you need to use to complete a proper oil change, while your displacement is the volume taken up by your engine’s cylinders. If you look at the numbers before the cylinder size (eg. 4.0L or 4.7L), those represent your engine displacement.
What kind of oil does a 2008 Toyota Tundra need?
It’s time to move on to the specific type of oil that your Tundra uses. Don’t head to the auto parts section just yet, though, because you can’t just grab any old jug of oil off the shelf.
The first two Tundra engines—the 4.0L V6 and 4.7L V8—need SAE 5W-30 oil, while the bigger 5.7L V8 uses SAE 5W-20 oil. Toyota recommends
Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic 5W-30 motor oil
, and you’d be better off sticking with the manufacturer’s recommendation.What do those letters and numbers mean, though? The numbers reference the oil’s viscosity (the thickness of it), while the “W” stands for winter. The 5 in the position before the “W” tells us that the oil has a low viscosity at temperatures of 0°F and below, while the 30 indicates that it maintains its thinness at an extremely hot 212°F.
Essentially, this oil will perform well in both extreme heat and freezing cold, while the low viscosity will contribute to less wear and tear on your engine.
How often to change oil on a 2008 Toyota Tundra
Before we tell you how to perform an oil change, there’s one more thing we need to cover: how often you need to
change your oil
.Using conventional oil, the standard approach is to change it out every 3,000–5,000 miles or so. If you do a lot of driving, it might be better to try changing your oil every six months.
Since Toyota recommends the use of synthetic oil in the Tundra, though, you can wait a bit longer in-between oil changes because synthetic needs changing every 7,500–10,000 miles.
Still, it’s a good habit to check your oil regularly. An easy way to remember would be to check once a month or every other time you fill up your gas tank. When you do, keep an eye out signs that it’s time for a change:
- The engine starts making strange noises
- You smell something unusual, like oil, smoke, or burning
- Changes in your vehicle’s performance
How to change your oil and oil filter
Alright, time to roll up those sleeves and get involved! First, you’ll need the tools to remove the old oil filter—a socket wrench, drain pan, and a filter wrench. Naturally, you’ll also need a new oil filter and the right amount and type of engine oil for your specific engine.
Begin by letting your engine run for about 5 minutes. Once it reaches a normal operating temperature, turn off the engine and follow these steps:
- Take off the oil fill cap
- Get underneath the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, allowing the old oil to leak into the drain pan
- Remove the old oil filter and continue to let the oil drain
- Install the new filter
- Replace the oil drain bolt using a new washer and tighten it to 29 lb-ft
- Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap
Verify that you’ve added enough oil by using the dipstick, then let your Tundra idle for a few more minutes and watch out for leaks. When the
oil pressure light
on the dashboard turns off, you’re in the clear. Well done!Last but not least, it’s time to clean up. Never dump the dirty oil onto the ground, down the drain, or in the trash. Dirty oil is a serious contaminant, and it can easily seep through the ground and into the local water supply. Always seal the oil in a proper container and bring it to your nearest recycling center.
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