Interested in changing your 2008 Toyota Yaris’ oil in your own driveway? You’ll need to know the oil capacity first—which is 3.9 quarts, the equivalent about 3.7 liters.

The 2008 Toyota Yaris is a reliable little compact car that’s very fuel-friendly. Plus, you can fit a shocking amount of stuff in the rear with the back seats folded down. However, to avoid the cost of expensive

car repairs

, regular oil chances are absolutely essential.

You could always take your Yaris into a mechanic’s or lube shop for your oil changes, but you could also do it yourself at home. To help you out, we’ll provide everything you need to know—from oil capacity, to oil type, to the amount of time you should wait between changes. Let’s dive in.

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2008 Toyota Yaris engine oil capacity

Each and every 2008 Toyota Yaris is powered by a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine with an oil capacity of 3.9 quarts, or about 3.7 liters.

But how can a 1.5-liter engine hold 3.7 liters of oil? Well, the 1.5-liter notation refers to your engine’s displacement—or the amount of oil taken up by the vehicle’s cylinders. Your engine oil capacity refers to the total amount of oil you’ll need for each change.

These numbers are never interchangeable, so don’t get them confused!

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What kind of oil does a 2008 Toyota Yaris need?

Don’t go running off to the auto supply store just yet—you can’t buy 3.9 quarts of the first oil you spot on the shelf.

Not all oils are created equal, and vehicle manufacturers will offer specific recommendations for the type of oil that needs to be used in your car. Per the owner’s manual, your 2008 Toyota Yaris requires 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil.

Not a motor oil connoisseur? Don’t worry—we’ll explain.

The numbers in your oil grade refer to your oil’s viscosity, or, basically, how thick it is. The “W” in the grade means “winter.” The number prior to the “W” (in this case, 5) refers to the oil’s viscosity in very low temperatures—0 degrees fahrenheit. The number after the “W” refers to the oil’s viscosity in very high temperatures—212 degrees fahrenheit.

It’s also important that you look for full synthetic motor oil, which is a special type of oil that is designed without petroleum and includes additives meant to help the degradation of the oil.

Conventional oil—or mineral oil—could provide adequate lubrication, but it can’t compete with the overall engine performance and protection provided by synthetics.

A great brand that we recommend is

Mobil 1 - Extended Performance 5W-30 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

, but you’re welcome to select a different brand as long as the oil is full synthetic and the proper grade.

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Now let’s roll up your sleeves and

change your oil

! But wait—is it actually time to do so?

Well, we have great news. Although full synthetic oil is more expensive, it also extends the life of your vehicle between oil changes. You can go 7,500 to 10,000 miles on a single oil change—meaning your oil changes could occur as infrequently as one a year if you don’t drive often.

If you’re in a pinch and do opt for conventional oil (perhaps because it is cheaper), you’ll need to change your engine’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Synthetic blends (which combine conventional and full synthetic oils) will land you somewhere in the middle. Consent a mechanic or auto supply dealer for brand specifics, as synthetic blends vary in quality.

Either way, those are some pretty big ranges, so it’s best to keep a close eye on your engine to determine if it’s time for a change. Experts recommend that you check your oil levels once a month.

In addition to low oil levels, look for:

Motor oil that is dark brown or black like cola (rather than clean oil that is light brown or amber like tea)

Motor oil that feels coarse or gritty

Unfamiliar noises coming from the engine

New smells, especially anything that smells like oil, smoke, or burning

Changes in your vehicle’s performance

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Okay, now you’re almost ready to change your oil. First, gather a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench designed to remove the old oil filter. And, of course, don’t forget to buy a replacement filter and four quarts of 5W-30 full synthetic engine oil.

Begin by running the engine for a while until it reaches normal operating temperature. In normal weather, this ought to take no more than five minutes. Once you’re there, shut the engine off, open the hood, and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Get underneath the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer, draining the old oil 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

Once complete, turn your car on and let it warm up again for about 30 seconds, which will allow the new oil to fill the filter. Use your dipstick to make sure that you’ve added enough oil to the engine, and top it off if necessary

Once you’re done, run the vehicle for a few minutes and watch for any leaks. If you’ve done everything right, your dashboard’s

oil pressure light

should turn off.

The last step: cleanup. Don’t dump the dirty oil out on the ground or put it in your garbage bin. Instead, place it in a sealed container and bring it to a local recycling center.

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