One of the signature vehicles in Toyota’s lineup, the 2009 Corolla is a reliable, affordable sedan that gets thousands of people from point A to point B on a daily basis. To keep your Corolla in good working order, though, you’ll have to know how much engine oil it needs.

Let’s be honest, sometimes your car can seem downright needy. Between low tire pressure and low wiper fluid, all the little bits of preventative maintenance can really start to wear on your time and money. A great way to save on both is to change your own oil.

If you’re not sure how, no problem!

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, whipped up this complete guide on changing the oil in your 2009 Corolla. We’ll also look at how to save on your

Toyota Corolla insurance costs

, so let’s get started!

2009 Toyota Corolla engine oil capacity

Ok, we’ll start by asking the big question: how much engine oil does a 2009 Toyota Corolla need? That actually depends on the size of your engine.

If your Corolla has a 1.8-liter four-cylinder (2ZR-FE) engine, the total oil capacity is 4.4 quarts, (4.2 liters). If you have a higher trim outfitted with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder (2AZ-FE) engine, your total oil capacity is 4.0 quarts (3.8 liters).

You may see your engine displacement listed somewhere in your owner’s manual. Be aware that the measurements for oil capacity and engine displacement are not the same.

Displacement is the amount of oil required by the engine’s cylinders to function properly, while the oil capacity is the exact amount that you need to use for a complete oil change.

What kind of oil does a 2009 Toyota Corolla need?

We’ve covered how much oil your Corolla needs, but what about the specific kind of oil? Not all engines use the same kind of oil, so don’t go to the auto parts section just yet. For a 2009 Corolla, Toyota recommends that you use SAE 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil. According to the 2009 Toyota Corolla owner’s manual, you can also use SAE 5W-20 synthetic motor oil, but 0W-20 is preferred because it aids your Corolla’s fuel economy and allows the engine to start better when it’s cold out.

If you look at the name of the oil, the letters and numbers can actually tell you a lot about it. The W, for example, stands for winter, while the numbers indicate the viscosity (thickness) of the oil. The 0 tells us that this oil stays thin in cold temperatures, while the 20 indicates that it stays thin at your engine’s normal operating temperatures, as well.

Basically, this oil works well in the heat, cold, and everything in-between—plus, the low viscosity will lead to less wear and tear on your engine.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

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How often to change oil on a 2009 Toyota Corolla

Since we’ve covered what type and how much oil to use, it’s time to start talking about actually

changing your oil

Standard oil needs to be changed every 3,000-5,000 miles, but synthetic oil usually bumps that range up to between 7,500-10,000 miles. The 2009 Corolla may take synthetic, but Toyota still recommends that you get your oil changed every six months or 5,000 miles.

Still, checking your oil level regularly is a good habit to get into. A good routine would be to check either once a month or every other time you fill up with gas.

Also, keep an eye out for these signs that your car is in need of an oil change:

You hear strange noises emanating from the engine

You notice the smell of oil, smoke, or burning

You observe any changes in your vehicle’s performance

MORE:

The most common problems with Toyota

How to change your oil and oil filter

Alright, it’s time to roll up those sleeves and break out the tools! First you’ll need to grab a socket wrench, drain pan, and a filter wrench so that you can remove the old filter. In addition, you’ll need a new filter as well as five quarts of synthetic 0W-20 oil.

Start off by letting the engine run for a few minutes so that the oil can warm up. Five minutes should suffice. After that, turn off the engine and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Remove the oil drain bolt and washer and let the old oil leak into the drain pan

Remove the old oil filter and keep letting the oil drain

Put on the new filter

Use a new washer to replace the old drain bolt and tighten it to 29 lb-ft

Refill the engine with your new oil and replace the fill cap

Turn on your engine and let it run for about 30 seconds to warm up your engine, then turn your car off again and use your dipstick to verify that you’ve put in the proper amount of oil. Next, allow the vehicle to idle for a few minutes while watching out for any leaks. Once the

oil pressure light

switches off on the dashboard, your job is almost done.

Last, but certainly not least, is cleanup. Under no circumstances should you pour the dirty oil on the ground or throw it in the trash. Always put the dirty oil in a sealed container and bring it to the nearest recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

You did it, you changed your own oil! Well done. Staying on top of preventative maintenance with your 2009 Corolla is a great way to keep it in tip-top shape, and you’re saving money over going to a mechanic.

If you’re interested in other great ways to save time and money, check out the

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