The Camry is one of the best-selling vehicles in America—and for good reason! It has top ratings for safety, spaciousness, and reliability. But to ensure that your 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L engine performs to the level of its sterling reputation, you’ll need to know its engine oil capacity, which is 4.6 quarts.

Oil changes are easy to forget, but oh so important to remember—basic maintenance tasks like regular oil changes are a great way to prevent costly issues in the future.

Toyota Camry insurance costs

are already low, but doing your own maintenance is a great way to save even more money on the cost of car ownership. All you need are a few basic tools and the willingness to get your hands dirty.

From the 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L engine oil capacity to how to perform an oil change at home, here’s what you need to know.

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2012 Toyota Camry engine oil capacity

You will need 4.6 quarts of engine oil to accommodate your 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5’s oil capacity. That number includes the oil filter.

This vehicle has a 2.5L displacement, which is larger than some other Toyotas. Larger engines (and turbocharged engines) typically require more oil, although displacement is not the same as oil capacity. For instance, the

2016 Toyota Camry oil capacity

is 4.6 quarts with the 2.5L engine, while the 3.5L V6 Camry requires 6.4 quarts.

What kind of oil does a 2012 Toyota Camry need?

There are different types of oil—and we’re not talking about the brand, we’re talking about the oil grade. It’s important your engine oil of choice has the correct viscosity, or you risk causing serious damage to your engine.

Your 2012 Toyota Camry 2.5L engine takes SAE 0W-20 synthetic engine oil.

SAE 0W-20 sounds a bit like a secret code if you don’t know how to interpret oil grade ratings. SAE is the Society of Automotive Engineers. They’re the entity that assigns grades to oil viscosity. The most important part is the 0W-20, which describes the oil’s viscosity (thickness) at different temperatures.

The “W” in 0W-20 stands for winter. The “0” means that this oil stays very thin in cold operating temperatures (great for winter driving!). The “20” means that this oil is still pretty thin at peak operating temperature.

Toyota recommends that drivers use Toyota Genuine SAE 0W-20 full synthetic motor oil, which you can

buy online directly from Toyota

. But it’s not a problem if you use another brand’s oil. Just make sure it’s rated 0W-20 and it’s produced by a reputable manufacturer. An API certification seal on the bottle confirms the oil met necessary quality standards.

MORE:

How long is a Toyota Camry?

How often to change oil on a 2012 Toyota Camry

Woohoo! You now know how much oil you’ll need (4.6 quarts) and what type to buy (0W-20). Now it’s time to learn the steps involved with

changing your oil

According to the recommended maintenance schedule for a Toyota, you should get an oil change on a 2012 Toyota Camry roughly every 5,000 miles. Every six months is a good benchmark if you drive less frequently.

In addition to oil changes, you should check the oil level once per month. Look for signs that you might need an oil change ahead of schedule:

Dark brown color: Clean oil is amber, like tea, while darker colors indicate dirty oil.

Gritty, coarse texture: Clean oil has no particulates.

Burning smell: Burning or smoky scents could indicate it’s time to change your oil.

Clunking and knocking: Excessive engine noises could mean parts aren’t getting adequately lubricated.

You might notice slightly decreased performance, too. If you’re concerned, bring your Camry to an auto shop for a check-up.

MORE:

What to do if your car’s oil pressure light is on

How to change your oil and oil filter

You can change the oil on your Camry at home if you have the right tools.

How long does an oil change take?

It takes an experienced mechanic about 30 minutes to change the oil in a car. You should allot about an hour if you’re giving an oil change a go for the first time.

First, you’ll need to gather your supplies: a new oil filter, new oil, a drain pan, a clean rag, a 14mm wrench, a ⅜” ratchet with extension, and a new 12mm drain plug washer. You may also need jack stands or a ramp (keeping best safety practices in mind when using them).

Once your vehicle is in position, the next step is to run the engine for a few minutes. This will help the oil drain more easily when you’re ready to let the drain plug loose. Then, turn off the car, pop open the hood, and put on your work gloves and eye protection.

Remove the oil fill cap, then remove the drain bolt and washer. Make sure the oil pan is in place below the engine. While the old oil drains out, remove the old oil filter and install the new one. Once it’s all drained, use a new washer and replace the drain bolt. Tighten to the manufacturer’s torque specifications. Then, top up with new oil and replace the oil fill cap.

Run the car again for about 30 seconds. Check the dipstick to ensure you have enough oil, and look around for any leaks. When you’re all done, seal up the dirty oil in a container and drop it off at a recycling center that accepts used engine oil. Do not pour old engine oil down the drain or in the garbage.

Are Toyotas expensive to maintain?

Not when compared to other vehicles, but doing your own maintenance is still a great way to save on the

cost of changing the oil and filter

MORE:

Can you add oil to a hot engine?

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