The 2013 Toyota Tacoma manages to fit the versatility of a full-size truck into a midsize package. It’s tough, well-made, and highly customizable, with a wide range of personalization options, from add-on packages to engine size. If you want your Tacoma to stay at its best, though, you should try to keep up with a

regular maintenance schedule

—including oil changes.

Sometimes it seems like your car can be downright needy. Whether it’s a headlight out or low washer fluid, you might start to think that there’s no end to the

car repairs

and the fluids that need to be topped off. Regardless, there is one piece of preventative maintenance that is absolutely essential for you to keep in mind: scheduled oil changes. You can save a decent amount of money by changing your oil at home, but if you don’t know how, we can show you.

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2013 Toyota Tacoma engine oil capacity

Let’s start with the major question: how much oil does a 2013 Toyota Tacoma need?

The specific amount of oil is determined by the engine size and powertrain. The 2013 Tacoma has two available engines—a 2.7L four-cylinder and a 4.0L V6—and can be either two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD). Here’s how that breaks down:

2.7L four-cylinder: 6.1 quarts

2WD 4.0L V6 (except PreRunner model): 4.8 quarts

4WD 4.0L V6 (PreRunner included): 5.5 quarts

Before we proceed, it’s important to mention that your engine’s displacement is not the same as its oil capacity—they are two completely different measurements. Your 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 the engine’s cylinders.

What kind of oil does a 2013 Toyota Tacoma need?

Now that we’ve covered the exact amount of oil that your Tacoma needs, it’s time to cover the specific type of oil that it uses. Different engines require different types of oil, so don’t head to the auto parts store just yet.

The 2013 Tacoma’s four-cylinder engine needs SAE 0W-30 motor oil, whereas a V6 engine requires SAE 5W-30 motor oil. Toyota recommends the use of

genuine Toyota motor oil

, and it’s usually best to stick with the manufacturer’s recommendation.

What about the meaning of those letters and numbers? Well, let’s use 0W-20 as an example. The numbers reference the viscosity (thickness) of the oil, while the “W” stands for winter. The 0 in the first position indicates that the oil keeps a low viscosity during very cold temperatures, while the 30 tells us that it stays thin in extremely hot temperatures, as well. SAE stands for “Society of Automotive Engineers,” the organization responsible for determining oil viscosity.

Basically, you want to use an oil with these ratings because it will do well in both cold and hot conditions, plus the low viscosity means less wear and tear on your engine. “Detergent oil” just means that the oil has some additives to prevent rust, sludge, and oil deterioration.

Lastly, the 2013 Tacoma is able to use synthetic oil, as long as the same requirements are met.

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How often to change oil on a 2013 Toyota Tacoma

Now that you know what kind and how much oil to get, it’s time to get down to business and

change your oil

If you’re using traditional oil, Toyota recommends that you get an oil change every 3,000–5,000 miles or so. If you drive every day, it might be better to try changing your oil every six months.

You’ll have a little more wiggle room with synthetic oil, which needs to be changed out every 7,500–10,000 miles.

One way to be sure your oil quality is good is to check it regularly, like once every month or every other time you get gas. When you do, keep an eye out signs that it’s time for a change, including:

Strange noises coming from the engine

Unpleasant smells, like oil, smoke, or burning

You observe that your vehicle is not performing properly

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Nothing left to it but to do it! To change your oil, you’ll first need to gather a few tools in order to get the old filter off. You’ll need a socket wrench, drain pan, and a filter wrench. Of course, you’ll also need to buy a new oil filter and the proper amount and type of engine oil for your specific engine.

Start by letting your engine run for about 5 minutes, until it reaches a normal operating temperature. Then, 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

Remember to use the dipstick to make sure that you’ve added enough oil. Once that’s verified, let your Tacoma idle for a few more minutes and keep an eye out for leaks. If you did everything right, the

oil pressure light

on the dashboard will switch off.

Last but not least, it’s time to clean up. Do not pour the dirty oil on the ground or throw it 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.