When it comes to keeping your Toyota’s engine healthy, lubricated, and running smoothly, regular oil changes are the easiest way to do it. Failure to replace oil in a timely manner can result in costly (and potentially irreversible) engine damage and more

car maintenance

problems down the road.

But you’ll want to know how much oil your engine holds before you can actually go about changing it. Fortunately for you, we’ve put together what to know about the 2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7L engine’s oil capacity, as well as how to recognize when an oil change is necessary.

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2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7L engine oil capacity

The 2016 Toyota Tundra equipped with a 5.7L V8 engine has a total oil capacity of 7.9 quarts, or approximately 7.5 liters.

This should not be mistaken for the engine's displacement, or the 5.7L volume that its cylinders occupy. Avoid confusing the two since they are not interchangeable, as your engine might suffer if only 6 liters of oil are added to the reservoir.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7L need?

A 2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7L needs SAE 0W-20 detergent oil, ideally genuine Toyota motor oil, according to the owner's manual. If you don't understand what those terms or numbers indicate, keep reading—we'll show you how to interpret an oil rating.

The oil's winter rating is indicated by the first digit and tells you what the oil’s consistency will be like in very cold conditions . The lower the number, the thinner the oil. If your oil’s winter rating is “0,” it means your Tundra’s engine oil will still be able to flow freely, even in the dead of winter.

The second figure, on the other hand, indicates the thickness of the oil at extreme temperatures of 212°F or above, which is the temperature at which an engine normally operates. An oil with a “20” rating will be incredibly thin at these high temps.

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How often to change oil on a 2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7L

According to Toyota professionals, you should change the oil in your 2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7L every 5,000 to 10,000 miles, or around twice per year. If you reside somewhere that frequently experiences extreme temperatures or if you frequently travel on dusty, sandy, or gravel roads, you might need to replace your oil more frequently.

Of course, that doesn't mean you should neglect to inspect your oil for six months—in fact, most automotive experts agree that you should check your oil monthly to avoid unnecessary engine damage.

Keep a watch out for the following indicators during these routine inspections to determine when an oil change is most necessary:

Exhaust smoke is darker, thicker, and more foul-smelling than usual

You notice oil or burning odors while in the car’s cabin

Oil has taken on a

gritty or grainy texture

Vehicle performance has worsened

Oil has changed from its original color to a very dark brown or black

Dashboard oil pressure light has turned on

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How to change your oil and oil filter

You'll need the following items to perform an at-home oil change on your 2016 Toyota Tundra 5.7L: a socket wrench set, an oil drain pan, and an oil filter wrench to remove the old filter. It goes without saying that you'll also require 8 quarts of synthetic 5W-20 detergent oil, as well as a new oil filter.

Once you have everything you need, turn on your ignition and let the engine run for 4 to 5 minutes, or until it reaches its normal operating temperature. When the engine comes up to temp, shut it off, open the hood, and do the following:

Find the oil reservoir and unscrew the oil fill cap.

Position your drain pan underneath the oil drain hole.

Use the socket wrench to remove the drain bolt and washer. Set the bolt aside and discard the old washer. With the bolt removed, oil will begin draining into the pan below.

As the oil drains, use the filter wrench to remove the old filter and replace it with a clean one.

Once the flow of oil into the drain pan has stopped, replace the drain bolt and thread a new washer into place.

Fill the reservoir with new oil to the proper level and replace the oil fill cap.

After adding clean oil, start your car, let it run for about 30 seconds, and then turn it off. Check with a dipstick to see if the oil has reached the "MAX FILL" line, adding more if necessary. It’s important to make sure your fill level is just right, as both too much and too little engine oil can lead to damage.

Once the reservoir is full, turn on the engine one last time and let it run while you check for leaks. The oil pressure warning light on your 2016 Toyota Tundra's dashboard may need to be turned off manually.

However, before you can call yourself finished, you must properly dispose of the used oil. Rather than throwing it away, pour it into a container that can be sealed and take it to a designated recycling facility that accepts used motor oil.

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