The 2018 Toyota 4Runner is a reliable and rugged midsize SUV that will keep you adventuring for years to come—as long as you keep up with regular oil changes. For that, you’ll need 6.6 quarts of oil.
Car ownership is anything but cheap, and when you’re driving a car as big as a 4Runner, you’ll want to lower your expenses where you can—and changing your own oil is a good place to start. Just consult your owner’s manual first!
If you can’t find your owner’s manual, or you’d rather just read about the Toyota 4Runner’s oil specs online, Jerry
has the details you’re looking for. As the car insurance
expert and super app, we’ll go over how much oil you need, what kind of oil you need, and how to change it—plus how to find lower Toyota 4Runner insurance rates
! 2018 Toyota 4Runner engine oil capacity
Let’s cut to the chase: the 2018 Toyota 4Runner’s 4.0-liter V6 engine
holds 6.6 quarts of oil. Make sure you don’t confuse the engine’s displacement number—the 4.0-liter volume of its six cylinders—with its oil capacity, which is the amount of oil required for every oil change.
What kind of oil does a 2018 Toyota 4Runner need?
Now that you know how much oil your 4Runner needs, it’s time to talk about what kind of oil you need. After all, there are dozens of oil types, and you’ll need to use the type of oil suggested by your 4Runner’s owner’s manual. For the 2018 4Runner, Toyota recommends using SAE 0W-20 full synthetic oil.
If you aren’t fluent in motor oil speak, those numbers and letters amount to the temperature and viscosity specifications of the oil. For this oil, the 0 is the viscosity—or thickness—in cold weather, signified by the W meaning “winter.” The 20 communicates the viscosity level during hot temperatures, while the SAE just means the oil’s code was determined by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
Getting the right oil means your 4Runner’s engine suffers less wear and tear. If you don’t have access to the right oil, you can use 5W-20 as long as you use 0W-20 oil at your next oil change.
Still not sure which oil to go for? Here are a few options to consider:
The high-mileage option: To get more bang for your buck, this Mobil 1 Advanced
is a great choice for high-mileage driving. The alternative option: If you can’t get your hands on 0W-20, this Pennzoil SAE 5W-20
will do the trick before your next oil change.
How often to change the oil on a 2018 Toyota 4Runner
Toyota suggests that you change your 4Runner’s oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, which comes out to be every six months if you drive an average amount. With high-mileage synthetic oil, however, you may be able to stretch that out to 7,500 to 10,000 miles between changes.
No matter how long you go between oil changes, you should check on your oil level and quality pretty frequently—once a month is a good goal to shoot for. If you notice the following when checking your oil, it’s time to change it out:
Your oil is dark brown or black—clean oil is more amber-colored
Your oil has a sandy or gritty texture
Your engine is emitting unfamiliar scents, like smoke, burning, or oil
You hear unusual noises coming from your engine
You notice decreased performance from your 4Runner
How to change your oil and oil filter
Once you notice it’s time for a fresh oil change for your 4Runner, you can take your Toyota to the closest quick lube center—but you can also change it yourself. Here’s what you’ll need:
You’ll also need your 6.6 quarts of 0W-20 oil and a new oil filter. To prepare for draining your old oil, turn your 4Runner on and let it run around five to ten minutes—longer if you’re changing your oil in the winter. This heats your oil and makes it easier to drain.
When your vehicle is good and warm, cut the engine, pop the hood, and follow these steps:
1. Raise your 4Runner and remove the front skid plate cover with a 12 mm socket wrench.
2. Remove the oil fill cap.
3. Get under the car, place your drain pan under the drain plug, and loosen the drain plug (with the 3/8” ratchet) to allow the old oil to drain out.
4. Find the oil filter and remove it using the wrench.
5. Install your new filter, putting a bit of oil on the new filter’s gasket.
6. Replace the drain plug and wrench it tightly to 30 lb-ft.
7. Grab your funnel and pour in your new oil before replacing the oil fill cap.
When you’re done, double-check that you’ve added the right amount of oil using your dipstick. Let your 4Runner run for a few minutes to ensure there are no leaks and that your dashboard’s oil pressure light
switches off. Make sure you don’t dispose of your old oil by dumping it in the garbage. The best way to get rid of it is to put it in the new oil container and take it to an auto parts store or recycling center.
Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance
Now that you’ve got your fresh new oil, your 4Runner is ready to hit the road—or trails—again. Keeping up with your 4Runner’s regular maintenance will ensure it stays running smoothly as long as possible, and changing your own oil goes a long way in saving you time
and money. Want to cut back on even more costs? Discover a cheaper car insurance policy with Jerry
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