The 2018 Toyota Camry provides an easy and enjoyable ride with great fuel efficiency. To keep the Camry in those conditions, though, you’ll need to know its engine oil capacity.

As fuel-efficient as the 2018 Toyota Camry is, a car is still an expensive investment to have. Outside of the obvious sale and gas prices, you’ll need to consider routine maintenance, emergency repairs, and car insurance in your car ownership budget. Many car owners choose to cut their vehicle expenses down and save money on their mechanic costs by DIY-ing their oil changes.

An at-home oil change is not incredibly technical or laborious and is a good beginner-friendly maintenance task to learn. Of course, you’ll have to have all the information on your 2018 Toyota Camry’s engine oil capacity first—so

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2018 Toyota Camry engine oil capacity

To begin, let’s go over the main nugget of information: what is the engine oil capacity of a 2018 Toyota Camry?

This Camry model has a 2.5-liter engine that requires 4.8 quarts or 4.5 liters of engine oil. So a 2.5-liter engine needs 4.5 liters of oil? How can that be? Well, the former liter measurement, or 2.5 liters, refers to the engine’s displacement—the amount of volume taken up by its cylinders.

The latter, or 4.5 liters/4.8 quarts, describes the engine oil capacity—how much oil the engine needs for proper functionality. Be careful not to mix those values up because they are not interchangeable.

MORE: How much should an oil change cost?

What kind of oil does a 2018 Toyota Camry need?

So we know a 2018 Toyota Camry needs 4.8 quarts or 4.5 liters of engine oil…but what kind of engine oil should you get? Not just any old 5-quart jug will do.

Toyota

recommends a premium engine oil grade of 0W-16. The engine oil grade describes the viscosity–-thinness or thickness—of the oil in cold and hot temperatures respectively. For 0W-16 motor oil, the cold temperature viscosity rating is “0”, denoted by the “W” which stands for “winter”. Hot temperatures, like your engine’s normal operating temperature, see an oil viscosity that is slightly thicker with a rating of “16”.

The Camry manufacturer also notes that a full synthetic oil is ideal for the engine. Synthetic oil has plenty of added benefits over conventional oil including better fuel efficiency and more time between oil changes. Whatever oil you decide to go with, though, just make sure the oil grade is the same. Those are the conditions in which the oil and engine will work best together.

Generally, it's best to stick with the manufacturer's recommendation and use an SAE 0W-16 motor oil. If you can't seem to find it though,

Toyota Genuine SAE 0W-20 Full Synthetic Motor Oil

will also work. But make sure that you use 0W-16 motor oil on the next oil change.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change oil on a 2018 Toyota Camry

Armed with the knowledge of the right amount and type of engine oil required by your 2018 Toyota Camry, your oil change is a go! As soon as your service date rolls around, that is.

Toyota recommends an oil change every 3,000 to 5,000 miles to keep oil levels and quality at the ideal place. However, those numbers are more tailored to conventional oil. If you’re rolling with a synthetic blend of oil, your oil change benchmark is every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

The time intervals between oil changes can also be affected by how often you drive. If your daily commute is on the longer side, you’ll want to change your oil more often. If your car doesn’t do much more than your weekly trip to the store, you can probably wait longer.

Regardless of your driving habits, you should be checking on your Camry’s oil level and quality regularly—about once a month—to make sure it can still do its job effectively. Here are some signs to watch out for that will tell you when your oil needs changing:

Dark oil color. The ideal, clean motor oil is close to amber in color. The oil is dirty if the color leans closer to dark brown or black.

Sludgy or gritty consistency. Clean oil will look as smooth as syrup. Sludge or debris in your oil means it's contaminated.

Strange or new noises from the engine. Dirty oil can cause the dreaded engine knock—if you’re hearing an unfamiliar noise, check your oil.

Smoke or burned smell. Poor quality or low levels of oil may cause a burned oil smell.

Worsened engine performance. If your car is chugging to get up to speed, burning more gas than usual, or sputtering when trying to turn on, your oil may need changing.

MORE:

How to change your oil and oil filter

Whether you’ve noticed a symptom of contaminated oil or if it’s just been the appropriate amount of time, you’re ready to change a 2018 Toyota Camry’s engine oil. Grab these

tools and supplies

to get started:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement oil filter

4.8 quarts of new 0W-16 synthetic oil

Now you’ll want to warm your engine up. Take a quick drive or let your car idle for 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the weather, until the engine reaches its normal operating temperature. Then turn your engine off while your car is parked on a level surface, and follow these steps:

Open the hood, and locate and remove the oil fill cap.

Take the socket wrench and the drain pan under the engine with you, then remove the oil drain bolt.

Let the old oil drain into the drain pan while you remove the old oil filter.

Once the old oil is completely drained, put the new oil filter in.

Then replace the oil drain bolt.

Refill your engine with 4.8 quarts of 0W-16 and put the oil fill cap back on.

After changing your oil, it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

Pull out the oil dipstick to ensure the correct level of oil, then turn your engine on to see if anything leaks. If not, you’ve successfully changed a 2018 Toyota Camry engine oil! Pour the old oil into a sealed container so you can bring it to your local recycling center for proper disposal. Do not just dump the oil on the ground or in your trash.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Congratulations! Your 2018 Toyota Camry oil is changed and you’re already saving money on its repair and maintenance costs. Keep the ball rolling by using the

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