The Toyota Corolla is one of the most affordable, recognizable, and dependable sedans on the road today. But if you want to keep this reliable sedan in tip-top shape, you’ll have to know its engine oil capacity, which is 4.9 quarts.

From insurance premiums to

regular maintenance

, any vehicle you drive is going to come with ownership costs. If you own a Corolla and you’re the handy type, you can change the oil and filter at home—just be sure to consult the owner’s manual to know which type of oil to use.

Here’s a guide to all you need to know about the Toyota Corolla’s engine oil capacity!

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Toyota Corolla engine oil capacity

Let’s get this right out in the open—the Toyota Corolla’s engine oil capacity is 4.9 quarts or 4.6 liters. This is the amount needed for an oil change.

Now that we know the Corolla’s engine oil capacity, we should differentiate it from the engine’s displacement, which is 2.0 liters. The engine displacement, or the 2.0 liters the Corolla’s cylinders take up, is very different from the engine oil capacity, so don’t confuse the two.

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What kind of oil does a Toyota Corolla need?

The next most important thing besides how much oil a Corolla’s engine needs, is what kind of oil does the Corolla require? Well, we’re glad you asked—the Corolla requires a five-quart bottle of Toyota Genuine Motor Oil SAE 0W-16. This is what the Corolla’s owner’s manual recommends—you wouldn’t dare cross the

Toyota

owner’s manual, would you?

We didn’t think so—it’s always smart to stick with the manufacturer’s recommendation. So, what does “SAE 0W-16” mean?

The W stands for winter, and the number 0 tells us that this oil has a low viscosity (or thickness) at 0 degrees. The 16 means the oil stays thin at super-hot temperatures. SAE stands for the Society of Automotive Engineers.

So, for a Corolla, you want an oil that stays thin and keeps moving at both super cold and super hot temperatures. The owner’s manual stipulates that if you can’t find 0W-16 motor oil, 0W-20 motor oil will suffice. But you should try to regularly change the oil with 0W-16 for best performance.

In terms of mineral or synthetic oil, Toyota Genuine Motor Oil comes in both varieties, and either one is fine to use in a Corolla.

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How often to change the oil on a Toyota Corolla

Now you know what kind of oil goes into your Corolla and how much—so it's time to

change your oil

Toyota recommends changing your oil every 3,000 to 5,000 miles if using conventional oil (or mineral oil, as it's sometimes called). If you’re using synthetic motor oil, you should change your oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles.

That said, it's always smart to check your oil on a regular basis, roughly every month or every other time you refuel. Look for the following signs that it's time to swap out your oil:

Your motor oil is black or dark brown in color (your motor oil should look like honey or amber)

The motor oil is coarse to the touch (your oil should be smooth)

You hear unfamiliar noises from the engine

You smell smoke, burning, or oil

You notice changes in your Corolla’s performance

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How to change your oil and oil filter

Once you’re ready to take matters into your own hands and change your oil, you’ll need to get your tools—a socket wrench, a drain pan, and a filter wrench. The filter wrench is used to remove the oil filter. You’ll also need a replacement filter and 4.9 quarts of Toyota Genuine Motor Oil SAE 0W-16.

First, you’ll want to run your Corolla’s engine for about five minutes to ensure it gets up to its normal operating temperature. Once you’ve reached that point, turn the engine off, pop the hood, and follow these steps:

Remove the oil fill cap

Slide underneath the engine and remove the oil drain bolt and washer. Let the old oil drain into the drain pan

Remove the old oil filter while continuing to let the old oil drain

Install the new filter

With a new washer, replace the oil drain bolt and be sure to tighten it to 29 lb-ft

With your new oil, refill the engine and replace the oil fill cap

Now, turn your car on and let it run for about 30 seconds—this will allow the new oil to fill the filter. With your dipstick, make sure you’ve added enough oil to your engine. If necessary, top it up.

At this point, you can run your engine for a few minutes in order to check for any leaks. If everything has gone to plan, your

oil pressure light

should be off.

All there is left to do is clean up! Don’t toss your oily rags into the trash and don’t dump any old oil into the sewer. Instead, put the rags and any used oil into a sealed container and take it to your local recycling center.

The bottom line

If you’re ever unsure what kind of oil goes into your Corolla, check your owner’s manual. It will never lead you astray, so put your trust in that holy grail of Toyota Corolla information. And in case you forget—always use Toyota Genuine Motor Oil 0W-16 in your Corolla!

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