If the oil in your Toyota runs low it could damage the engine and leave you with a big repair bill. That’s easy to avoid if you make checking the oil level a regular part of your car maintenance routine.
This ‘weekend workshop’ will show you how to check the oil level in most Toyota models and top it up if you need to. Please note, however, that the GR Supra requires a different, software-based procedure, so please refer to the owner’s manual for further details.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lb3wY-TEQKM&index=5
Park your car on level ground. Open the bonnet and find the dipstick. It’s usually brightly coloured to make it easy to spot.
Pull the dipstick out and wipe it with a clean rag. Find the minimum and maximum marks. Then replace the dipstick and pull it out again. The oil should come somewhere between the two markers. If it falls below the minimum level you need to add some more oil.
Engine oil: What oil for my Toyota?
It’s very important you use the correct grade. Take a look in your Toyota’s handbook to check, or contact your local Toyota dealer if you are in any doubt.
Find the filler cap. It should be clearly marked, but refer to your handbook if unsure. Unscrew it so you can pour in the oil. Use a funnel to prevent any spillage. Add just a little, then check the level again with the dipstick. Repeat until the oil level is at the maximum marker.
Wipe away any spillage, replace the filler cap, and close the bonnet. That’s all there is to it.
See also:
Weekend workshop: how to change oil
Weekend workshop: how to change a wiper blade
Weekend workshop: how to change a tyre
I have a TOYOTA HIACE 2.5 D4D 2KD-FTV. According to the Toyota SDS, it needs 7.3 lt engine oil (when replacing the oil filter as well). Even though, I follow religiously the sds recommendations, the dipstick shows always more oil in the engine & the oil is constantly well above the MAX dot when car is hot (and cold). Any idea? Thanks a lot. Nikos from Greece
Have toyata aygo petrol 2022 car what oil is needed thanks
Hi Gina, thanks for your query.
Please can you provide your vehicle registration so that we can look into this for you.
Additionally, please can you specify which oil you are referring to, for example engine oil.
Thanks.
Hi Nikos,
Thank you for your comment. We’d advise contacting Toyota in your region as they would be in the best position to help. Many thanks.
Hello. Can you tell whats the exact recommendation for Toyota Prius 2nd gen, Reg: AJ57 LLX. I have used 5w30 and A5 and C3 variants in the past. Also is 0w20 or ow30 any good for winter?
Thanks
Abdul UK
Hi Abdul,
Thanks for getting in touch. We can confirm that the recommended oil for this vehicle is 5W-30 FE.
We hope this helps.
I’m in Pakistan where temperature is around 40 degree c in summer. I’m using Toyota pixis space what engine oil should i use
Hi,
Thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately we are unable to advise on vehicles outside of our region. Please contact a Toyota distributor or specialist in your region for assistance. Thanks.
Nice Information about on how to check oil, engine oil is very important.
Hi Amit,
Thanks for your message. We’re glad you liked it! You can check out more of our weekend workshops, here: https://mag.toyota.co.uk/weekend-workshop-how-to-change-oil
Thanks.
2007 yaris 1.8 sr. Should engine be warm before oil level check. Should it be cold.
Hi Joe,
We recommend checking the oil level before turning on the engine.
Thanks.
Local Steven Eagle Toyota garage messed up the appointment date for service of Yaris Cross so now overdue. The oil maintenance light is on saying that it needed maintenance within 491 miles, (now less than that!). I have a service plan and am booking it in at a different Toyota garage which is more than the mileage away the message states. Can I check the oil myself and if I do this will the warning message go away if oil is at correct level? Can I make a long journey of 300+ miles before getting the service done? I only bought this car (used) earlier this year and not impressed with Steven Eagle, previously, Marshals were amazing and couldn’t fault their customer care and support. Am moving away this week so a good time perhaps to shop around!
Hi Rebecca, thanks for getting in touch.
We’re sorry to hear you’ve had problems booking in for your service. You’ll need to check your service plan because this is usually linked to one particular dealership, so it may not be valid if you travel to your second servicing location. The light cannot be turned off yourself, it can only be done so after the correct service has been carried out. Whilst a missed service will not automatically void the warranty, we would not recommend exceeding the time or mileage limits. We’re all human and hopefully the miscommunication about your inital booking was just a mistake, but it is of course up to you where you choose to go.
Thanks,
Toyota UK