Never Pay for a Oil Change Again: How to Change Oil in Your 2017 Toyota Corolla

Maintaining your Toyota Corolla 2017 is essential for its longevity and performance. One crucial aspect of this maintenance is changing the engine oil. While you can take your car to a mechanic, changing the oil yourself is a fairly straightforward task that can save you money and give you a sense of accomplishment. This guide will walk you through the process of changing oil in your Toyota Corolla 2017, providing detailed instructions and essential tips for a successful oil change.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary supplies:

• New Engine Oil: Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type and viscosity for your Toyota Corolla 2017.
• Oil Filter: Again, refer to your owner’s manual for the correct oil filter size and brand.
• Oil Drain Pan: A large enough pan to catch the old oil.
• Wrench or Socket: A wrench or socket that fits the oil drain plug.
• Filter Wrench: A filter wrench to help remove the old oil filter.
• Gloves: Protect your hands from oil and grime.
• Rag or Shop Towels: For cleaning up spills and wiping surfaces.
• Funnel: To help pour the new oil into the engine.
• Safety Glasses: To protect your eyes from splashes.

Prepare Your Toyota Corolla 2017

1. Warm Up the Engine: Drive your Corolla for a few minutes to warm up the oil, making it easier to drain.
2. Park on a Level Surface: Ensure your car is parked on a level surface, preferably in a well-ventilated area.
3. Engage Parking Brake: Engage the parking brake and shift the transmission into “Park” or “Neutral.”

Locate the Oil Drain Plug

1. Underneath the Vehicle: Locate the oil pan underneath the engine. It’s typically a metal pan near the bottom of the engine.
2. Identify the Drain Plug: The oil drain plug is usually a bolt or a square plug located on the bottom of the oil pan. It might be slightly recessed.

Drain the Old Oil

1. Place the Drain Pan: Position the oil drain pan directly underneath the drain plug.
2. Loosen the Drain Plug: Use your wrench or socket to loosen the drain plug. Be careful not to overtighten it when you re-install it later.
3. Remove the Drain Plug: Once the drain plug is loose, remove it completely, allowing the old oil to drain into the pan.
4. Let it Drain: Allow the oil to drain completely, which may take several minutes.
5. Check for Debris: Inspect the drain plug for any debris or metal shavings. If you find any, it might indicate a potential problem with your engine.
6. Replace the Drain Plug: Once the oil has drained, replace the drain plug and tighten it securely. Do not overtighten.

Replace the Oil Filter

1. Locate the Oil Filter: Find the oil filter housing, which is usually located on the side of the engine, near the oil pan.
2. Loosen the Filter: Use the filter wrench to loosen the oil filter. If the filter is very tight, you can use a strap wrench for extra grip.
3. Remove the Filter: Once the filter is loose, remove it completely.
4. Clean the Housing: Use a rag or shop towel to clean the oil filter housing area, removing any old oil or debris.
5. Install the New Filter: Apply a thin coat of clean engine oil to the rubber seal of the new oil filter. This helps ensure a good seal and prevents the filter from sticking.
6. Tighten the Filter: Hand-tighten the new oil filter until it makes contact with the housing. Then, tighten it an additional half to three-quarters of a turn with the filter wrench. Do not overtighten.

Add New Oil

1. Pour New Oil: Carefully pour the correct amount of new engine oil into the engine oil filler cap. Refer to your owner’s manual for the exact amount required for your Toyota Corolla 2017.
2. Check Oil Level: After adding the oil, allow a few minutes for it to settle. Then, check the oil level using the dipstick. The oil level should be between the “Full” and “Low” marks on the dipstick.
3. Top Off as Needed: If the oil level is low, add more oil until it reaches the “Full” mark.
4. Start the Engine: Start the engine and let it run for a few minutes.
5. Check for Leaks: Inspect the oil drain plug and oil filter area for any leaks.
6. Check Oil Level Again: After the engine has warmed up, check the oil level again and top it off if necessary.

Dispose of Used Oil and Filter

Dispose of the used oil and filter responsibly. You can usually take them to a local auto parts store or recycling center.

Important Tips

• Read Your Owner’s Manual: Always refer to your Toyota Corolla 2017’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations regarding oil change intervals, oil type, and filter size.
• Safety First: Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from oil spills and splashes.
• Clean Up: Clean up any spills immediately to prevent oil from contaminating the environment.
• Regular Maintenance: Changing your engine oil regularly is essential for maintaining the health and performance of your Toyota Corolla 2017.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Oil Change

Performing an oil change is a great way to learn more about your Toyota Corolla 2017 and keep it running smoothly. It’s a relatively simple task that can be done by anyone with basic mechanical skills. Remember to always consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations.

Beyond the oil change, there are many other maintenance tasks you can perform yourself to keep your Corolla in top shape. These include:

• Air Filter Replacement: A clean air filter improves engine performance and fuel efficiency.
• Spark Plug Replacement: New spark plugs ensure proper ignition and smooth engine operation.
• Brake Pad and Rotor Inspection: Regular inspection and replacement of brake pads and rotors are crucial for safe braking.
• Tire Pressure and Tread Depth Check: Maintaining proper tire pressure and tread depth enhances safety and fuel efficiency.

By taking care of these maintenance tasks, you can extend the life of your Toyota Corolla 2017 and enjoy a reliable and enjoyable driving experience for years to come.

Common Questions and Answers

Q: How often should I change the oil in my Toyota Corolla 2017?

A: Your Toyota Corolla 2017’s owner’s manual will specify the recommended oil change interval. Typically, it’s around 5,000 to 7,500 miles, but it can vary depending on driving conditions and oil type.

Q: What type of oil should I use?

A: Consult your owner’s manual for the recommended oil type and viscosity for your Toyota Corolla 2017. It will typically specify a synthetic blend or fully synthetic oil.

Q: What if I overtighten the oil drain plug or oil filter?

A: Overtightening can damage the oil pan or oil filter housing. Use a torque wrench to ensure proper tightening.

Q: Can I use a different brand of oil filter than the one recommended by Toyota?

A: While you can use a different brand, it’s always best to stick with the oil filter recommended by Toyota for your Corolla 2017. This ensures compatibility and optimal performance.

Q: What if I see oil leaking after the oil change?

A: If you see oil leaking after an oil change, it’s important to investigate the source of the leak. It could be a loose drain plug, a damaged oil filter, or a problem with the oil pan or gasket. If you can’t identify the leak, it’s best to take your Corolla to a mechanic for inspection.