Xd- Synthetic oil changeover

[Brion]

OK- short version. Xd owners- (among others) your car has officially switched to synthetic oil (0w-20) and will be coming from the factory filled with it. This will apply RETROACTIVELY to ALL 2010 models. Bottom line is- if your operation does not meet the definition of "Special Operating Conditions" Your Oil change interval is going to be 10,000 miles or 1 year.

"Special Operating Conditions" mean especially demanding operation. If the MAJORITY (that's MAJORITY) of your driving involves:

Dirt or extremely dusty roads..
Trailer towing, and / or heavy loading of the car or a car-top carrier..
Repeated >5 mile trips in below freezing temps..
EXTENSIVE idling/ low speed driving w/ near constant stop & go (couriers, police, taxi)

then YOU will want to stick with the good ole' 5k interval. Common sense applies. If you're truly a borderline case, or not sure- stick with 5k.

The maintenance lights will remain set at 5k for now. You may need other maintenence done like tire rotations, etc. and Toyota wants the light to keep good maintenance habits at the forefront. At some point- these lights may be recalibrated- I have no further info about that for now.

FURTHER- If you have paid for an oil change at a 5k interval that was not needed under the new recommendations- a program is in the works that will provide a coupon for a free oil change. Details are coming in the spring. If you are still under the Complimentary Maintenance Program- don't bet your car's title on getting an addtional free one just yet, mmkay?