How often should I change the oil in my 2024 Toyota Highlander?
The quick answer: For most Highlander owners, oil changes are recommended every 10,000 miles or 12 months when using 0W-20 synthetic oil, with more frequent changes (about every 5,000 miles or 6 months) if you drive under severe conditions. The Highlander’s Maintenance Minder will display when service is due.
Understanding the official interval
The following intervals reflect Toyota’s guidance as implemented in the 2024 Highlander’s Maintenance Minder and owner’s manual.
Below are the general intervals you’ll see referenced in Toyota’s documentation and on the vehicle’s maintenance display:
- Normal driving: oil change every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, using recommended 0W-20 synthetic oil.
- Severe driving or towing: oil change every 5,000 miles (8,000 km) or 6 months, whichever comes first.
- Always follow the Maintenance Minder; the system may adjust based on your actual driving and oil life.
In practice, the onboard Minder analyzes engine use and oil life to prompt service, so guidelines may vary from car to car even within the same model year.
What counts as severe driving?
To help determine if your Highlander needs more frequent changes, Toyota lists several conditions that typically qualify as severe driving:
- Many short trips with frequent starts and stops
- Regular towing or carrying heavy loads
- Driving in extreme temperatures (very hot or very cold)
- Dusty or dirty driving conditions
- Stop-and-go city traffic with limited engine warm-up
If you usually operate in these conditions, plan for more frequent oil changes and rely on the Maintenance Minder's reminders.
How to follow the Maintenance Minder
The Highlander uses Toyota's Maintenance Minder to determine when to change oil. The system tracks oil life and driving conditions, and it will display an oil life percentage and an “Oil Change” reminder when service is due. Here are practical steps to stay on schedule:
- Check the oil life indicator on the instrument cluster during routine drives.
- When the display shows a low oil life percentage or an Oil Change reminder, service is due.
- Bring the Highlander to a Toyota service center or a qualified shop to replace the oil and the filter with the recommended 0W-20 synthetic oil.
- Reset or follow the technician’s reset procedure after service, if required by your vehicle’s system.
Following the Minder helps protect engine longevity and is designed to account for your actual driving patterns rather than sticking to a fixed mileage alone.
Oil type and service basics
Use Toyota-approved 0W-20 synthetic oil and replace the oil filter at each change. Verify the exact oil specification in your owner’s manual or on the oil cap if in doubt. The Highlander’s oil drain interval is designed to align with modern synthetic oils for efficiency and performance while meeting warranty requirements.
Summary
Key takeaway: For normal driving, plan for an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months with synthetic 0W-20 oil; for severe driving, adjust to about 5,000 miles or 6 months. Trust the Maintenance Minder to tailor the schedule to your usage, and always follow the manual. Regular maintenance helps preserve engine health and the vehicle’s warranty.
How often should synthetic oil be changed in a Toyota Highlander?
every 7,500 - 10,000 miles
An oil change is one of the most fundamental and vital services for your automobile. Toyota recommends getting your Toyota Highlander oil & filter changed every 3,000-5,000 miles for conventional oil. Synthetic oil usually should be changed every 7,500 - 10,000 miles.
What is the maintenance schedule for the 2024 Toyota Highlander?
Maintaining your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander in peak condition is essential for ensuring its longevity and performance. Regular maintenance, as outlined by Toyota, is crucial. It's recommended to service your Grand Highlander every 5,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first.
How often does Toyota recommend oil changes?
Toyota recommends an oil change every 5,000 miles or six months for most vehicles, but newer models using 0W-20 full synthetic oil may be approved for a 10,000-mile interval. However, if your vehicle is driven under severe conditions, such as stop-and-go traffic, extreme temperatures, or heavy towing, more frequent changes are needed. Always check your owner's manual for the specific recommendation for your vehicle.
Factors that influence oil change frequency
- Oil type: Vehicles using full synthetic oil can often go longer between changes (10,000 miles) compared to those using conventional or synthetic blend oil (5,000 miles).
- Driving conditions: Frequent driving in "severe conditions" (like heavy traffic, extreme heat or cold, dusty roads, or towing) shortens the recommended interval, even for synthetic oil.
- Time: Regardless of mileage, oil should be changed at least once a year because oil can break down over time.
- Vehicle maintenance schedule: Your Toyota has a maintenance schedule with a maintenance reminder system that indicates when service is due, often at 5,000 or 10,000-mile intervals.
What to do at each interval
- At the 5,000-mile or six-month mark, Toyota typically recommends an inspection and tire rotation, in addition to a potential oil change depending on the vehicle and oil type.
- Even with longer intervals, you should still check your oil level and condition regularly.
How often should I change the oil on my 2024 Toyota Highlander?
10,000 Miles
10,000 Miles
During the 10,000-mile maintenance visit, our service technicians will change the oil and replace the oil filter.
