Here’s a table for 2013 Toyota RAV4 Engine Models:
| Engine Model | Oil Type | Oil Capacity with Filter (quarts/liters) |
| 2.5L 4-Cylinder | 0W-20 full synthetic oil | 4.6 quarts / 4.4 liters |
What kind of oil does a 2013 Toyota RAV4 take?
The 2013 Toyota RAV4, equipped with a 2.5L 4-Cylinder engine, typically requires 0W-20 full synthetic oil as per the manufacturer’s specifications.
Here are a few brands that offer 0W-20 full synthetic oil suitable for the 2013 Toyota RAV4:
- Mobil 1 Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20
- Castrol EDGE Advanced Full Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20
- Pennzoil Ultra Platinum Full Synthetic 0W-20
- Valvoline Advanced Full Synthetic SAE 0W-20 Motor Oil
- Royal Purple High Performance Synthetic Motor Oil 0W-20
For a full oil change with a filter replacement, you typically need around 4.6 quarts (approximately 4.4 liters) of oil for the 2013 Toyota RAV4.
How often do you change the oil on a 2013 Toyota RAV4?
The traditional recommendation is to change your oil every 3,000 miles, but with the advancements in oils and engines, many automakers have a longer interval between oil changes.
For the 2013 Toyota RAV4 using full synthetic 0W-20 oil, many professional mechanics and the manufacturer itself typically recommend an oil change every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions.
However, if your driving conditions are more severe — for instance, if you often drive in heavy traffic, on dirt roads, or tow heavy loads — you might need to change the oil more frequently, like every 5,000 miles or 6 months.
How much will it cost to change oil and filter on a 2013 Toyota RAV4 in the US?
The cost of an oil change can vary widely depending on your location in the U.S., the specific mechanic or auto shop you choose, and whether you’re using conventional or synthetic oil.
A standard oil change for a 2013 Toyota RAV4 typically costs between $35-$75 for conventional oil and around $65-$125 for full synthetic oil. These prices usually include the cost of the oil, a new filter, and labor.
What are the signs of an oil change in the 2013 Toyota RAV4?
In addition to following the recommended mileage or time intervals for oil changes, there are several signs you can watch for that may indicate your 2013 Toyota RAV4 needs an oil change.
- Check Engine or Oil Change Light: The most obvious sign is if your check engine or oil change light illuminates on your dashboard. These lights are designed to inform you when something isn’t right with your vehicle, so it’s always important to pay attention to them.
- Dark and Dirty Oil: Clean oil is an amber color. Over time, it will darken and get dirty from collecting particles from the engine. You can check the condition of your oil by removing the dipstick, wiping it clean, reinserting it, and then pulling it out again to see the color. If the oil is dark and dirty, it’s time for an oil change.
- Louder Engine Noise and Knocking: Oil provides a barrier between engine parts that prevents them from rubbing together and causing damage. If the oil becomes too old and dirty, it can’t lubricate the engine parts properly. This can cause the engine to run louder than normal and may result in knocking sounds.
- Oil Smell Inside the Car: If you start to smell oil inside your car, this could be a sign of an oil leak. If the smell is accompanied by the smell of gas or exhaust fumes, the vehicle could be in danger of overheating, indicating the need for immediate attention.
- Exhaust Smoke: While some translucent vapor coming out of your tailpipe when it’s cold outside is normal, actual smoke is not. If you see smoke, you could have an oil leak. If the oil is leaking into the engine, it can get burned by the heat of the engine, causing visible smoke to come out of your exhaust.
- Oil Consistency: If you check your oil and it has a consistency more like sludge than liquid, or if you can see metal particles in the oil, it’s time for an oil change, and possibly other engine services.
2013 Toyota RAV4 Oil Change (Video)
