Like most cars made by Toyota, the 2016 Toyota Corolla is known for its reliability and longevity. These well-built sedans can run for decades, assuming you maintain proper maintenance. And that means you'll need to know its engine oil capacity.

With proper care, you should be able to keep your 2016 Toyota Corolla running for years to come. But even an affordable and reliable model like the Corolla needs regular maintenance—which can be an inconvenient added expense. To save some money, you can always start changing your own oil—just make sure to use the correct type and amount of engine oil.

The owner’s manual for your Corolla should be able to tell you precisely what kind of engine oil it needs and its total engine oil capacity. If you’ve misplaced the manual, don’t worry—we’ve got all the information you’ll need about the 2016 Toyota Corolla’s engine oil capacity right here!

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2016 Toyota Corolla engine oil capacity

The 2016 Toyota Corolla has an engine oil capacity of exactly 4.4 quarts or 4.2 liters. That's how much oil your Corolla will be able to hold and how much fresh oil you should plan on buying each time you

change the oil and filter

in your engine.

What kind of oil does a 2016 Toyota Corolla need?

So, we know how much oil your Corolla needs, but what about the type of oil? Not all engine oils are the same’ and different makes/models require different products.

The first thing to note is that the 2016 Corolla takes SAE 0W-20 full synthetic engine oil, so you’ll only want to use products specifically labeled as such. Note that that you should be looking for

synthetic rather than conventional oil

The other key factor when picking an oil type is the viscosity or thickness of the oil—which is indicated by a number along with the letter “W,” followed by another number. This describes the oil's viscosity winter temperatures (0°F) and at high temperatures (212°F).

For Toyota cars, the best option is usually to use the OEM oil that Toyota makes itself and that comes in the car when it’s new. You can buy genuine Toyota Engine Oil online or at most auto parts stores.

MORE:

Ultimate FRAM oil filter guide

How often to change the oil in a 2016 Toyota Corolla

Now that you know exactly what kind and how much oil to use for your 2016 Toyota Corolla, the only question is: when do you change the oil?

You should change the oil every 7,500 to 10,000 miles according to

. Though, changing it every six months is usually an easier method.

If you’ve made the unfortunate decision to switch to conventional oil, rather than the recommended synthetic, then you’ll need to change the oil about twice as often—so, around every 3,000 to 5,000 miles.

Admittedly, those are some pretty large windows. So, keeping an eye on your oil and performing regular oil checks is best. A good rule of thumb is to check your oil every other time your fill up on gas.

When you do check the oil, watch out for these signs that it’s time for a change:

The oil has changed from its clean amber color to a dirty brown or black color

The oil has become contaminated with debris or feels coarse or gritty when you rub a bit between your fingers

If your engine starts making unfamiliar noises or if the service oil light comes on, it’s probably time for an oil change

There is a noticeable smell of oil, smoke, or burning while driving

MORE:

How to test an oil pump

How to change your oil and oil filter

When the time does come for an oil change, you’ll need to have the following materials ready:

Socket wrench

Drain pan

Filter wrench

Replacement oil filter

Five quarts of fresh 0W-20 engine oil.

Once you have everything you need, start the Corolla’s engine and let it run for a while. After it reaches normal operating temperatures, and the oil is nice and warmed up, shut off the engine. Then, just follow these steps:

Open the hood

Locate and remove the oil fill cap

From underneath the engine bay, remove the oil drain bolt. Once you do, the old oil will begin pouring out, so have your drain pan ready and waiting

While the oil is draining, use the filter wrench to remove the old oil filter

Once the oil is drained completely, install the new oil filter

Put the oil drain bolt back and tighten it to 29 lb-ft

Pour the fresh engine oil into the oil reservoir until it reaches the correct capacity (remember, it’s 4.4 quarts)

The oil change shouldn't take too long, but it’s a good idea to turn on your car and let your engine run for about 30 seconds before you check the oil level. This will give you a more accurate measurement, and you’ll be able to top it off if necessary.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully changed the oil in your 2016 Toyota Corolla. Now, just start the engine and allow it to run for a few minutes so you can check for leaks.

Make sure to clean up any and all oil residue and dispose of your old engine oil appropriately—that means placing it in a sealed container and taking it to the nearest recycling center.

Don’t forget regular insurance policy maintenance

Changing your own oil and taking charge of your 2016 Toyota Corolla’s routine maintenance is a great way to save money on your car expenses—but don’t forget to keep up with your car insurance policy maintenance as well.

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