My parents bought a new 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE this year. They barely use it, it's 6 months old with just over 500 miles on it. I know the recommended oil change is 6 months/5000 miles. Is it necessary to take it in for service? They live in the Phoenix AZ area if that makes any difference.
Unless they are idling like crazy, I would wait longer. I would think it would have synthetic oil in it from factory, and that interval is likely 10k miles or 12 months anyway. I would go a year for sure on that either way.
5,000 miles or 1 year, whichever comes first, is fine.
6 months or 5000 miles, whichever comes first, regardless of where you live.
I always go by mileage, not time.
1 year/5k miles, whichever comes first.
Oil will absolutely break down sitting in the oil pan, but synthetic oil won't be an issue at 6 months.
