Oil change - synthetic oil
#32
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There is nothing you can determine from the color of the used oil. The only way to know if the oil is used up is to test it for TBN (total base number) and for viscosity. I run Red Line in my Supra with 10k mile OCI, and Mobil 1 in my F with 12k mile OCI. All my oil decisions are based on used oil analysis.
My car has had Mobil 1 synthetic since the first oil change but upcoming will be Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30 since the current Shell/Chevron gas discount deal effectively lowers the price to a little over $1 a quart. Same deal on Pennzoil Ultra.
#34
Tech Info Resource
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How many months apart are your OCI? I've always done oil changes on my vehicles with less miles between since I don't put a lot of miles on them. 10-12k would be likely be over a year between oil changes. Also, lots of city driving with not too many highway miles. Is there any harm in basically doing "annual" oil changes?
My car has had Mobil 1 synthetic since the first oil change but upcoming will be Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30 since the current Shell/Chevron gas discount deal effectively lowers the price to a little over $1 a quart. Same deal on Pennzoil Ultra.
My car has had Mobil 1 synthetic since the first oil change but upcoming will be Pennzoil Platinum 5w-30 since the current Shell/Chevron gas discount deal effectively lowers the price to a little over $1 a quart. Same deal on Pennzoil Ultra.
My cars are all garaged, so they see very little overnight temperature change which can also cause internal condensation. If your car lives outside overnight, more frequent changes may be necessary.
But none of any of what I said means anything without sending a sample for testing, and preferably a series of samples so you can get a good idea of how your engine responds to your climate and driving patterns. What works for me might be a disaster for you and vice versa.
If you're not going to have the oil analyzed, you're best off to follow Lexus's recommended service schedule. Because the 2UR-GSE holds nearly 10 quarts, it makes economic sense to have the oil tested. Engines with smaller capacity are harder to justify unless they're turbocharged, then it always makes economic sense so you can know your turbo is in good shape, or more importantly, it isn't in good shape but is still worthy of a rebuild. JMHO.
#35
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Thanks. That is something I've always wondered about, but never took time to look deep enough into it. My car is garaged and I do usually get up to 3 bars and typically let the car warm up a bit before even leaving the driveway, so it seems longer time-period intervals probably wouldn't be harmful.
I have done Blackstone before with my truck since I've done all the maintenance on it myself, so I may do this for the IS-F in the future. However, I was pretty happy getting it changed at Toyota last time (no Lexus dealership for 150 miles) since everyone there loved the car and they only charged $20 (using my oil).
I have done Blackstone before with my truck since I've done all the maintenance on it myself, so I may do this for the IS-F in the future. However, I was pretty happy getting it changed at Toyota last time (no Lexus dealership for 150 miles) since everyone there loved the car and they only charged $20 (using my oil).
#36
Lexus Test Driver
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That makes sense to me, and I'm certainly no expert on the subject. However, I was still very surprised, given that the oil has always come out "black" on pretty much every other oil change I've ever done.
In hindsight, I probably should have let it go till 15K and saved a few bucks.
-Mike
#37
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I use Toyota conventional dyno oil in my car and change it every 5000 km max. I know it's excessive and not needed but its $100, no big deal for me knowing the oil is always fresh. My F now has 73000km on it and runs like new, not an issue ever.
One thing that does concern me is the tranny oil. I know its life time oil but i'd love to change it anyways but afraid to as from what I read its a complicated process.
One thing that does concern me is the tranny oil. I know its life time oil but i'd love to change it anyways but afraid to as from what I read its a complicated process.
Last edited by Compthis; 04-23-14 at 05:04 AM.
#38
Driver School Candidate
Thanks for the Oil App and Change guide. I will be sure to print and take to the lexus service department when I go for my first oil change. When the local Lexus service rep told me they used 0w-20 I was very surprised. So I called the Lexus service rep in Va. where I purchased the ISF and they recommend 5w-30.
Since my first oil change is free from Lexus, I will take it to the local dealer and make sure they fill it with the 5w-30.
Thanks again for the pdf. It is very helpful.
gtr
#39
Advanced
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In almost all instances it is filter life/capacity that is shorter than oil life, synthetic or not. And, many "non-synthetics" are actually synthetic blends these days as well. I am in agreement after owning many vehicles that synthetic has no advantages except maybe peace of mind. If your change interval is regular you should be fine.
#40
Instructor
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I use Toyota conventional dyno oil in my car and change it every 5000 km max. I know it's excessive and not needed but its $100, no big deal for me knowing the oil is always fresh. My F now has 73000km on it and runs like new, not an issue ever.
One thing that does concern me is the tranny oil. I know its life time oil but i'd love to change it anyways but afraid to as from what I read its a complicated process.
One thing that does concern me is the tranny oil. I know its life time oil but i'd love to change it anyways but afraid to as from what I read its a complicated process.
The complicated part was the process in ensuring the correct amount was in there which the dealer took care of since I believe it has to be a certain temperature and left overnight at the dealer to get proper reading with their scan tools (techstream).
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