15RC350F

My NX is the first new car I've purchased in almost ten years, and I'm approaching 7,000 miles. Also, I am admittedly no car expert. But 10,000 miles seems like a long time before the first oil change! Didn't we all - once upon a time - do the very first oil change on a new car a lot sooner?

I know some of you - like Swacer - are major car geeks, so I trust your thoughts and opinions.

Drtbk4ever

I believe the synthetic oil has a lot to do with this longer oil change interval.

philwojo

Most people, in the past, did it at 1,000 miles. Most people today, even with synthetic oil seem to like to still hold to 3 months/3,000 miles for some reason as well.

I personally think that the 1st oil change should be done before 10,000 miles, but that is nothing more than my opinion. I feel the first one for us will be around 5,000 or so, and then every 7,500-10k after that assuming full synthetic.

Phil

Swacer

Personally, I always believe the first oil change should be done at 1,500 miles. This is considered the break in change. As your motor brakes in, it will remove shavings off the cylinder walls and will also gain any containments as bearings break in. As such, you want to remove that from your motor and turbo as quickly possible.

Then, you want to get on a 5,000 mi/change cycle. Lexus doesn't say you HAVE to do this, but this is a method I have always followed and have never had car engine issues.

The way I did my wife's IS, and I will my NX is:

1,500 mi

5,000 mi

Then every 5k after.

While there is lots of studies showing synthetic can last a long time, I'm one that personally says, I would rather spend the money and know my oil is fresh on a consistent interval.

My Camaro is only driven 2-3k miles a year, so it only gets oil changes every spring.

leej865

I've been buying new cars now for 35 years. I've never followed any kind of 'break-in' period, and I have just adhered to the guidelines in the owner's manuals for oil changes. I plan on doing the same thing with my NX.

15RC350F

So, to me, it sounds like either "the manufacturer knows best" or "be extra safe" (maybe because that's how we've always done it).

I shall ponder. Thanks, all, for your input.

drifter123

@ Swacer, I’m planning on taking my NX on a 800 mi ride the day after purchase. It will be all highway miles. I’ll be driving 13 hours non-stop both ways so 1600 mi. Is this pushing the break in period?

LexBob2

You can't go wrong either way with break in regimen or manufacturers guidelines.

RDLGX

The maintenance schedule I have says every 5000 miles or 6 months, which ever comes first.

corradoMR2

p 168 in the manual - the break-in mentions to avoid constant speeds for extended periods of time for the first 1k miles.

Oil change though is every 10k.

My0gr81

Lexus Canada also reimburses the dealers for the first oil change at 1600km (1000 miles). some dealers include a maintenance plan that then includes the regular maintenance intervals in the "added options" of the purchase price.

computerwi

For Canadians, there is no oil change at 1,600 km. This is just a "check up" which 99% of the time, will not reveal anything. You can also have Lexus adjust your dealer only personalized settings at this visit. Canadian also do not get a complimentary 8,000 km or first 6-month oil change like our friends to the south...

Swacer

No, you won't be pushing break in, it will just be a little "different" for you.

1. Avoid constant speeds. So on the highway, you'll need to variate between 50mph and 70mph (or whatever the speed limit is there)

2. I would also recommend putting the car in M every once in a while when going down to 50 mph and downshift 1 gear. Then upshift when going back up in speed and then go back over to D.

3. Stop every 200-300 miles and let everything on the car cool down. You're breaking in your drivetrain at the same time and those parts need to heat cycle.

4. Don't push hard on the motor, ease into everything. Also, when braking, hit the pedal soft and early, you want to break the brake lines in properly and seat the pads properly.

You do that, you should be just fine.

RDLGX

Great tips.....I haven't thought of # 2 myself....I have around 900 miles now..perhaps I should do this. Unfortunately , I had to hit my brakes hard last weekend as an old lady went through an intersection in front of me and almost hit me. I can say the NX has great brakes

My0gr81

You are right and wrong. The 1600km is check up, but my dealer does a free oil drain and fill, no filter change. According to Lexus.ca, the 8000km oil service is complimentary.

http://www.lexus.ca/lexus/en/parts-s...nance-schedule