autodriver

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using 0W-30 motor oil instead of 5W-30 motor oil to your 1st generation RX300?

carguy07

It flows better when it's cold.

hypervish

Pretty much what carguy07 said. And...

Once the oil reaches operating temperature, it will be the same viscosity/weight as the 5W-30.

01rxwhite

I agree. I just changed my oil this weekend with Mobil 1 0-30w, synthetic. I had tried it before in the winter, but it should be good year round. The idea of the 0w viscosity is it flows better when cold and supposedly the engine is better lubricated on cold starts. Also, the engine supposedly warms up quicker to operating temp. Again, SUPPOSEDLY, it is more fuel efficient for those reason. Having used this oil, I haven't really noticed any fuel savings. The only advantage I've noticed is my RX seems to run and shift a little smoother on cold winter mornings when temps are around 20-40 degrees. It doesn't get much colder here though. There are no disadvantages that I can see as long as the price is the same.

NyCrAzY

Agree with the top three comments. Me myself also switched over to 0w-30 Mobil 1 and noticed better performance.

Next oil change, I will try the oil our loyal member, Lexmex use ... which is the Castrol GTX 0w-30 I believe. A bit expensive tho because its sold per quart oppose to the full 5 quart jug.

Marklouis

Same here - I switched mine to Mobile 1 0-30 in my LS-430 last oil change and the difference was noticeable, especially on gas mileage, it went from 26 MPG highway to 29.

Marklouis

To add I also blew out my pollen filled air filter during the oil change, so that contributed to gas mileage as well

hypervish

He uses German Castrol Syntec 0W-30 (European Formula).

NyCrAzY

My mistake, thanks for correcting me.

hypervish

You're welcome.

Let us know how you like that oil compared to what you are running now.

lexus114

That German Castrol is a thick 30 weight. You will have much better performance on the Mobil 0W-30.