Jesper

Yesterday I had the engine oil in my 2002 RX300 changed at a Lexus dealer. When I looked at the service record, I noticed they had used 5W-20 oil. The manual specifies 5W-30. Since I live in Chicago and we've had a large number of days over 90 degrees and several days over 100, I am skeptical that a 20 weight oil provides adequate viscosity for good lubrication at those temperatures. What do you think? Thanks for your advice.

hypervish

It'll be fine, but if you feel uneasy about having a 5W-20 in there, I'm sure the dealer will drain the oil and fill it back up with 5W-30 if requested. The 1MZ-FE engine is approved for use with 5W-20, refer to chart. Also, a lot of newer Toyota engines are running 5W-20 or 0W-20 even during the summer.

Jesper

Thanks Hypervish! That chart is very interesting. Did you find it on the Lexus website? I searched the Lexus website for information on engine oil and didn't see this chart. When I spoke with the service manager at my Lexus dealer he implied they had converted to 5W-20 for all vehicles although he didn't specifically say that. The next time I talk to him I'll ask specifically. However, the chart shows that for some vehicles only 5W-30 is acceptable -- the IS 300/350 and the LS 400/430. I know manufacturers are trying to push toward 5W-20 oil because it improves gas mileage, but I wonder if it provides the best lubrication for engine longevity.

hypervish

You're welcome!

I found this chart on a forum, BITOG (Bob is The Oil Guy Forum). So, I can't confirm the authenticity of it.

But, I do have another chart (shown below) that verifies this information, I also obtained this chart via BITOG, but again can't confirm how true it really is. They both look like a LEGIT chart. This chart is only for Toyota's, but if you look under Highlander V6 it's the same motor as the RX, so the information there should apply to us.

99rx

iTrader: (6)

+1 on that chart. It amazes me on how many new models use 0w-20 only...

TrueTexan

Each of the charts show all three dots on the RX300 (2002). Does that mean I can use any of the three, even though my book says to only use 5W30? Also, I spoke with a mechanic yesterday who told me that the Mobil 1 Conventional, which is what Lexus said they always use in the RX, is one of the worst oils for wax build-up. This person lived up north, where Mobil 1 is refined and told me about how deer fall into the vats, and other animals, which have to then be fished out before they can continue refining it. Anyway, I'm not real car saavy and have to research everything at length before making decisions. DH is not real good on car maintenance either, so I can't depend on him! I'd like to go with Castrol, which is what has been recommended by 2-3 different sources now, though none of them are Lexus folks! Thanks.

Johnylawre

It'll be fantastic, but if you experience nervous about having a 5W-20 in there, I'm sure the provider will stress the oil and finish it returning up with 5W-30 if requested for. The 1MZ-FE motor is approved for use with 5W-20, seek advice from information. Also, a lot of more latest Chevrolet search engines are managing 5W-20 or 0W-20 even during the heated several weeks period.
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carguy07

EPA mandate.

99rx

iTrader: (6)

Of course. doesn't surprise me...

maysa79

I have lexus hybrid hs250h year 2010 what is the best engine oil to use for it?

Lexmex

For where you are at, I would use a full-synthetic 5W20. Redline 5W20, Royal Purple 5W20 would be ideal for that environment in Jordan, but I am not sure of what brands of oil you have readily available there.

hypervish

I'm currently running QSUD 0W-20 (Quaker State Ultimate Durabilty). I've been running it for close to 1500 miles now, with no adverse effects. Engine still sounds great, as smooth as before, a slight barely noticeable improvement with throttle response according to my butt dyno. But, the biggest change is how long it cranks before starting up. With the 0W-20 weight it starts up quicker in the cold than it did with PP 5W-30. It would usually crank for a little bit to bring up oil pressure i presume, and then start. Now, it cranks a bit less and starts up.

code58

That's correct Mr. H. My wife's '02 Camry called for 5-30 I believe. Her '11 camry calls for 0-20 full synthetic and it does start quicker than the '02. They are both 4 cyl. (grandson has the '02 now). The injectors don't supply fuel until the computer reads a certain oil pressure. No "instant" starts there. I was a little disapointed in that at 1st. until I realized the reason it wasn't starting instantly since I always keep our vehicles in such great shape. Bought both of them new and they were that way from new.

lexus114

Im using Pennzoil 5W-20 in my 05 RX and it runs terrific on it.