Stemmer

So my son got his licence last fall and I bit the bullet and bought a new car and gave him my RX. I was driving 15k per year with a 5k OCI - about every 4 months. He's had it 7 months and has put 2,400 miles on it - and it's virtually no highway - a lot of short around town trips to school and friends. Extrapolating it's about 4K per year all local short trips. What's my new OCI?

Also despite it going into service June '98 and nearing 17 years old it's in great shape and the RX is a hit at school compared to the newer cars but compacts most of the kids have. Teens love SUV's And even better - no accidents or tickets (fingers crossed)!

kalali

What is OCI?

hypervish

Every 6 months with a quality synthetic.

Oil Change Interval

fastnoypi

Oil change interval = OCI


You'll be expecting fuel dilution with the short trips. Without paying for an oil analysis, i'd consider 7-8 months for the OCI.
To avoid the dreaded rear valve cover breather problem on some of these 1st Gen RX's, consider doing 1/2hr or longer highway trips on the weekends. Lots of short trips do not get the oil hot enough to burn off moisture which leads to sludge.

matts6887

speaking of oil changes; Im getting mine done today. I decided that its probably best if I go with high mileage oil since the car is 16 years old.

salimshah

My 2c ,,, if you have been using certain brand, type and weight and you have had no trouble then stay with it.

If you want to move to synthetic, move to blends and then move to full synthetic (difference in what USA calls synthetic vs Europe). If you observe a problem then back off.

Changing oil ***** nilly invites trouble.


Salim

VegasRX300

After I got my 1999 RX300 AWD last year, it had some 175,000 miles when I got it. I change everything to full synthetic. Engine, rearend, transfer case and transmission. (Very good DIY list here on how to do everything) I use Mobil 1 but there are many good synthetic fluids.
I use to live in cold country (Jackson, Wyoming) where it gets 20 below and more in the winter. I changed all fluids to synthetic in my 4 wheel drive and never had a problem with cold starts, ever. Just start and go.
I'm a true believer in synthetic oils. Lasts longer, better mileage, no build up and less wear and tear on components. The stuff is slick.
If you do change over to a synthetic fluid you must continue to use synthetic. No switching back and forth to dinosaur oil.

Stemmer

Thanks - I'm a bit overdue and will get it done this weekend.

matts6887

Well even with all that; I went with high mileage oil just to help keep the seals, etc. in as good a shape as possible. Yes it was a bit more $; but imo its worth it. As far as running full synthetic; I dont think its 100% necessary in this vehicle like it was in my last one. My last vehicle was much much newer but required premium fuel and full synthetic oil. Im probabkly just gonna stick with high mileage oil because the vehicle is high mileage(100,000+ miles) and will help to condition the seals better etc.

The vehicle was a 2011 Acura RDX with a 2.3L 4cylinder turbo. And it needed the synthetic because of the additives in it because of the turbo. I loved that car and i hated to get rid of it but had to sell it due to financial reasons.