hello forum members, i just purchased my first lexus last week, an '06 gs430. i am wanting to do an oil change myself and came onto the board to get some instructions. i've just discovered that lexus has a very different oil filter than what i've ever seen before. it also appears that i will need a special tool to remove the filter cap. so i'm wondering if it does me any good to change the oil without changing the filter? it's sitting right at 50k miles and the maint. req. screen just popped up a couple days ago. any input is appreciated, thanks.

 

You'll want to change filter. In fact, the oil itself usually lasts longer than the filter.

 

I bought a cap which fits over the oil filter housing for less than $10 at Auto Zone. It's used with a 3/8" ratchet. Prior to this, I used a 'belt' oil filter wrench with no problem.
Also, at least where I live, the oil filter is $3.00 less at a Toyota dealer than at Lexus.
I always change the filter when I change the oil.

 

I guess you could buy the special "cap" filter wrench that fits over the end of the oil filter and is turned by a ratchet wrench but I've always used a general purpose oil filter wretch that was originally made for import cars before U.S. automakers started using small diameter filters.

Based on the part number check I just did, it looks like your car uses the same oil filter as my 2000 LS400 and all other Toyota and Lexus V8 engines from 1990 at least through 2006 -- not sure about after 2006.

I buy oil filters by the ten pack, including 10 oil plug gaskets, from my local Toyota dealer for $40 ... i.e. $4 each including one oil plug gasket.

 

thanks guys for the quick response. so that tool can be purchased at auto zone then? can the filter be bought there as well or is this a lexus/toyota only part? thanks again.

 

it's good to use OEM filters, compare the $4 that he spent on a OEM toyota filter vs a $4 Fram filter, which would you rather prefer? one MADE for hte car? or some aftermarket brand?

 

yes you're absolutely right, i would rather use the oem filter. but to go ahead and get my oil changed on the only available day of the week that i have, i am hoping that auto zone or any like store will have one in stock today. after this point i will order these filters in bulk as many other members are doing.

 

u need no special tools to do a oil change just a few sockets and your hands its probably the easiest oil change on any car ever

 

That special filter is on the 300/350, the 430 has a regular old metal filter that pops off and you throw away the thing, it is not a canister type (unless I am wrong)

 

yes, you are correct. i found this out today when i went to do the change. thanks again for everyone's help. i'm a member of a few forums and this is by far one of the best... great members here.

 

Use oem filter it worth buying