chuckb

Change oil yet or what? My GS430 had an oil change on 9-16-04. I've only put about 1300 miles on since then, I just noticed the sticker says change 1-05.

R1MAN

You don't have too, as far as I know you should change it after six months if you have not move your car at all, I could be wrong, but if you drive your car occasionally, I wouldn't be worry about it at all, unless your car is brand new.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

You'll be fine. I dont deal with the 3month oil change nonsense.

steviej

iTrader: (1)

depends on your reference.

some say 3 months or 3k miles
some say 4 months or 5k miles. whatever makes you comfy.

either way I would definately do it by 6 months or 5k miles.

steviej

Lexusfreak

Agreed! Chuck, do you use 'dino' oil or synthetic?

chuckb

I use the reg castrol via Lex dealer. I have been considering syn lately but
my car has 24k miles so I guess if I was to switch now would be the time

BLK13X

I'd use semi-syn at least.

Oh I do my oil changes every 5000kms (about 2.5mths) using semi-syn oil.

<VENOM>

Just take the car out for a highway run and any condensation that has built up will be burnt out

anyone who uses semi-synthetic, people think the mix is 50/50 when infact it's probably 20% synthetic, 80% dino, save yourself some money and just buy both regular and synthetic and mix 2 bottles with 2 bottles

PitBull

Edge is right, plus Castrol GTX is great oil.

mmarshall

I partially disagree here. 3 months is not considered nonsense if you drive in "severe" conditions. NOT driving much in those three months can be considered severe. Moisture, acids, blow-by gases, raw fuel vapors, metal shavings if the engine is new........many undesirable things can build up in the oil over time if the car is not driven regularly with a hot engine. Driving for a long distance at high speed and getting the engine hot after letting it sit awhile, of course, will help some....but under these consitions it is still best to do it at 3 months or 3000 miles, whatever comes first. In your case, with few miles, you can probably go to four months without a problem....but the way you drive I wouldn't stretch it much more than that.
Your 4.3L V8 is generally more forgiving of extended intervals than the 3.0L V6, but still can sludge up if pushed too far between changes.

mmarshall

Castrol GTX dino oil is good stuff I use it myself....have for years. If you prefer (or if you can get it cheaper), Valvoline, Kendall GT-1, and Penzoil also make a good product.

chuckb

Thanks mmarshall
I have always used Castrol GTX in EVERTHING I own too. That's why I don't know if it's worth it to change. Will I notice anything?

BTW-I drive the car about 4-5 days a week, and I like to let her breathe now and then

mburnickas

I had to add this I have gone over 12K miles, 10-months without a problem on my ES.

kreativ

And you have the data to back it up too

Since you're experienced with extended drains, what are your impressions on time vs. mileage for an oil change? Assuming the car isn't driven under severe conditions as defined in the Lexus owner's manual, the climate is mild, and the mileage since last oil change is below 3000, how long (in terms of time) would you be willing to go on regular dino oil?

mburnickas

Yup, doing oil testing.

The time vs mileage is difference for each oil. Some are good group 4/5, some are 3, 2, 1. Some have TBN of over 12 and some are as low as 5. Some are high in ZDDP & some are poor.

What oil are you using?